scholarly journals Endometrial Microbiome and Women’s Reproductive Health – Review of the Problem Endometrial Microbiome and Reproductive Health

Author(s):  
Tatyana Bodurska ◽  
Emiliana Konova ◽  
Svetlana Pachkova ◽  
Angel Yordanov

Currently, unlike in the past, the endometrial cavity is not considered to be sterile. The endometrium is supposed to be dominated by Lactobacilli, but also their deficiency can be found in the reproductive tract of asymptomatic healthy women. Sometimes the endometrial microbiome is dominated by various pathological microorganisms, and this can lead to various conditions as chronic endometritis, chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. Their presence causes uterine inflammation and infection, release of pro-inflammatory molecules, uterine contractions, disruption of cervical barrier, premature rupture of membranes. Uterine dysbiosis is associated with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages. As the microbiome is important for maintaining immunological homeostasis at the level of gastrointestinal tract Lactobacilli may play a similar function at the level of uterus. The lactobacillus-dominated uterine microbiome is of great importance for maintaining a hostile uterine microenvironment, embryo implantation, early pregnancy development and normal pregnancy outcome.

2016 ◽  
Vol 88 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 643-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamile R. Silva ◽  
Lício F.A.A. Ferreira ◽  
Percíllia V.S. Oliveira ◽  
Ivanéia V. Nunes ◽  
Ítalo S. Pereira ◽  
...  

Ureaplasma diversum is an opportunistic pathogen associated with uterine inflammation, impaired embryo implantation, infertility, abortions, premature birth of calves and neonatal pneumonia in cattle. It has been suggested that the intra-uterine infection by Ureaplasma diversum can cause vascular changes that hinder the success of pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of intrauterine site of A/J mice in estrus or proestrus phase inoculated with Ureaplasma diversum. The infection was monitored at 24, 48 and 72 hours by the PCR methodology to detect the Ureaplasma in the inoculation site and the profile of circulating blood cells. Morphological changes, intensity of inflammation and the production of cytokines were compared. The infected mice showed local inflammation through the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Ureaplasma diversum infections in the reproductive tract of studied mice seemed to be associated with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in uterine parenchyma. The levels of TNF-α of infected mice were dependent on the bacterial load of inoculated Ureaplasma. Uterine experimental infections by Ureaplasma diversum have not been mentioned yet and herein we presented the first report of an intrauterine infection model in mice.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802199598
Author(s):  
Daniel Felipe Martín Suárez-Baquero ◽  
Martha Patricia Bejarano-Beltrán ◽  
Jane Dimmitt Champion

Women have been the major victims of the Colombian armed conflict for more than 50 years. Nowadays, when the country faces an aftermath focused on reconciliation, understanding women’s experiences during the conflict is key to providing them tools for social justice and effective fulfilling of their needs. This qualitative synthesis of literature includes publications in Spanish and English of electronic databases over the past 20 years regarding rural women and the Colombian armed conflict. Studies were included for review if they were published between 2000 and 2019, were qualitative peer-reviewed articles, and addressed directly or indirectly the pregnancy process as well as the women’s sexual and reproductive health in rural Colombia. Seven of 169 articles initially identified were included for an inductive analysis of categories and themes. After the analysis process, three main themes emerged from the literature: (a) crumbling families, (b) being a woman: the challenges between being a peacemaker and a victim, and (c) protecting and caring of life. These three themes comprise 10 categories and 20 subcategories that provide support to the inductive qualitative synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the Colombian armed conflict focused on the victimization of women. It concludes with reflections about the Colombian women’s role in transitioning toward peace.


Endocrinology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 159 (6) ◽  
pp. 2459-2472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Yin ◽  
Adam Wang ◽  
Li Feng ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Hong Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract To prepare for embryo implantation, the uterus must undergo a series of reciprocal interactions between the uterine epithelium and the underlying stroma, which are orchestrated by ovarian hormones. During this process, multiple signaling pathways are activated to direct cell proliferation and differentiation, which render the uterus receptive to the implanting blastocysts. One important modulator of these signaling pathways is the cell surface and extracellular matrix macromolecules, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs play crucial roles in signal transduction by regulating morphogen transport and ligand binding. In this study, we examine the role of HSPG sulfation in regulating uterine receptivity by conditionally deleting the N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) 1 gene (Ndst1) in the mouse uterus using the Pgr-Cre driver, on an Ndst2- and Ndst3-null genetic background. Although development of the female reproductive tract and subsequent ovarian function appear normal in Ndst triple-knockout females, they are infertile due to implantation defects. Embryo attachment appears to occur but the uterine epithelium at the site of implantation persists rather than disintegrates in the mutant. Uterine epithelial cells continued to proliferate past day 4 of pregnancy, accompanied by elevated Fgf2 and Fgf9 expression, whereas uterine stroma failed to undergo decidualization, as evidenced by lack of Bmp2 induction. Despite normal Indian hedgehog expression, transcripts of Ptch1 and Gli1, both components as well as targets of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, were detected only in the subepithelial stroma, indicating altered Hh signaling in the mutant uterus. Taken together, these data implicate an essential role for HSPGs in modulating signal transduction during mouse implantation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-574
Author(s):  
Nasreen Akther ◽  
Meherunnessa Begum ◽  
Tamanna Tasmin ◽  
Khondoker Saif Imtiaz ◽  
Ahmed Nawsher Alam ◽  
...  

Background: In Bangladesh there is a scarcity of data on the degree of knowledge amongadolescents about reproductive health. Objective: To assess the awareness about reproductivehealth issues among adolescent girls in a rural area of Bangladesh. Materials and method: Thisdescriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted among 148 adolescent girls who wereselected purposively at PurbaChandara village of Kaliakairthana of Shafipurupazilla of Gazipurdistrict in Bangladesh. A pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data byface to face interview. Results: Most of the respondents (76.35%) were within the age group of15-19 years. The average age of their menarche was 14 years. Majority of the respondents 136(91.89%) had history of menstruation and 97 (65.54%) mentioned the duration of menstrualcycle > 7 days. Regarding the hygienic practice during menstruation, majority of them (68.24%)were unhygienic. About knowledge on age at marriage, 131 (88.51%) reportedly mentionedcorrect answer that marriage age is 18 years or more for girls. Regarding the knowledge onfamily planning and family planning methods, most of them (41.89%) had no knowledge.About the infection of reproductive tract, 87 (58.78%) had no knowledge and about half of therespondents (92; 56.79%) had no knowledge about symptoms of STDs. Conclusion: it is ourresponsibility to improve the condition of adolescent girls by giving clear and correct knowledgeon reproductive health which will help them to maintain a good and sound reproductive healthin future. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(3) 2020 p.567-574


Healthline ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Anita Punia ◽  
Jyoti Yadav ◽  
Babita ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Jha ◽  
Sanjeet Singh ◽  
...  

Introduction: Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a major public health problem and affecting women's health. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of RTIs/STIs among married women aged 18-49 years in rural areas and to determine the factors associated with these conditions. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 308 eligible married women aged 18-49 years in rural areas in District Sonipat, Haryana using the WHO-Syndromic Approach for diagnosis of RTIs/STIs. Results: The mean age of study subjects in our study was 32.1 years (SD = ± 8.3 years) with a range from 18 to 49 years. The overall RTIs/STIs prevalence was 49.3%. The most frequent symptom was vaginal discharge (55.3%) followed by pain during micturition (34.2%), dyspareunia (26.9%), pain lower abdomen (24.3%) and vulval itching (16.4%). RTI/STI symptoms were found significantly more among women who had history of any chronic disease, who had irregular menstrual cycles, used cloths as sanitary pads and among those whose husbands were substance users. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence (49.3%) of RTIs/STIs. Awareness about symptoms of RTIs, menstrual and personnel hygiene, raising literacy level of women, drive against use of addictive substances etc. by husbands is needed for control and prevention of RTIs. Primary health care services in respect of reproductive health should be strengthened and raising awareness among women about reproductive health issues through suitable communication strategies in order to bring about a positive behavior change for effective control of STIs.


Author(s):  
Renu Yadav ◽  
Soni Kapil ◽  
Anil Bhardwaj

As per Ayurveda Vandhyatva occurs due to the vitiation of Vata Dosha which affects basic four constituents of Garbha sthapana. In modern science Infertility is described as an inability to conceive despite unprotected sex for duration of one year or more and PCOS is a major causative factor behind it. PCOS results in deterioration of female reproductive health which leads to infertility. In Ayurveda Samhithas, vast range of treatment methods are described. The basic aim in Ayurveda is to correct Ritu, Kshetra, Ambu and Beeja, the four basic factors for infertility by Shamana and Shodhan Chikitsa. Panchkarma provides best efficacy because it helps in balancing Doshas and Dushyas. Uttarbasti is also indicated for infertility which helps in detoxification of reproductive tract and balancing Vata Dosha, finally helps in retaining Garbha. In this case report importance of Sodhan Chikitsa before Shaman Chikitsa in case of infertility is emphasized.


Development ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.K. De ◽  
M.T. McMaster ◽  
S.K. Dey ◽  
G.K. Andrews

Oligodeoxyribonucleotide excess solution hybridization, Northern blot and in situ hybridization were used to analyze metallothionein gene expression in mouse decidua and placentae during gestation. Metallothionein (MT) -I and -II mRNA levels were constitutively elevated, 11- and 13-fold, respectively, relative to the adult liver, in the deciduum (D8), and decreased coordinately about 6-fold during the period of development when the deciduum is replaced by the developing placenta (D10-16). Coincident with this decline, levels of MT mRNA increased dramatically in the visceral yolk sac endoderm. In situ hybridization established that MT-I mRNA was present at low levels in the uterine luminal epithelium (D4), but was elevated at the site of embryo implantation exclusively in the primary decidual zone by D5, and then in the secondary decidual zone (D6-8). Although low levels of MT mRNA were detected in total placental RNA, in situ hybridization revealed constitutively high levels in the outer placental spongiotrophoblasts. Analysis of pulse-labeled proteins from decidua and placentae established that these tissues are active in the synthesis of MT. The constitutively high levels of MT mRNA in decidua were only slightly elevated following injection of cadmium (Cd) and/or zinc (Zn), whereas in placentae they increased several-fold. MT mRNA levels were equally high in decidua and experimentally induced deciduomata (D8) which establishes that decidual MT gene expression is not dependent on the presence of the embryo or some embryo-derived factor. Although the functional role of MT during development is speculative, these results establish the concept that, from the time of implantation to late in gestation, the mouse embryo is surrounded by cells, interposed between the maternal and embryonic environments, which actively express the MT genes. This suggests that MT plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Mary Ziegler

This article illuminates potential obstacles facing the reproductive justice movement and the way those obstacles might be overcome. Since 2010, reproductive justice—an agenda that fuses access to reproductive health services and demands for social justice—has energized feminist scholars and activists and captured broader public attention. Abortion rights advocates in the past dismissed reproductive justice claims as risky and unlikely to appeal to a broad enough audience. These obstacles are not as daunting as they first appear. Reframing the abortion right as a matter of women’s equality may eliminate some of the constitutional hurdles facing a reproductive justice approach. The political obstacles may be just as surmountable. Understanding the history of the constitutional discourse concerning reproductive justice and reproductive rights may allow us to move beyond the impasse that has defined the relationship between the two for too long.


Author(s):  
Lavanya Pillay ◽  
Jenni Smit ◽  
Mags Beksinska ◽  
Chelsea Morroni

Ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and empowerment of girls and women are essential to improving individual-level and population-level outcomes globally, and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Target SDGs for SRHR include access to a range of (SRH) services, reproductive rights, and ending discrimination and violence against women and girls. SRH services should be provided in a holistic and integrated package to ensure increased access to modern contraceptives, maternity care, prevention, and appropriate treatment of infertility, comprehensive sexuality education and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, reproductive tract infections, and HIV. Addressing these is particularly crucial for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, where women are at greater risk of infection compared to men due to a greater physical vulnerability, which is further compounded by gender inequality, poverty, and violence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Tomaiuolo ◽  
Iolanda Veneruso ◽  
Federica Cariati ◽  
Valeria D’Argenio

During the last decade, the availability of next-generation sequencing-based approaches has revealed the presence of microbial communities in almost all the human body, including the reproductive tract. As for other body sites, this resident microbiota has been involved in the maintenance of a healthy status. As a consequence, alterations due to internal or external factors may lead to microbial dysbiosis and to the development of pathologies. Female reproductive microbiota has also been suggested to affect infertility, and it may play a key role in the success of assisted reproductive technologies, such as embryo implantation and pregnancy care. While the vaginal microbiota is well described, the uterine microbiota is underexplored. This could be due to technical issues, as the uterus is a low biomass environment. Here, we review the state of the art regarding the role of the female reproductive system microbiota in women’s health and human reproduction, highlighting its contribution to infertility.


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