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Han YL, Li XY, Li J, Xiao ZN, Chen J, Yang J. Vaginal microbiome dysbiosis as a novel noninvasive biomarker for detection of chronic endometritis in infertile women. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 38985003 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the vaginal microbial signature in women with chronic endometritis (CE) and investigate the potential of vaginal microbiome characterization as a novel diagnostic tools for CE. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in 98 women who underwent endometrial biopsy for routine clinical inspection of infertility (49 women diagnosed with CE and 49 with non-CE). The vaginal microbiome was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. The study included an analysis of diversity, bacterial abundance, and microbial function. In addition, microbial markers were identified, and a CE classifier was developed. RESULTS The relative abundances of genera, including Bifidobacterium, Prevotella and Gardnerella, were found to be different between the two groups. Analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways reported differential expression in metabolism-related pathways in the two groups. We identified four microbial markers of CE (Enterobacter, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium) and developed a predictive classifier for diagnosing CE, achieving an area under the curve of 83.26%. CONCLUSION The results of the current study revealed that, compared with the non-CE controls, patients with CE have a different vaginal microbiota, highlighting the diagnostic significance of the vaginal microbiome as a promising noninvasive biomarker in detecting CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Han
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue-Yao Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo-Ni Xiao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
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Zhang H, Qiu H, Liu Z, Yu S, Chen C, Zeng Y, Li Y. Endometrial preparation protocols did not impact pregnancy outcomes of patients with cured chronic endometritis. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103753. [PMID: 38520803 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do endometrial preparation protocols have an effect on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis? DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted on 3721 infertile patients from December 2018 to August 2020. Endometrial tissues obtained during the proliferative phase were immunostained for CD138. The presence of CD138-positive cells within the stromal cells indicated chronic endometritis. All patients diagnosed with chronic endometritis received oral antibiotics. Patients underwent endometrial preparation and frozen embryo transfer once chronic endometritis was cured. This study compared various endometrial preparation protocols to assess their effects on pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, it aimed to investigate differences in pregnancy outcomes between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis while following the same endometrial preparation protocol. RESULTS Almost no differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed between natural cycle, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-HRT (GnRH agonist-HRT) protocols in patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis. The only notable difference was that, among women without chronic endometritis, the early miscarriage rate was higher for the GnRH agonist-HRT protocol (25.8%) compared with the natural cycle (17.4%) and HRT (17.7%) protocols (P = 0.025). However, this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 1.383, 95% CI 0.931-2.055). The live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between patients without chronic endometritis and patients with cured chronic endometritis who underwent natural cycle, HRT and GnRH agonist-HRT protocols. CONCLUSION Endometrial preparation protocols had no impact on pregnancy outcomes in patients with cured chronic endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Qiu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1211. [PMID: 37317186 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is primarily caused by Candida albicans, is an infection that affects up to 75% of all reproductive-age women worldwide. Recurrent VVC (RVVC) is defined as >3 episodes per year and affects nearly 8% of women globally. At mucosal sites of the vagina, a delicate and complex balance exists between Candida spp., host immunity and local microbial communities. In fact, both immune response and microbiota composition play a central role in counteracting overgrowth of the fungus and maintaining homeostasis in the host. If this balance is perturbed, the conditions may favor C. albicans overgrowth and the yeast-to-hyphal transition, predisposing the host to VVC. To date, the factors that affect the equilibrium between Candida spp. and the host and drive the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity are not yet fully understood. Understanding the host- and fungus-related factors that drive VVC pathogenesis is of paramount importance for the development of adequate therapeutic interventions to combat this common genital infection. This review focuses on the latest advances in the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the onset of VVC and also discusses novel potential strategies, with a special focus on the use of probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation in the treatment and/or prevention of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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Ticconi C, Nicastri E, D'Ippolito S, Chiaramonte C, Pietropolli A, Scambia G, Di Simone N. Diagnostic factors for recurrent pregnancy loss: an expanded workup. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:127-142. [PMID: 36964323 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is limited information on the risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). METHODS In this study, a patient-based approach was used to investigate the possible involvement and relative relevance of a large number of diagnostic factors in 843 women with RPL who underwent an extensive diagnostic workup including 44 diagnostic factors divided into 7 major categories. RESULTS The rates of abnormalities found were: (1) genital infections: 11.74%; (2) uterine anatomic defects: 23.72%; (3) endocrine disorders: 29.42%; (4) thrombophilias: 62%; (5) autoimmune abnormalities: 39.2%; (6) parental karyotype abnormalities 2.25%; (7) clinical factors: 87.78%. Six hundred and fifty-nine out of eight hundred and forty-three women (78.17%) had more than one abnormality. The mean number of pregnancy losses increased by increasing the number of the abnormalities found (r = 0.86949, P < 0.02). The factors associated with the highest mean number of pregnancy losses were cervical isthmic incompetence, anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies, unicornuate uterus, anti-prothrombin A antibodies, protein C deficiency, and lupus anticoagulant. The majority of the considered abnormalities had similar, non-significant prevalence between women with 2 versus ≥ 3 pregnancy losses with the exception of age ≥ 35 years and MTHFR A1298C heterozygote mutation. No difference was found between women with primary and secondary RPL stratified according to the number of abnormalities detected (Chi-square: 8.55, P = 0.07). In these women, the only factors found to be present with statistically different rates were age ≥ 35 years, cigarette smoking, and genital infection by Ureaplasma. CONCLUSION A patient-based diagnostic approach in women with RPL could be clinically useful and could represent a basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Nicastri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia D'Ippolito
- U.O.C. di Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Chiaramonte
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- U.O.C. di Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Yasuo T, Kitaya K. Challenges in Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Endometritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2711. [PMID: 36359553 PMCID: PMC9689541 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic endometritis (CE) is a local mucosal infectious and inflammatory disorder characterized by unusual filtration of CD138(+) endometrial stromal plasmacytes. CE is attracting attention due to its potential association with infertility of unknown etiology, repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and several maternal/neonatal complications. Due to the variance in study design among researchers, universal diagnostic criteria remain to be established for the clinical diagnosis and management of CE. This review article aims to summarize current knowledge and provide insights into unsolved questions on CE to establish clinical guidelines for the disease from the viewpoint of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Yasuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otsu City Hospital, Otsu 520-0804, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kitaya
- Infertility Center, Kouseikai Mihara Hospital/Katsura Mihara Clinic, 6–8 Kamikatsura Miyanogo-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8227, Japan
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Genital tract dysbiosis in infertile women with a history of repeated implantation failure and pilot study for reproductive outcomes following oral enteric coating lactoferrin supplementation. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:1761-1769. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Lincomycin Administration against Persistent Multi-Drug Resistant Chronic Endometritis in Infertile Women with a History of Repeated Implantation Failure. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic endometritis (CE) is an infectious disease of the uterine lining, which is characterized by endometrial stromal plasmacyte (ESPC) infiltration. CE is often seen in infertile women with a history of repeated implantation failure (RIF) following an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program, recurrent pregnancy loss, and unknown etiology. Oral antibiotic agents, such as doxycycline, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and moxifloxacin, have been prescribed and are effective in the treatment of CE. Multi-drug resistance (MDR), however, is an emerging issue, as in other medical fields. We report six cases of persistent MDR-CE in infertile women who were resistant to all the aforementioned antibiotic agents. The bacterial genera and microbial communities unique to persistent MDR-CE were not identified in their vaginal secretions and/or endometrial fluid. Oral lincomycin administration (14 days, 1500 mg/day) was effective in the eradication of ESPCs in these women. In the embryo transfer cycles following histopathologic confirmation of cure (elimination of ESPCs) of persistent MDR-CE, three out of them had a successful live birth.
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Kitaya K, Tanaka SE, Sakuraba Y, Ishikawa T. Multi-drug-resistant chronic endometritis in infertile women with repeated implantation failure: trend over the decade and pilot study for third-line oral antibiotic treatment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1839-1848. [PMID: 35653041 PMCID: PMC9428093 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the yearly prevalence and annual transition of multi-drug-resistant-chronic endometritis (MDR-CE) in infertile women with a history of repeated implantation failure (RIF) and to establish the third-line antibiotic treatment regimen against MDR-CE. METHODS This retrospective/prospective cohort and pilot study included 3473 RIF women between April 2010 and September 2021. The endometrial stromal plasmacyte density index (ESPDI) was calculated in 3449 CD138-immunostained endometrial sections to evaluate CE. The microbiota in the vaginal secretions and endometrial fluid was compared between 17 patients with MDR-CE and 16 patients with antibiotics-sensitive CE. In a pilot study, oral moxifloxacin (400 mg/day, 10 days, n = 24) or azithromycin (500 mg/day, 3 days, n = 24) was administered to eligible patients with MDR-CE. RESULTS From April 2010 to March 2020, CE was detected in 31.4% of RIF women and MDR was detected in 7.8% of CE. While the prevalence of CE was stable for a decade, MDR in CE increased steadily (OR 8.27, 95% CI 2.58-26.43, p trend < 0.001). The bacterial species/communities unique to MDR-CE were not found. The histopathologic cure rate of MDR-CE was similar between the moxifloxacin and azithromycin groups (79.2% vs 75.0%, OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.32-4.89, p value 0.73), as well as reproductive outcomes in subsequent embryo transfer cycles. CONCLUSION In RIF women, MDR in CE increased over the decade. As a third-line treatment for MDR-CE, azithromycin may have a clinical advantage due to its shorter time administration periods. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: UMIN-CTR 000029449/000031909.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Kitaya
- Reproduction Clinic Osaka, Grand Front Osaka Tower-A 15F, 4-20 Oofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011 Japan
| | - Suguru E. Tanaka
- Varinos, Inc, DiverCity Tokyo Office Tower 12F, 1-1-20 Aomi, Koutou-ku, Tokyo, 135-0064 Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Sakuraba
- Varinos, Inc, DiverCity Tokyo Office Tower 12F, 1-1-20 Aomi, Koutou-ku, Tokyo, 135-0064 Japan
| | - Tomomoto Ishikawa
- Reproduction Clinic Osaka, Grand Front Osaka Tower-A 15F, 4-20 Oofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011 Japan
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Murtinger M, Wirleitner B, Spitzer D, Bralo H, Miglar S, Schuff M. Diagnosing chronic endometritis: when simplification fails to clarify. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac023. [PMID: 35722504 PMCID: PMC9202642 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive immunology has grown in importance in recent years and has even developed into a discipline of its own within the field of reproductive medicine. Many aspects of reproductive failure such as repeated implantation failure or recurrent miscarriages are, meanwhile, seen as a consequence of aberrant expression of immunological factors. This is reflected by the increasing number of tests for assessing and quantifying different immune cell types as well as by a wide range of immune therapies offered to a clientele consisting of desperate patients requesting additional ‘IVF tools’: first, what is still usually disregarded is the enormous plasticity and fluctuation of most immune cells in the genital tract; second, their still poorly characterized functions in the endometrial cycle: further, their partially unknown role in embryo implantation and in establishing a pregnancy; and third, the fact that one of the fundamental hypotheses of reproductive immunology—of note—the Medawar concept or ‘Medawar's Paradox’ of semi-allogeneic graft embryo, is partially based on an erroneous assumption, i.e. the immunologic rejection and tolerance of an embryo. In the present opinion article, we comment on the diagnostic procedures and therapy approaches for chronic endometritis within the scope of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Bralo
- Next Fertility IVF Prof. Zech—Bregenz , Bregenz, Austria
| | - Susanna Miglar
- Next Fertility IVF Prof. Zech—Salzburg , Salzburg, Austria
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