Plasma metabolomic characterization of 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?
This study investigates the plasma metabolomic profile of patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). POI, which results in the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, is associated with metabolic disturbances. The aim of the study was to characterize the metabolic changes in POI patients, specifically focusing on alterations in lipid and amino acid metabolism, and to evaluate whether these disturbances relate to ovarian reserve and could be used as diagnostic markers for POI.
Who was studied?
The study included 60 participants, 30 women diagnosed with POI and 30 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls. The participants were recruited from the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University. The inclusion criteria for POI were based on the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines, which included a basal FSH level greater than 25 IU/L and oligo/amenorrhea for at least four months. The control group consisted of women with normal ovarian reserve and regular menstrual cycles.
Most important findings
The study identified 130 differentially expressed metabolites between the POI group and controls, highlighting significant alterations in lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and caffeine metabolism. Metabolites such as arachidonoyl amide, 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, dihexyl nonanedioate, 18-HETE, cystine, and PG (16:0/18:1) were found to be potential biomarkers for POI. Notably, arachidonoyl amide showed a strong correlation with basal FSH levels and was identified as a promising diagnostic biomarker with an AUC value of 0.901. The study also revealed that disturbances in lipid metabolism, including changes in glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls, were associated with POI, which could explain the higher cardiovascular and metabolic risks seen in these patients.
Key implications
The findings of this study suggest that metabolomic profiling can be an effective tool in identifying biomarkers for POI, offering a non-invasive diagnostic approach that could complement existing hormonal tests like FSH and AMH. The identified metabolites also provide insight into the metabolic disturbances underlying POI, which could inform the development of therapeutic strategies targeting lipid and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, the study emphasizes the potential use of metabolic interventions or personalized treatment options to mitigate the long-term complications associated with POI, such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
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.