Characterizing the gut microbiota in females with infertility and preliminary results of a water-soluble dietary fiber intervention study. Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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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?
The study characterized the gut microbiota of women experiencing infertility and investigated the impact of supplementation with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a dietary fiber, on gut microbiota and pregnancy outcomes. Researchers compared the microbiota composition of infertile women against fertile controls and assessed changes following the administration of PHGG alongside assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Who was studied?
The study enrolled 36 women: 18 fertile women and 18 women diagnosed with infertility, matched by age. All participants were recruited from HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, Osaka, Japan. Subsequently, 12 of the infertile women agreed to undergo combined treatment involving ART and dietary supplementation with PHGG. The participants’ fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to determine microbiota composition.
What were the most important findings?
The study identified clear differences in gut microbiota composition between fertile and infertile women. Notably, infertile women exhibited decreased levels of beneficial bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas, Streptococcus, and Roseburia, while showing increased levels of the genera Unclassified [Barnesiellaceae] and Phascolarctobacterium. Additionally, an increased abundance of the phylum Verrucomicrobia was observed among infertile participants. These microbial differences suggest a potential dysbiosis associated with infertility. After dietary supplementation with PHGG, infertile women showed a significant shift in microbiota characterized by increased abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium, particularly in women who successfully conceived. Predictive microbial signatures identified before treatment included lower levels of Paraprevotella and Blautia, coupled with increased Bifidobacterium abundance. Importantly, 7 out of 12 women (58.3%) who received PHGG supplementation alongside ART achieved pregnancy, indicating that dietary fiber could beneficially modulate the gut microbiome to enhance fertility outcomes.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The greatest implications of this study for clinicians lie in recognizing that gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to infertility and can potentially be modified through dietary interventions. Supplementing infertile women with dietary fiber, specifically PHGG, may improve fertility outcomes by correcting gut microbiota imbalances. This study highlights the potential for personalized nutritional strategies, emphasizing dietary fiber supplementation to enhance the efficacy of ART. Clinicians should consider evaluating gut microbiota composition in infertility assessments and incorporate dietary interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiota to improve fertility outcomes. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and establish dietary supplementation as a standard adjunct treatment for 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.