22 Jan Scientific Highlight – 16th ESC Congress
Posted at 10:15h
in General
Signe Altmäe, EstoniaDr. Signe Altmäe is a senior researcher at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Granada, Spain and at the Competence Centre on Health Technologies, University of Tartu, Estonia. Signe is the deputy of the ESHRE Special Interest group of Reproductive Genetics and belongs to the working-group of Reproductive Genetics of Spanish Society of Reproduction. Her research focusses on molecular aspects of endometrial receptivity and how molecular dys-regulation could impact embryo implantation and female (in)fertility. She is also investigating microorganismal composition of human reproductive tract, and the associations of how the microbial communities could associate with reproductive parameters, with fertility and infertility and infertility treatment outcomes.
The uterine microbiome – residents, tourists or invaders? How far are we in 2020 in this research
Female reproductive tract, specifically vaginal milieu is known to have an active microbiome, playing an important role in health and disease. Human uterus, however, was until recently assumed to be sterile. New studies are demonstrating that human uterus has its own microbial environment with the possible role in normal endometrial functions, but also having effect on infertility treatment success in women undergoing assisted reproductive procedures. Furthermore, understanding uterine microbiome would open up new possibilities for non-hormonal contraception search. Altogether, these first studies are opening up a new research line in reproductive medicine. The presentation will focus on the state-of-the-art in the uterine microbiome research, together with highlighting the limitations and recommendations for future studies in the field.
Female reproductive tract, specifically vaginal milieu is known to have an active microbiome, playing an important role in health and disease. Human uterus, however, was until recently assumed to be sterile. New studies are demonstrating that human uterus has its own microbial environment with the possible role in normal endometrial functions, but also having effect on infertility treatment success in women undergoing assisted reproductive procedures. Furthermore, understanding uterine microbiome would open up new possibilities for non-hormonal contraception search. Altogether, these first studies are opening up a new research line in reproductive medicine. The presentation will focus on the state-of-the-art in the uterine microbiome research, together with highlighting the limitations and recommendations for future studies in the field.