Metabolic dysregulation in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency revealed by integrated transcriptomic, methylomic and metabolomic analyses 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?
This study aimed to investigate the metabolic dysregulation observed in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through an integrated analysis of transcriptomics, methylomics, and metabolomics. POI, a condition characterized by early ovarian function loss, leads to infertility, hormonal imbalances, and increased metabolic and cardiovascular risks. The researchers sought to identify specific metabolic disruptions in POI patients that could provide insights into the pathophysiology of the condition. By profiling gene expression, DNA methylation patterns, and serum metabolites, the study aimed to uncover biomarkers and mechanistic pathways involved in POI development.
Who was studied?
The study included 40 women diagnosed with POI and 44 healthy, age-matched control women. The POI group was diagnosed based on clinical criteria, including elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, absent menstruation for at least four months, and low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The control group consisted of women with regular menstrual cycles and normal ovarian function. Both groups were matched for age and body mass index (BMI) to control for these potential confounding variables.
Most important findings
The study identified several key metabolic changes in women with POI, including disruptions in amino acid, fatty acid, and ketone body metabolism. Metabolites such as acetoacetate, arachidonate, and fumarate were found to be significantly altered in the sera of POI patients. The combination of hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) and acetoacetate was highlighted as a potential biomarker for POI, showing strong diagnostic potential with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955. An integrated analysis of transcriptomic and methylomic data revealed that genes associated with oxidative stress, including those involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, were upregulated in POI patients. These findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the metabolic disturbances observed in POI.
Key implications
The results from this study suggest that metabolic dysregulation in POI involves alterations in key metabolic pathways, including those related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism. Identifying specific metabolites and genes associated with these disturbances provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of POI. The findings suggest that biomarkers such as acetoacetate and HDCA could be used for the early diagnosis of POI, potentially enabling better management of the condition. Moreover, interventions targeting oxidative stress and mitochondrial function may hold therapeutic promise for improving the ovarian health of women with 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.
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.