The Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome and Cancerogenesis: A Review Story of Bacteria, Hormones, and Disease

Abstract

The microbiota is the complex community of microorganisms that populate a particular environment in the human body, whereas the microbiome is defined by the entire habitat-microorganisms and their environment. The most abundant and, therefore, the most studied microbiome is that of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the microbiome of the female reproductive tract is an interesting research avenue, and this article explores its role in disease development. The vagina is the reproductive organ that hosts the largest number of bacteria, with a healthy profile represented mainly by Lactobacillus spp. On the other hand, the female upper reproductive tract (uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries) contains only a very small number of bacteria. Previously considered sterile, recent studies have shown the presence of a small microbiota here, but there are still debates on whether this is a physiologic or pathologic occurrence. Of particular note is that estrogen levels significantly influence the composition of the microbiota of the female reproductive tract. More and more studies show a link between the microbiome of the female reproductive tract and the development of gynecological cancers. This article reviews some of these findings.

Keywords: carcinogenesis; female reproductive tract; immunotherapy; microbiome.