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A study suggests that a bacterium of the intestinal microbiota, which can be treated with antibiotics, would be involved in the appearance of endometriosis. This work was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Japanese researchers claim that a bacterium commonly found in the mouth and gut microbiota may be behind the onset of endometriosis, a condition characterized by the development of mucosa-like tissue uterus outside the uterus. Their work also indicates that this bacterium can be eliminated through antibiotic treatment.
Analysis of 155 vaginal samples
Japanese scientists discovered this possible link by analyzing vaginal secretions obtained through vaginal swabs taken from 155 women. Among them, 79 had endometriosis, the other 76 did not suffer from endometriosis. After analyzing the samples, the researchers found that nearly two-thirds of the participants suffering from endometriosis were carriers of the bacteria. Fusobacterium, present in their uterine lining. This bacterium promotes the development of periodontitis (a disease of the gums) and other diseases of the mouth and intestine.
In contrast, in the group of patients without endometriosis, only 1 in 10 women carried the bacteria. “This is the first study to implicate a bacterial infection in the onset of endometriosis. This is an unprecedented hypothesis”reports Yutaka Kondo, co-author of the study.
Fewer endometriotic lesions after antibiotic treatment
To show that the bacteria Fusobacterium is potentially responsible for the development of endometriosis, the researchers infected mice with the bacteria and then examined their uterine lining. The mice developed lesions characteristic of endometriosis. After giving the mice antibiotics, the researchers saw an improvement in the development of the lesions: they had decreased in size and number.
“Eliminating this bacterium through antibiotic treatment could be a therapeutic approach in women with endometriosis who have tested positive for this bacterial infection. These women can easily be identified with a vaginal swab or smear.”, said Yukata Kondo.
The authors of this work recognize, however, that additional research must be carried out before considering the development of treatments inspired by this discovery.