Uterine microbiota plasticity during the menstrual cycle: Differences between healthy controls and patients with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103634
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09T16:29:37Z
• Authors: Kilian Vomstein; Simon Reider; Bettina Böttcher; Christina Watschi...; Christiana Kyvelidou; Herbert Tilg; Alexander R. Moschen; Bettina Toth
• Keywords: Anovulation

In contrast to the former notion of a sterile womb, sequencing techniques have proven bacterial colonization uterus. However, timing microbiota analysis regarding possible intra-cycle variations as well specific alterations in patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) or implantation failure (RIF) remain unknown. total, n = 20 RM-, RIF-patients and 10 healthy controls were included this prospective study. every subject, uterine flushing was performed during follicular, ovulatory luteal phase. Bacterial DNA isolated 16S amplicon V3-V4 region carried out. Diversity measures compared between samples from disease groups control group separately for each timepoint menstrual cycle over time. significant decrease species richness evenness shown around ovulation which remained at lower level phase (Shannon index), indicating more uniform distribution (p < 0.05). This loss diversity not apparent RIF RM patients. A higher similarity seen taxonomic group. Longitudinal dynamics increases Firmicutes (controls only) concomitant Proteobacteria that present RM. We demonstrate longitudinal intra-cycle-dependent changes endometrial controls. An increased both patient could be cause consequence micro-environment is prone pregnancy failures.