Molecular detection of intrauterine microbial colonization in women with endometriosis Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Read MoreKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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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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STOPs
STOPs
A STOP (Suggested Termination Of Practices) is a recommendation that advocates for the discontinuation of certain medical interventions, treatments, or practices based on emerging evidence indicating that these may be ineffective, harmful, or counterproductive in the management of specific conditions.
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Karen Pendergrass
Read More
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
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.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
The research focused on investigating microbial colonization in women’s intrauterine environment and cystic fluid, utilizing a molecular approach to detect bacterial presence. This involved examining variations in bacterial types and their implications in the context of endometriosis and treatment effects.
Who was studied?
The study included 32 women, evenly divided between those diagnosed with endometriosis and those without the condition. Each group was further split, with half receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment, to explore the treatment’s impact on microbial colonization.
What were the most important findings?
Key findings revealed a broad range of bacterial presence in both endometrial swabs and cystic fluids, with significant changes in bacterial families (decrease in Lactobacillacae and increase in Streptococcaceae, Staphylococaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae) observed in GnRHa-treated women with endometriosis. The 16S metagenome assay was more effective than traditional culture methods, particularly in identifying bacteria in ovarian endometrioma cystic fluid.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study’s findings suggest the presence of sub-clinical infections in the intrauterine environment and ovarian endometrioma cystic fluid, particularly following GnRHa treatment. This raises concerns about the potential for GnRHa therapy to promote silent infections, indicating a need for careful consideration and monitoring of such treatments in women with 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.