Characteristics of the Gut Microbiota in Japanese Patients with Premenstrual Syndrome 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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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.
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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 characteristics of the gut microbiota in Japanese women with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), aiming to compare the microbial composition between PMS-affected individuals and healthy controls. By analyzing stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the study examined the diversity of the microbiome and sought to identify microbial genera potentially associated with the severity of PMS symptoms.
Who was studied?
The study involved a total of 168 women, including 24 diagnosed with PMS and 144 healthy controls. The participants were between the ages of 24 and 49, with the control group selected to match the PMS group in terms of age and other relevant demographic factors. Women with other health conditions, those who had recently used antibiotics, or those with major dietary restrictions were excluded from the study. The aim was to understand how differences in the gut microbiome between the two groups might correlate with PMS symptoms.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that the gut microbiota of women with PMS differed significantly from that of healthy controls. The PMS group exhibited higher α-diversity, which was assessed using the Simpson index, indicating a more varied microbial community. When comparing the overall microbial composition between the groups, there were notable differences in β-diversity and statistical tests. The study also identified several microbial genera that were more abundant in women with PMS. Notably, Collinsella was found to be significantly more abundant in the PMS group, particularly among women aged 30–40 years. This genus was found to be 4.5 times more abundant in the PMS group compared to the controls, and its presence correlated with the severity of PMS symptoms. Bifidobacterium and Blautia, known for their roles in carbohydrate metabolism, were also more prevalent in the PMS group, potentially linking microbiome composition with metabolic processes that could influence PMS symptoms.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The findings from this study suggest that the gut microbiota may play a significant role in the development and severity of PMS. The identification of Collinsella as a key player in the microbial composition of PMS-affected individuals opens new potential avenues for intervention. The findings imply that microbiome modulation, particularly through dietary adjustments or prebiotics targeting Collinsella, could offer a therapeutic strategy for managing PMS symptoms. The study also emphasizes the importance of further research to confirm these associations and explore the underlying mechanisms connecting microbiome imbalances with PMS.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) involves physical and emotional symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuations. Recent research highlights the role of heavy metals and gut microbiome imbalances in worsening these symptoms. Lifestyle changes, microbiome-targeted therapies, and toxin reduction show promise in effective PMS management.