Signe Altmäe

Study questionDoes the analysis of endometrial microbes provide the same information when using DNA or RNA sequencing-based techniques?Summary answerDNA vs RNA-based microbial analysis techniques demonstrated significant microbial compositi…

Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease affecting ~10% of women, yet its genetic basis and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Hence, here we conducted a genome-wide association study of endometriosis and adenomyosis in ~1.4 …

Abstract Study question Does the microbial composition along the female reproductive tract (vagina, cervix and uterus) differ between women with and without endometriosis? Summary answer Slight differences in the microbial composition along…

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The analysis of microbiome in association with female health is today a "hot topic" with the main focus on microbes in the female reproductive tract. Nevertheless, recent studies are providing novel information of the pos…

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The analysis of microbiome in association with female health is today a "hot topic" with the main focus on microbes in the female reproductive tract. Nevertheless, recent studies are providing novel information of the pos…

Abstract Background Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders. Although different theories have been proposed, its pathogenesis is not clea…

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders. Although different theories have been proposed, its pathogenesis is not clear. Novel …

Abstract Study question Does the endometrium possess alive, culturable bacteria, and are there any microbes associated with endometriosis? Summary answer Thirty-five cultured bacterial species were identified in the receptive-phase endometr…

INTRODUCTION: Several metabolite classes have been identified in human endometrium, including lipids, nucleotides, amino acids, organic acids, and sugars. The first studies suggest the importance of metabolites in endometrial functions, as …

Abstract Study question Do gut microbial composition and functionality differ between women with and without endometriosis? Summary answer Gut microbiome diversity and composition (species and microbial pathways) were not significantly diff…

Abstract Study question Are there differential transcriptomic profiles of the receptive phase endometria in infertile women with different infertility diagnoses? Summary answer Endometrium-related pathologies such as endometriosis and RIF s…

Study questionWhich genes regulate receptivity in the epithelial and stromal cellular compartments of the human endometrium, and which molecules are interacting in the implantation process between the blastocyst and the endometrial cells?Su…

Abstract Study question What is the entire metabolomic profile of receptive-phase human endometrium and does the metabolic composition differ between women with different infertility diagnosis? Summary answer Human endometrium contains 925 …

STUDY QUESTION: Do women with endometriosis have a different endometrial gene expression profile at the time of embryo implantation than women without endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: The endometrial gene expression profile of women with endo…

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and pregnancy outcomes among couples seeking infertility treatment.MethodsThis prospective co…

PurposeTo evaluate the association of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour before and during in vitro fertilization (IVF) with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThis longitudin…

Current knowledge suggests that the uterus harbours its own microbiota, where the microbes could influence the uterine functions in health and disease; however, the core uterine microbial composition and the host-microbial relationships rem…

Research questionWomen with endometriosis are considered to be at higher risk of several chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, gynaecological cancers, asthma/atopic diseases and cardiovascular and inflammatory bowel diseases. Coul…

Administration of growth hormone (GH) during ovarian stimulation has shown beneficial effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. It is generally believed that this improvement is due to the stimulating effect of GH on oocyte quality.…

The endometrium undergoes extensive changes to prepare for embryo implantation and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as playing a significant role in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. However, there is no consensus about the m…

The inner uterine lining (endometrium) is a unique tissue going through remarkable changes each menstrual cycle. Endometrium has its characteristic DNA methylation profile, although not much is known about the endometrial methylome changes …