Hormone Replacement Therapy Reverses Gut Microbiome and Serum Metabolome Alterations in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency 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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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:
-
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?
The study aimed to explore the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on gut microbiome alterations and serum metabolome in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). It focused on identifying the microbiome changes and metabolic shifts associated with POI and how HRT could mitigate these changes, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying POI.
Who was studied?
The study involved three groups of female participants: healthy controls, patients with POI who were not treated with HRT, and patients with POI treated with HRT. The subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The research included fecal and serum sample analyses, focusing on gut microbiome and serum metabolome alterations.
Most important findings
The study found that patients with POI exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of Eggerthella, a genus of bacteria, in their fecal samples compared to healthy controls. This dysbiosis was reversed in patients receiving HRT. Additionally, serum metabolic alterations were identified in patients with POI, including elevated serum TGF-β1 levels, a factor associated with fibrosis. These metabolic changes were closely linked to gut microbiota composition, and the abundance of Eggerthella was positively correlated with altered metabolic signatures. In animal models, estrogen treatment alleviated ovarian fibrosis induced by Eggerthella lenta.
Key implications
The findings underscore the importance of the gut microbiome and serum metabolites in the development of POI. The observed dysbiosis, particularly the overabundance of Eggerthella, suggests that the microbiome may play a pivotal role in the disease’s pathogenesis. HRT not only mimicked the hormonal balance typically seen in healthy individuals but also corrected the microbial imbalance and metabolic disturbances associated with POI. This highlights the potential of microbiome modulation as a therapeutic strategy for managing POI and related metabolic disorders, offering a new avenue for treating POI through personalized interventions targeting the gut microbiota.
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.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.