Effect of bacterial vaginosis, Lactobacillus and Premarin estrogen replacement therapy on vaginal gene expression changes.

The aim of the study was to investigate gene expression profiles of post-menopausal women receiving Premarin estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), compared to controls and to examine any correlations between the bacterial vaginosis (BV) status of the stubjects. This is the first study to use gene arrays to correlate changes in host expression to ERT and BV. Vaginal samples (8 control and 6 ERT) were collected at a single timepoint and processed for RNA recovery and Affymetrix array analysis, as well as Nugent scoring and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to identify bacteria.