Author : Dr. P. D. GUPTA
Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
Humans acquire these bacteria during birth (especially vaginal delivery) and the first years of life, and they live with us throughout our lives.Ceserian babies Somewhere between 300 and 1000 different species live in the gut, with most estimates at about 500. However, it is probable that 99% of the bacteria come from about 30 or 40 species, with Faecalibacterium
The definition of vaginal microbiota cannot be only related to the presence or absence of individual microorganisms even though; the vaginal microbes are a compartment of the human micro biota. The vaginal microbes are considered as almost like a second immune system for women—it really protects women from all kinds of things, unique conditions of the vagina are characterized by a few microbial species, usually lactobacilli, which are able to utilize glycogen, which is under control of estrogens. Healthy women may be colonized with a non-lactobacillary microbiota whose (quality and quantity) is dependent on ethnicity of the woman. This microbiota is manifested by a low degree of diversity and by the high dynamics of changes of its composition under the influence of various exogenous and endogenous factors. Lactobacilli and other fermentative bacteria together with vaginal epithelial cells produce lactic acid and are responsible for acidifying vaginal milieu. Increase in diversity can be paradoxically associated with a dysbiosis such as bacterial vaginosis (Boskey et al., 1999; Boskey et al., (2001). Individual species of lactobacilli mainly Lactobacillus crispatus main community state types in the vagina. Apart from lactobacilli, healthy women may be colonized with a non-lactobacillary microbiota whose rate is dependent again on ethnicity. Non culture-based modern technologies revealed a complex and dynamic system mainly dominated by several species of lactobacilli. The normal and the abnormal vaginal microbiota are complex ecosystems of more than 200 bacterial species influenced by genes, ethnic background and environmental and behavioural factors.
The qPCR diagnostic approach had a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 93% and 93% for Nugent-defined BV (bacterial vaginosis). The prevalence of BV defined by Nugent score which was 21%, whereas the prevalence of an abnormal vaginal microbiota was 28%. High concentrations characterize the of Gardnerella vaginalis and/or Atopobium vaginae were found out by qPCR. Aerobic vaginitis seems to be an immunological disorder of the vagina with influence on the microbiota, which is here dominated by aerobic bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli).
Though the composition of microbiota is important, but it is only one of the basic attributes of normal vaginal microbiota. The functional definition of vaginal microbiota in relation to its structure and dynamics ( including the influence of ethnicity, physiological status of the vagina, and genetic disposition of woman including the influence of ethnicity; lactic acid; pH; physiological status of the vagina; sexual hormones; sexual hormones historical and recent concept.; usually lactobacilli is significant for a good health.
Impact on reproductive function: Microbes and their role in fertility
Microbes, encompassing a vast array of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic organisms, play a significant and often underestimated role in regulating fertility in both humans and animals. These microbial communities, collectively known as the microbiome, reside in various parts of the body, including the reproductive tracts and even associated systems like the gut.
The microbiome influences gamete development and function. In mice, the gut microbiome can affect sperm production and hormone levels, while in females, the vaginal and endometrial microbiome has been linked to egg quality and uterine receptivity. A healthy vaginal microbiome, often dominated by Lactobacillus species, supports sperm survival. The microbiome also impacts assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, with specific microbial profiles in the vaginal and endometrial
Microbes are regulators of fertility too
Microbes and their role in fertility
Microbes, encompassing a vast array of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic organisms, play a significant and often underestimated role in regulating fertility in both humans and animals. These microbial communities, collectively known as the microbiome, reside in various parts of the body, including the reproductive tracts and even associated systems like the gut.
Impact on reproductive function
The microbiome influences gamete development and function. In mice, the gut microbiome can affect sperm production and hormone levels, while in females, the vaginal and endometrial microbiome has been linked to egg quality and uterine receptivity. A healthy vaginal microbiome, often dominated by Lactobacillus species, supports sperm survival. The microbiome also impacts assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, with specific microbial profiles in the vaginal and endometrial environment linked to better implantation and pregnancy rates. Even the embryo culture medium microbiome may affect embryo development. A balanced maternal microbiome is crucial for healthy pregnancy and offspring health, influencing fetal development, preventing complications, and contributing to the infant's immune system. Disruptions can have transgenerational effects on offspring's reproductive health.
Mechanisms of microbial influence
Microbes influence fertility through various mechanisms. They interact with the endocrine system, affecting hormone production vital for reproduction, such as influencing estrogen metabolism. The gut microbiome also regulates the immune system, helping prevent chronic inflammation that can negatively impact fertility. Additionally, gut bacteria aid in digesting food and absorbing essential nutrients for reproductive health. Certain bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which impact immune responses and inflammation, though high levels in the female vagina have been linked to infertility. Beneficial microbes in the reproductive tract, particularly Lactobacillus species in the female vagina, protect against harmful microorganisms and infections by maintaining an acidic environment.
Addressing imbalances
Addressing microbiome imbalances can involve introducing beneficial bacteria through probiotics or promoting their growth with prebiotics. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise can also positively impact the microbiome and reproductive health. Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) is being explored as a potential method to restore a healthy vaginal microbiome.
The emerging understanding of the microbes highlights its vital role in regulating fertility. Further research into microbial interactions with hormones and the immune system may lead to new strategies for enhancing fertility and improving Artificial Reproductive Technologies(IVF) success rates. (The author has his own study and views)
