{"title":"Microbiome in Reproduction: Analysis Methods, Novel Techniques, and State-of-the-Art in Female Reproductive Health.","authors":"Signe Altmäe","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1778655","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1778655","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"41 5","pages":"121-124"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139698198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Analuce Canha-Gouveia, Valentina Di Nisio, Andres Salumets, Pauliina Damdimopoulou, Pilar Coy, Signe Altmäe, Alberto Sola-Leyva
{"title":"The Upper Reproductive System Microbiome: Evidence beyond the Uterus.","authors":"Analuce Canha-Gouveia, Valentina Di Nisio, Andres Salumets, Pauliina Damdimopoulou, Pilar Coy, Signe Altmäe, Alberto Sola-Leyva","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1778056","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1778056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The microbiome of the female upper reproductive system has garnered increasing recognition and has become an area of interest in the study of women's health. This intricate ecosystem encompasses a diverse consortium of microorganisms (i.e., microbiota) and their genomes (i.e., microbiome) residing in the female upper reproductive system, including the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In recent years, remarkable advancements have been witnessed in sequencing technologies and microbiome research, indicating the potential importance of the microbial composition within these anatomical sites and its impact in women's reproductive health and overall well-being. Understanding the composition, dynamics, and functions of the microbiome of the female upper reproductive system opens up exciting avenues for improving fertility, treating gynecological conditions, and advancing our comprehension of the intricate interplay between the microbiome and the female reproductive system. The aim of this study is to compile currently available information on the microbial composition of the female upper reproductive system in humans, with a focus beyond the uterus, which has received more attention in recent microbiome studies compared with the fallopian tubes and ovaries. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential role of this microbiome in women's physiology, both in health and disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"41 5","pages":"190-199"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139698199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advanced Technologies for Studying Microbiome-Female Reproductive Tract Interactions: Organoids, Organoids-on-a-Chip, and Beyond.","authors":"Yosun A Kaya, Marcel R de Zoete, Gaby S Steba","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1778067","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1778067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The female reproductive tract (FRT) is home to diverse microbial communities that play a pivotal role in reproductive health and disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, and cervical cancer. To understand the complex host-microbiota interactions within the FRT, models that authentically replicate the FRT's environment, including the interplay between the microbiota, mucus layer, immune system, and hormonal cycle, are key. Recent strides in organoid and microfluidic technologies are propelling research in this domain, offering insights into FRT-microbiota interactions and potential therapeutic avenues. This review delves into the current state of FRT organoid models and microbe integration techniques, evaluating their merits and challenges for specific research objectives. Emphasis is placed on innovative approaches and applications, including integrating organoids with microfluidics, and using patient-derived biobanks, as this offers potential for deeper mechanistic insights and personalized therapeutic strategies. Modeling various FRT properties in organoids is explored, from encompassing age-related epithelial features, oxygen levels, and hormonal effects to mucus layers, immune responses, and microbial interactions, highlighting their potential to transform reproductive health research and predict possible outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":" ","pages":"160-171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11444813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139542898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prakash Lingasamy, Vijayachitra Modhukur, Reet Mändar, Andres Salumets
{"title":"Exploring Immunome and Microbiome Interplay in Reproductive Health: Current Knowledge, Challenges, and Novel Diagnostic Tools.","authors":"Prakash Lingasamy, Vijayachitra Modhukur, Reet Mändar, Andres Salumets","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1778017","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1778017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The dynamic interplay between the immunome and microbiome in reproductive health is a complex and rapidly advancing research field, holding tremendously vast possibilities for the development of reproductive medicine. This immunome-microbiome relationship influences the innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby affecting the onset and progression of reproductive disorders. However, the mechanisms governing these interactions remain elusive and require innovative approaches to gather more understanding. This comprehensive review examines the current knowledge on reproductive microbiomes across various parts of female reproductive tract, with special consideration of bidirectional interactions between microbiomes and the immune system. Additionally, it explores innate and adaptive immunity, focusing on immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM antibodies, their regulation, self-antigen tolerance mechanisms, and their roles in immune homeostasis. This review also highlights ongoing technological innovations in microbiota research, emphasizing the need for standardized detection and analysis methods. For instance, we evaluate the clinical utility of innovative technologies such as Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) and Microbial Flow Cytometry coupled to Next-Generation Sequencing (mFLOW-Seq). Despite ongoing advancements, we emphasize the need for further exploration in this field, as a deeper understanding of immunome-microbiome interactions holds promise for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for reproductive health, like infertility treatment and management of pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":" ","pages":"172-189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10846929/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139542899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Susana Ruiz-Durán, Celia M Tenorio, Irene Vico-Zúñiga, Sebastián Manzanares, Alberto Puertas-Prieto, Signe Altmäe, Eva Vargas
{"title":"Microenvironment of the Lower Reproductive Tract: Focus on the Cervical Mucus Plug.","authors":"Susana Ruiz-Durán, Celia M Tenorio, Irene Vico-Zúñiga, Sebastián Manzanares, Alberto Puertas-Prieto, Signe Altmäe, Eva Vargas","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1778661","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1778661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The female lower reproductive tract microbiota is a complex ecosystem comprising various microorganisms that play a pivotal role in maintaining women's reproductive well-being. During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiota undergoes dynamic changes that are important for a successful gestation. This review summarizes the implications of the cervical mucus plug microenvironment and its profound impact on reproductive health. Further, the symbiotic relationship between the vaginal microbiome and the cervical mucus plug is highlighted, with a special emphasis on how this natural barrier serves as a guardian against ascending infections. Understanding this complex host-microbes interplay could pave the way for innovative approaches to improve women's reproductive health and fertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":" ","pages":"200-208"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139542904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Obesity and Male Infertility: True, True, and Unrelated?","authors":"Carl Ceraolo, Amanda Rubano, J Scott Gabrielsen","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1777725","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1777725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While the prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased worldwide, there has also been a notable decline in semen parameters over the last several decades. While obesity can negatively impact reproductive hormones, many studies have sought a link between rising obesity and decreased male fertility potential. Nonetheless, few data support a direct link between the two. The focus on obesity as a causative factor in male infertility can potentially result in patient harm through delayed fertility treatment and missed diagnoses. This review investigates the associations between obesity and male infertility and why a potential direct link has been elusive and may not exist. Additionally, indirect mechanisms that may link the two will be reviewed and treatment options for obese infertile men presenting for evaluation will briefly be discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"41 3-04","pages":"70-79"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139418061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Weight Bias in Reproductive Medicine: A Curiously Unexplored Frontier.","authors":"Adam T Evans, Wendy S Vitek","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1777016","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1777016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity has been associated with a multitude of medical comorbidities, infertility, and adverse obstetric outcomes. Weight stigma and weight bias pervade not only the medical field but also education, employment, and activities of daily living. The experience of weight stigma has been shown to adversely impact not only the mental health of individuals with overweight or obesity but also worsen obesogenic behaviors, and medical comorbidities. This review frames the rise of weight stigma and weight bias within the context of the \"obesity epidemic\" and explores its associations with infertility and decreased access to health care and its subsequent impact on the lives of individuals. Furthermore, it explores the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic weight stigma/bias and highlights the need for further examination and research into the impact of these factors on access to reproductive medicine and subsequent outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":" ","pages":"63-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138295949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alyse S Goldberg, Samin Dolatabadi, Heidi Dutton, Jamie L Benham
{"title":"Navigating the Role of Anti-Obesity Agents Prior to Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Alyse S Goldberg, Samin Dolatabadi, Heidi Dutton, Jamie L Benham","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1776795","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1776795","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Utilization of anti-obesity agents is rising in reproductive-age females with some planning for future pregnancy. Lifestyle-induced weight loss has been shown to increase spontaneous conception rate, improve rates of fertility intervention complications, and decrease pregnancy comorbidities. However, the definitive role of assisting weight loss with medication prior to pregnancy remains to be established. The implications of anti-obesity agent used prior to pregnancy are explored in this narrative review, considering benefits of weight loss as well as available evidence for use and risks of anti-obesity agents prior to pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":" ","pages":"108-118"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136399052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Obesity and Reproduction.","authors":"Wendy S Vitek","doi":"10.1055/s-0043-1777336","DOIUrl":"10.1055/s-0043-1777336","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21661,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in reproductive medicine","volume":"41 3-04","pages":"61-62"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139418062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}