Endometriosis and Microbiota: Is there a Relationship with the Perinatal Period?

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a complex community of bacteria residing in the intestine. Animal models have demonstrated that several factors contribute to and can significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota, including genetics; the mode of delivery at birth; the method of infant feeding; the use of medications, especially antibiotics; and the diet. The intestinal microflora provides a strong defense against intestinal pathogens and may be altered in inflammatory conditions that impact the gut, such as endometriosis. This research is in the form of a quantitative study aimed at discovering the relationship with development of the intestinal microbiome in the perinatal period and the impact of these microbiota on the local endometrial microenvironment as these mechanisms may influence gynecologic health outcomes and onset of endometriosis. We hypothesized that disease-specific changes of gut microbiota in patients with endometriosis may a provide new insights for psychological intervention, to improving the prognosis of endometriosis patients.