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Endometriosis is associated with an altered profile of intestinal microflora in female rhesus monkeys

Michael T Bailey1, Christopher L Coe

  • 1University of Wisconsin, Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, 22 N. Charter Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA. mtbailey@students.wisc.edu

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|July 3, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys alters intestinal microflora, decreasing beneficial Lactobacilli and increasing Gram-negative bacteria. This condition also correlates with a higher prevalence of intestinal inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Gynecology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in intestinal defense.
  • Conditions like endometriosis can potentially alter the gut microflora.
  • Rhesus monkey models are used to study endometriosis and its systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the intestinal microflora shed by rhesus monkeys with endometriosis to that of healthy controls.
  • To investigate the association between endometriosis and the prevalence of intestinal inflammation in female monkeys.

Main Methods:

  • Enumeration of total bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Lactobacilli using differential and selective agars.
  • Retrospective analysis of necropsy reports to assess intestinal inflammation prevalence.

Main Results:

  • Monkeys with endometriosis exhibited a distinct microflora profile compared to controls.
  • Lower concentrations of Lactobacilli and higher concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria were observed in monkeys with endometriosis.
  • A higher prevalence of intestinal inflammation was found in monkeys with endometriosis.

Conclusions:

  • Endometriosis is linked to significant alterations in the intestinal microflora of rhesus monkeys.
  • Endometriosis-associated intestinal inflammation may be a contributing factor to these microflora changes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms connecting endometriosis and the gut microbiome.

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