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. 2021 Dec;70(4):431-446.
doi: 10.33073/pjm-2021-043. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage?

Aneta Kiecka  1 , Barbara Macura  1 , Marian Szczepanik  1
Affiliations

Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage?

Aneta Kiecka et al. Pol J Microbiol. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric problem. Significant causes of miscarriage include genetic and epigenetic disorders of the embryo, immunological and endocrine factors, uterine malformations, improper embryo selection, and lifestyle. Perhaps a hitherto underappreciated cause of miscarriage may be an abnormal microbiota composition of the female reproductive system. Lactobacillus spp. is the most common bacteria within the reproductive tract. However, the protective role of Lactobacilli in the vagina has been well described in the literature, while it is still unknown what function Lactobacilli may have in the uterus. Moreover, new research shows that Lactobacillus spp. can have a role in miscarriage. However, both molecular and immunological mechanisms of host-Lactobacillus spp. interactions are not fully understood. Understanding these relationships will help address the importance and extent of the protective role of Lactobacillus spp. in miscarriage.

Keywords: Lactobacillus; miscarriage; pregnancy; uterine microbiota; vaginal microbiota.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest The authors do not report any financial or personal connections with other persons or organizations, which might negatively affect the contents of this publication and/or claim authorship rights to this publication.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Factors affecting the risk of miscarriage.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Normal vaginal microbiota and vaginal dysbiosis.
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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