Microbiome Profile of Deep Endometriosis Patients: Comparison of Vaginal Fluid, Endometrium and Lesion Original paper
Researched by:
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Kimberly Eyer
ID
Kimberly Eyer
Kimberly Eyer, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of nursing experience across diverse settings, including Home Health, ICU, Operating Room Nursing, and Research. Her roles have encompassed Operating Room Nurse, RN First Assistant, and Acting Director of a Same Day Surgery Center. Her specialty areas include Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery.
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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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Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
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Kimberly Eyer
Researched by:
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Kimberly Eyer
ID
Kimberly Eyer
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.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
This study explored the microbiome profile in deep endometriosis by comparing the bacterial composition of vaginal fluid, eutopic endometrium, and deep endometriotic lesions. The primary goal was to identify whether distinct microbial patterns exist in these tissue sites of women with deep endometriosis compared to those without the condition. To achieve this, researchers employed high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze microbial DNA extracted from tissue samples collected during laparoscopic surgery. The analysis included alpha and beta diversity assessments to determine variations in microbial richness and community structure across different tissue types.
Who was studied?
The study involved 21 participants, including 10 women with histologically confirmed deep endometriosis and 11 healthy controls undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological conditions or elective tubal ligation. Samples were obtained from three anatomical sites: vaginal fluid, eutopic endometrium, and deep endometriotic lesions. Participants were carefully screened to exclude those with recent antibiotic, antifungal, or probiotic use, as well as those with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that could affect microbiome composition.
What were the most important findings?
Microbiome analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial profiles between deep endometriotic lesions, eutopic endometrium, and vaginal fluid. In vaginal fluid and endometrial samples, the microbiome was predominantly composed of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, Streptococcus, and Prevotella. In contrast, deep endometriotic lesions exhibited a distinct microbial landscape with reduced Lactobacillus and higher relative abundances of Alishewanella, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas. Notably, Alishewanella and Pseudomonas were almost exclusively found in lesion samples, suggesting these genera may be associated with the inflammatory microenvironment characteristic of deep endometriosis.
Further analysis indicated that deep endometriotic lesions had greater microbial diversity than both vaginal fluid and eutopic endometrium. Beta diversity analysis showed a statistically significant difference in microbial community structure between lesion samples and the other tissue sites (p = 0.036), suggesting that endometriotic tissue supports a unique microbiome that could influence local immune responses and inflammation. These findings point towards a potential role for certain bacteria in the pathogenesis of deep endometriosis, either by promoting inflammation or altering tissue homeostasis.
| Microbial Group | Deep Endometriosis Findings | Clinical Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus | Decreased in lesion samples | Reduction may contribute to loss of protective barrier |
| Alishewanella | Increased in lesions | Potential involvement in local inflammation |
| Pseudomonas | Increased in lesions | Linked to immune modulation and tissue inflammation |
| Enterococcus | Elevated in lesion samples | Known for its association with chronic inflammation |
| Alpha Diversity | Increased in lesions compared to other sites | Suggests a unique microbial community fostering inflammation |
| Beta Diversity | Significantly different from endometrium and vaginal fluid (p = 0.036) | Indicates unique microbial signature in lesions |
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The results of this study underscore the presence of a unique microbiome profile in deep endometriotic lesions, characterized by increased microbial diversity and the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas and Alishewanella. These findings suggest that microbiome alterations may contribute to the inflammatory environment observed in endometriosis, potentially influencing disease progression and symptom severity. This study opens avenues for further investigation into microbiome-targeted therapies aimed at modulating bacterial communities in endometriotic tissue to alleviate inflammation and inhibit lesion growth. Additionally, the distinct microbial signatures identified in deep endometriosis lesions may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and improved clinical management of the disease.