Correlations between Gut Microbial Composition, Pathophysiological and Surgical Aspects in Endometriosis: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent, inflammatory, gynecological disorder represented by the migration of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It can manifest through gynecological and gastrointestinal (GI) signs. Given the hormonal imbalances in endometriosis and the effect of microbiota on immune dysfunction, it has been thought that the human microbiome may play a role in its pathogenesis, acting differently before and after laparotomy. The aim of this review is to establish whether there is an interaction between endometriosis and gut microbial composition. Materials and Methods: We aimed to review available literature by systematically searching five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. We included records describing gut microbiota in the context of endometriosis—observing PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines—to recognize the presence of disease by the expression of bacterial taxa—based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis. Results: Among 10 studies selected, there were four review articles and six clinical trials. The latter identified significant differences at a genus level in increased Prevotella, Blautia, and Bifidobacterium and decreased Paraprevotella, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospira (p < 0.05). In patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, Proteobacteria phylum increased from 34.36% before surgery to 54.04% after surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although scientific literature reports different characterizations of intestinal microbiota in endometriotic patients, further evidence is needed to develop new diagnostic-therapeutic strategies, for example, administration with probiotics before surgery.

Role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of endometriosis: a review

“…Previous researchers have shown that animal models of endometriosis and patients with endometriosis have gut dysbiosis ( Table 1 ). However, some reported results are not completely consistent ( Iavarone et al, 2023 ; Ser et al, 2023 ). Female C57BL/6 J mice were commonly used to construct the endometriosis mouse model.…”

Causal relationship between gut microbiota and hidradenitis suppurativa: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

“…However, given the intricacy of the gut microbiota and the significant intra- and inter-species variation that might have an effect on host health, there was in fact a discrepancy between our findings and the available data. Conclusive evidence also needed to confirm how Lachnospira group increased the risk of IDB because Lachnospira group as one of butyrate-producing fora could benefit to certain inflammatory disorder ( Wright et al, 2017 ; Iavarone et al, 2023 ; Ordoñez-Rodriguez et al, 2023 ). On the other hand, Lachnospira eligens, previously were known as Eubacterium eligens ( Oren and Garrity, 2020 ).…”

Meigs Syndrome and Elevated CA-125: Case Report and Literature Review of an Unusual Presentation Mimicking Ovarian Cancer

“…Further perspectives can focus upon the use of liquid biopsy or even the composition of intestinal microbiota, in order to identify the phenotype of an ovarian mass, especially if that has an endometriotic nature [60,61]. In parallel, Meigs Syndrome with elevated CA-125 levels mimics ovarian cancer, even though it remains a benign condition.…”