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Τhe effect of the endometrial microbiome on female fertility (Bachelor thesis)

Γκουτζιλίκα, Ευαγγελία - Μαρία/ Goutzilika, Evangelia - Maria

Thanks to the development of technologies based on next-generation sequencing, the presence of microbial communities has been revealed throughout almost the entire human body, including the reproductive system. This resident microbiota regulates many physiological processes and any change in its composition can lead to microbial dysbiosis and the development of pathologies. The microbiome of the female genital tract can affect fertility, both during spontaneous conception and in assisted reproductive treatments. The study of the healthy endometrial microbiome as well as the alterations found in various uterine diseases could potentially be useful tools for diagnosis and personalized treatment to improve reproductive outcomes. Moreover, the intrauterine microflora directly interacts with the immune system, determining to a significant extent the integrity and receptivity of the endometrial mucosa and, consequently, successful embryonic implantation. Therefore, the influence of endometrial microbial communities on female fertility is an important factor in the smooth outcome of pregnancy.