Main differential endometrial microbiota associated with recurrent implantation failure: a case control study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Microbiome Research
• Infertility Studies

Background:

• Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) poses a significant challenge in assisted reproductive technologies.
• Emerging evidence implicates endometrial microbiota dysbiosis in RIF pathogenesis.
• Understanding the endometrial microbiome is crucial for improving fertility outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key differential endometrial microbes associated with RIF.
• To establish preliminary threshold values for the relative abundance of these microbes.
• To investigate the role of endometrial microbiota in RIF.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 17 RIF patients and 39 controls (healthy non-pregnant and pregnant women).
• Endometrial tissue samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Microbiota composition, richness, and diversity were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Endometrial microbiota richness was significantly lower in RIF patients compared to controls.
• Microbiota composition differed significantly between RIF patients and controls (PERMANOVA, P=0.001).
• Key differential microbes identified include Methyloversatilis, Lactobacillus, Sphingomonas, Faecalibacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Bacteroides, and Aeromonas, with established abundance thresholds.

Conclusions:

• Specific endometrial microbial profiles are associated with RIF.
• The identified microbes and their abundance thresholds may serve as potential biomarkers for RIF.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationship and therapeutic implications.