Gut Microbial β-Glucuronidase Activity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)​

• Published: 2023

• Source: Scientific Reports

• Study Design: Case-control study involving women diagnosed with PCOS and healthy controls. Feacal samples were analyzed to measure β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase activities, alongside assessments of hormone levels and clinical parameters.

• Findings: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher β-glucuronidase activity compared to controls. A positive correlation was observed between β-glucuronidase activity and serum testosterone levels.

• Key Insights: Elevated gut microbial β-glucuronidase activity may contribute to hormonal imbalances in PCOS by influencing estrogen and androgen metabolism.

 

Endometrial Dysbiosis and Estrobolome Alteration in Infertility​

• Published: 2024

• Source: Biomolecules

• Study Design: Observational study involving women with infertility and repeated implantation failure. Endometrial biopsies were analyzed for β-glucuronidase activity, estrogen receptor expression, and inflammatory markers.

• Findings: Increased β-glucuronidase activity and estrogen receptor β expression were observed in the endometrial tissue of women with dysbiosis. A decrease in beneficial Lactobacilli was also noted.

• Key Insights: Endometrial dysbiosis, characterized by elevated β-glucuronidase activity, may impair estrogen signaling and contribute to infertility and implantation failure.

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​Menopause Is Associated with an Altered Gut Microbiome and Microbial Metabolite Profile

Published: 2022

Source: mSystems (Journal published by the American Society for Microbiology)

Study Design: This was a comparative, cross-sectional study analysing gut microbiome profiles in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, with additional comparison to male microbiome profiles. The researchers used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine microbial composition and diversity, focusing on changes associated with menopausal status.

Findings:

• Reduced microbial diversity was observed in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.

• There was a notable shift toward a male-like gut microbiome profile post-menopause.

• Specific estrogen-metabolising and beneficial bacteria were found in lower abundance in postmenopausal women.

Key Insights:

• Menopause is associated with measurable changes in gut microbiota composition, likely influenced by hormonal shifts, especially declining estrogen levels.

• The decrease in anti-inflammatory and metabolic bacteria —could have implications for metabolic health, immunity, and hormone regulation in postmenopausal women.

• Testing for these bacteria can help inform personalised gut health interventions during and after the menopausal transition.

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The Relationship Between Menopausal Syndrome and Gut Microbes​

Published:2022

Source:BMC Women’s Health (Peer-reviewed journal focusing on female health across the lifespan)

Study Design:This was an observational study investigating the gut microbiome profiles of women diagnosed with menopausal syndrome compared to healthy controls. Faecal samples were analysed using high-throughput sequencing to evaluate bacterial diversity and functional metabolic pathways.

Findings:

• Women with menopausal syndrome showed a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria.

• There was an enrichment of microbial pathways associated with inflammation and carbohydrate metabolism, potentially contributing to systemic inflammation and metabolic issues.

Key Insights:

• Gut dysbiosis may play a contributing role in the severity of menopausal symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, and mood disturbances.

• Altered microbial activity, especially increased inflammatory and carbohydrate-processing pathways, may exacerbate inflammation and metabolic dysfunction during menopause.

• These findings support the potential for gut-targeted therapies to help manage menopausal symptoms and improve overall health outcomes.​​

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