Microbial regulators of physiological and reproductive health in women of reproductive age: their local, proximal and distal regulatory roles.

Qiuhan Cheng, Siting Lv, Nanlin Yin, Jinfeng Wang

Journal: NPJ biofilms and microbiomes 2025;11(1):207

PMID: 41249173

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Abstract

The female microbiome is emerging as a key regulator of gynecological and reproductive health. This review summarizes how local and gut microbes affect gynecological outcomes, fertility, and pregnancy through metabolic, immune, and hormonal pathways. We highlight underlying mechanisms and intervention strategies, emphasizing the restoration of microbial homeostasis as a promising avenue for advancing understanding, prevention, and management of women's physiological and reproductive health conditions.

Address: College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing City, Chongqing, China.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. [email protected].; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. [email protected].; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. [email protected].; College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1038/s41522-025-00839-y

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MeSH Terms: Female, Humans, Reproductive Health, Pregnancy, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Fertility, Microbiota, Homeostasis, Reproduction