O-019 Decreased Sperm Motility Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis Modeled in a Human Cervix Chip

Abstract Study question What is the underlying cause of infertility associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV)? Summary answer We provide first evidence to suggest that BV-associated could be result sperm dysfunction induced by exposure poor cervical microbiome. known already Infertility a global health concern, impacting 186 million individuals worldwide. In 25% infertile couples remains unexplained. The complex interactions between host mucosal epithelium, microbiome, and other microenvironmental factors play significant role in disease reproductive tract. BV affects 30% reproductive-aged women linked overgrowth pathogenic Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. has strong association infertility, but it not clear whether resulting changes vaginal microbiome causal role, as such screening currently included evaluation or treatment design, size, duration Female tract protective mucus helps retain their ability fertilize for days compared hours suspension. previously leveraged human organ-on-a-chip microfluidic culture technology develop physiological vitro model cervix (Cervix Chip) lined primary epithelium interfaced stromal fibroblasts. forms functional tissue barrier produces compositional, biophysical, hormone-responsive properties similar living cervix. Participants/materials, setting, methods used 2D bacteria validated effect identified on Cervix Chip. A consortium containing E2 E4 was co-cultured Chip 48 before adding samples. motility fluorescently labeled non-invasively evaluated live chips using time-lapse imaging quantitatively analyzed obtain percentage motile sperm. Main results chance initially effects co-cultur L. crispatus (optimal) G. (suboptimal) conventional system. observed drop within 2 when exposed control condition (no bacteria). have established staining tracking Motile tracked more than 7 12 then tested this on-chip co-culture dysbiotic (infected vaginalis) resulted reduction 24 after without also exhibited phenotype elevated levels proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α effluents chip's epithelial channel well significantly reduced thickness layer correlated motility. This finding consistent observation successful fertility often quality mucus, which can compromised condition. Limitations, reasons caution Primary cells study were sourced from single donor. Frozen samples prepared intrauterine insemination Wider implications findings Our suggests related may caused dysfunction, should considered patients unexplained infertility. propose identify conditions female are unfavorable Trial registration number N/A