To understand the reproductive tract microbiome associated with infertility through metagenomics analysis

Abstract

Background Knowledge of the microbiome is in its infancy in health and human illness, especially concerning human reproduction. We will be better able to treat dysbiosis of the reproductive tract clinically if it is better explained and understood. It has been shown that altered vaginal microbiota affects parturition, and its function is uncertain in assisted reproductive technologies. However, the effects of recognized microbes such as Mycoplasma tuberculosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are well established, resulting in subclinical changes which are considered to be risk factors for infertility and poor reproductive outcomes. Main body Recent studies indicate that the vaginal tract comprises several different organisms of the microbiome. Some microbiota can play an important role not only in the reproductive tract but also in overall health. The microbiome of the female reproductive tract has been identified mainly based on studies that examine vaginal samples across many reproductive technologies, using a metagenomics approach. Conclusion Alteration of reproductive tract microbiota or presence of certain microbiota irrespective of the level of pathogenicity may interfere with fertilization, implantation, and subsequent embryo development. This may lead to failed fertility treatments and reduced live birth rate (LBR).

Association between follicular fluid bacteria with inflammatory markers of the complete blood count and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology in women with endometriosis: A case–control study

“…26 According to previous studies, the presence of various microorganisms in follicular fluid and secreted cytokines from them may decrease the pregnancy rate and have a negative effect on the IVF/ICSI outcomes, especially in women with endometriosis. 17,27,28 Based on a study that aimed to investigate the influence of the microbial colonization of follicular fluid on ART outcomes, bacterial colonization in follicular fluid was associated with a decrease in the fertility rate and viable embryos in ART cycles, especially in women with endometriosis. 17 Contradictorily, based on another study that aimed to investigate the effect of microorganisms present in follicular fluid on IVF outcomes, bacterial colonization of follicular fluid had no effect on the number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization and pregnancy rates, and IVF outcomes.…”

“…According to previous studies, the presence of various microorganisms in follicular fluid and secreted cytokines from them may decrease the pregnancy rate and have a negative effect on the IVF/ICSI outcomes, especially in women with endometriosis 17,27,28 . Based on a study that aimed to investigate the influence of the microbial colonization of follicular fluid on ART outcomes, bacterial colonization in follicular fluid was associated with a decrease in the fertility rate and viable embryos in ART cycles, especially in women with endometriosis 17 .…”

Correlation between microbial characteristics and reproductive status of the yak uterus based on macrogenomic analysis

“…Thus, changes in uterine microbiota can affect embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes [8]. Furthermore, alterations in the vaginal microbiota can interfere with fertilization, implantation, and subsequent embryonic development, leading to fertility treatment failure and a decrease in live birth rate (LBR) [9]. Therefore, studying microbiota diversity in the animal uterine environment is important for reproductive regulation and maintenance of uterine health.…”