Scientists have made an intriguing discovery linking the development of endometriosis to a common bacterial species called Fusobacterium. This species is typically found in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract.
Endometriosis is a prevalent disorder that affects up to 15% of women in their childbearing age. It involves the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, which usually lines the uterus, in other parts of the body such as the ovaries, bladder, and fallopian tubes.
While the exact mechanisms underlying endometriosis remain unclear, emerging research suggests that an altered gut biome may contribute to the development and progression of this condition.
In a groundbreaking study published on June 14 in Science Translational Medicine, researchers delved into the potential involvement of Fusobacterium in the development of endometriosis. This bacterium is known to inhabit the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and female reproductive tract.
The study involved the analysis of tissue samples obtained from 79 women diagnosed with endometriosis and 76 women without the condition who had all undergone surgical procedures. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that 64% of women with endometriosis had infiltration of Fusobacterium in their endometrial tissue, whereas less than 10% of women without endometriosis exhibited this bacterial infiltration.
Upon conducting further investigations, the researchers observed that the infiltration of Fusobacterium in the endometrial cells resulted in the activation of transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) signaling. This activation subsequently transformed specific fibroblasts into transgelin (TAGLN)–positive myofibroblasts. In laboratory experiments, these myofibroblasts exhibited enhanced abilities to proliferate, adhere, and migrate.
Moreover, the researchers conducted a mouse model study where they injected Fusobacterium into mice with induced endometriosis. The results demonstrated a notable increase in both TAGLN-positive myofibroblasts and endometriosis lesions.
To explore potential treatment avenues, the investigators administered two types of antibiotics, namely metronidazole and chloramphenicol, to the mice. Remarkably, this antibiotic treatment reduced the number of lesions and prevented the establishment of endometriosis.
These findings indicate that targeting and eliminating Fusobacterium infection could emerge as a promising treatment approach for endometriosis.
However, it is important to note that the precise mechanisms and pathways through which Fusobacterium infiltrates endometrial tissue remain unclear. Additionally, treating the bacterial infection may not guarantee the permanent eradication of endometriosis and could potentially lead to antibacterial resistance.
Nevertheless, these groundbreaking findings present exciting possibilities for the development of novel endometriosis treatments. For instance, the inhibition of TAGLN-positive myofibroblast actions through drug interventions could pave the way for effective therapeutic strategies.
Sources:Fusobacterium.Fusobacterium infection facilitates the development of endometriosis through the phenotypic transition of endometrial fibroblasts.Bacterial infection may be ‘key event’ in common but mysterious endometriosis, study says.