HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED TUBO-OVARIAN INFECTIONS IN UKRAINE: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER STUDY (2020-2022)

Accumulated inflammation and fibrosis participate in atrazine induced ovary toxicity in mice

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in agricultural production. Previous studies have shown that atrazine affects hormone secretion and oocyte maturation in female reproduction. However, the specific mechanism by which atrazine affects ovarian function remains unclear. In this study, using a mouse gastric lavage model, we report that four weeks of atrazine exposure affects body growth, interferes with the estrous cycle, and increases the number of atretic follicles in mice. The expression levels of follicle development related factors StAR, BMP15, and AMH decreased. Metabolomic analysis revealed that atrazine activates an inflammatory response in ovarian tissue. Further studies confirmed that the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB increased in the ovaries of mice exposed to atrazine. Additionally, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) accumulated in ovarian tissue, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling was activated, indicating the occurrence of tissue fibrosis. Moreover, mice exposed to atrazine produced fewer oocytes and exhibited reduced embryonic development. Furthermore, mice exposed to atrazine exhibited altered gut microbiota abundance and a disrupted colon barrier. Collectively, these findings suggest that atrazine exposure induces ovarian inflammation and fibrosis, disrupts ovarian homeostasis, and impairs follicle maturation, ultimately reducing oocyte quality.

Deciphering the role of female reproductive tract microbiome in reproductive health: a review

Relevant studies increasingly indicate that female reproductive health is confronted with substantial challenges. Emerging research has revealed that the microbiome interacts with the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, which are the cornerstone of maintaining female reproductive health and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the precise mechanisms underlying their interaction and impact on physiological functions of the reproductive tract remain elusive, constituting a prominent area of investigation within the field of female reproductive tract microecology. From this new perspective, we explore the mechanisms of interactions between the microbiome and the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, factors that affect the composition of the microbiome in the female reproductive tract, as well as personalized medicine approaches in managing female reproductive tract health based on the microbiome. This study highlights the pivotal role of the female reproductive tract microbiome in maintaining reproductive health and influencing the occurrence of reproductive tract diseases. These findings support the exploration of innovative approaches for the prevention, monitoring and treatment of female reproductive tract diseases based on the microbiome.

HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERIES AND ASSOCIATED ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN UKRAINE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine the prevalence of healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis after gynecological surgeries and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: Multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 in eleven medical centers from eight regions of Ukraine. Vaginal cultures were obtained preoperatively from 3,502 women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis is based on the Nugent and Amsel criteria.

RESULTS

Results: Healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis (HA BV) was diagnosed in 1,498 of 3,502 women, giving a prevalence rate of 42.8%. HA BV was significantly associated with preterm birth (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-4.98), miscarriage (RR, 6.11; 95% CI, 3.22-14.11), low birth weight (RR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.29-7.94), and premature rupture of membranes (RR, 6.75; 95% CI, 3.11-14.67).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The HA BV after gynecological surgeries prevalence is high in Ukraine, with a concomitant adverse pregnancy outcome, including preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and miscarriage. A significant number of cases of bacterial vaginosis are associated with long-term use of antibiotics to treat post-operative infections.