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Broad J, Robertson RC, Evans C, Perussolo J, Lum G, Piper JD, Loucaides E, Ziruma A, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Bourke CD, Prendergast AJ. Maternal inflammatory and microbial drivers of low birthweight in low- and middle-income countries. Paediatr Int Child Health 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39066726 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2024.2380974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birthweight (LBW) is when an infant is born too soon or too small, and it affects one in seven infants in low- and middle-income countries. LBW has a significant impact on short-term morbidity and mortality, and it impairs long-term health and human capital. Antenatal microbial and inflammatory exposure may contribute to LBW. METHODS Ovid-Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for English-language articles evaluating inflammatory, microbial or infective causes of LBW, small-for-gestational age, intra-uterine growth restriction or prematurity. Inclusion criteria were human studies including published data; conference abstracts and grey literature were excluded. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted. RESULTS Local infections may drive the underlying causes of LBW: for example, vaginitis and placental infection are associated with a greater risk of prematurity. Distal infection and inflammatory pathways are also associated with LBW, with an association between periodontitis and preterm delivery and environmental enteric dysfunction and reduced intra-uterine growth. Systemic maternal infections such as malaria and HIV are associated with LBW, even when infants are exposed to HIV but not infected. This latter association may be driven by chronic inflammation, co-infections and socio-economic confounders. Antimicrobial prophylaxis against other bacteria in pregnancy has shown minimal impact in most trials, though positive effects on birthweight have been found in some settings with a high infectious disease burden. CONCLUSION Maternal inflammatory and infective processes underlie LBW, and provide treatable pathways for interventions. However, an improved understanding of the mechanisms and pathways underlying LBW is needed, given the impact of LBW on life-course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Broad
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Paediatrics Department, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ruairi C Robertson
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ceri Evans
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeniffer Perussolo
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gina Lum
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Joe D Piper
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eva Loucaides
- Paediatrics Department, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Asaph Ziruma
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard Chasekwa
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Claire D Bourke
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Xia Y, Feng Y, Jiang L, Heng Y, Li X, Ma C. The effects of metabolites from three vaginal bacteria on the Syndecan-1 of cervical epithelial cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33426. [PMID: 39027438 PMCID: PMC11254724 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of metabolites from three vaginal bacteria on the expression of Syndecan 1 (SDC-1). Human cervical epithelial cells (HcerEpic) were separately incubated with the cell-free supernatants of Lactobacillus crispatus (LCS group), Gardnerella vaginalis (GVS group), and Atopobium vaginalis (AVS group). LCS showed a proliferative effect on HcerEpic, with the most significant effect observed at a concentration of 30 % (P < 0.001). GVS and AVS exhibited some cytotoxicity, with significant growth inhibitory effects observed at concentrations of 30 % and 40 % (P < 0.01). Therefore, subsequent experiments were conducted using 30 % LCS, 40 % GVS, and 40 % AVS. In terms of cellular morphology, compared to the Control group, the LCS group showed more frequent fusion of cell sheets, with no obvious changes in the morphology of individual cells. In the GVS and AVS groups, some individual cells became round and smaller, with reduced protrusions and even a small amount of floating cells. The metabolic products of the three vaginal bacteria significantly upregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in HcerEpic (P < 0.05). In the GVS and AVS groups, the level of SDC-1 on the surface of HcerEpic was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while the concentration of SDC-1 in the cell culture supernatant was significantly increased (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the level of SDC-1 mRNA was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01). In the LCS group, no significant changes were observed in SDC-1 protein and mRNA expression (P > 0.05). LCS promotes HcerEpic proliferation, without significant impact on SDC-1 expression and shedding. This provides molecular evidence for LCS as a protective factor against human papillomavirus infection in the cervix. Metabolites of GV and AV inhibit HcerEpic proliferation, induce cytokine secretion, suppress SDC-1 transcription and expression, and promote SDC-1 shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xia
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, 830000, China
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Youqiang Heng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Urumqi, 830000, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Medical Animal Model Research, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Urumqi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Cailing Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Urumqi, 830000, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Medical Animal Model Research, Urumqi, 830000, China
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Ozcan G, Tanyolaç Talay ZG, Paerhati E, Eren OC, Coskun N, Sahin D, Alnajjar I, Albayrak O, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Celik E, Can F. Dysbiosis in pregnant mice induced by transfer of human vaginal microbiota followed by reversal of pathological changes in the uterus and placenta via progesterone treatment. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:427. [PMID: 38877443 PMCID: PMC11177491 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06595-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The vaginal microbiota dysbiosis induces inflammation in the uterus that triggers tissue damage and is associated with preterm birth. Progesterone is used to prevent labor in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. However, the mechanism of action of progesterone still needs to be clarified. We aimed to show the immunomodulatory effect of progesterone on the inflammation of uterine tissue triggered by dysbiotic vaginal microbiota in a pregnant mouse model. METHODS Healthy (n = 6) and dysbiotic (n = 7) vaginal microbiota samples isolated from pregnant women were transferred to control (n = 10) and dysbiotic (n = 14) pregnant mouse groups. The dysbiotic microbiota transferred group was treated with 1 mg progesterone (n = 7). Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to evaluate inflammatory processes. Vaginal microbiota samples were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS Vaginal exposure to dysbiotic microbiota resulted in macrophage accumulation in the uterus and cellular damage in the placenta. Even though TNF and IL-6 elevations were not significant after dysbiotic microbiota transplantation, progesterone treatment decreased TNF and IL-6 expressions from 49.085 to 31.274% (p = 0.0313) and 29.279-21.216% (p = 0.0167), respectively. Besides, the macrophage density in the uterus was reduced, and less cellular damage in the placenta was observed. CONCLUSION Analyzing the vaginal microbiota before or during pregnancy may support the decision for initiation of progesterone therapy. Our results also guide the development of new strategies for preventing preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulin Ozcan
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zeynep Gülçe Tanyolaç Talay
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ozgur Can Eren
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilhan Coskun
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Experimental Animals Laboratory, Embryo Research Laboratory, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Sahin
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Iman Alnajjar
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Albayrak
- Koç University Hospital Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Attila Gursoy
- College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fusun Can
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Wang T, Li P, Bai X, Tian S, Yang M, Leng D, Kui H, Zhang S, Yan X, Zheng Q, Luo P, He C, Jia Y, Wu Z, Qiu H, Li J, Wan F, Ali MA, Mao R, Liu Y, Li D. Vaginal microbiota are associated with in vitro fertilization during female infertility. IMETA 2024; 3:e185. [PMID: 38898981 PMCID: PMC11183179 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome plays an essential role in the reproductive health of human females. As infertility increases worldwide, understanding the roles that the vaginal microbiome may have in infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes is critical. To determine the vaginal microbiome composition of 1411 individuals (1255 undergoing embryo transplantation) and their associations with reproductive outcomes, clinical and biochemical features are measured, and vaginal samples are 16S rRNA sequenced. Our results suggest that both too high and too low abundance of Lactobacillus is not beneficial for pregnancy; a moderate abundance is more beneficial. A moderate abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners (~80%) (with a pregnancy rate of I-B: 54.35% and III-B: 57.73%) is found beneficial for pregnancy outcomes compared with a higher abundance (>90%) of Lactobacillus (I-A: 44.81% and III-A: 51.06%, respectively). The community state type (CST) IV-B (contains a high to moderate relative abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis) shows a similar pregnant ratio (48.09%) with I-A and III-A, and the pregnant women in this CST have a higher abundance of Lactobacillus species. Metagenome analysis of 71 samples shows that nonpregnant women are detected with more antibiotic-resistance genes, and Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are the main hosts. The inherent differences within and between women in different infertility groups suggest that vaginal microbes might be used to detect infertility and potentially improve IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Antibiotics Research and Re‐evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of PharmacyChengdu UniversityChengduChina
| | - Penghao Li
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Xue Bai
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shilin Tian
- College of Life SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Maosen Yang
- Antibiotics Research and Re‐evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of PharmacyChengdu UniversityChengduChina
| | - Dong Leng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hua Kui
- College of Animal Science and TechnologySichuan Agricultural UniversityChengduChina
| | - Sujuan Zhang
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Xiaomiao Yan
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Qu Zheng
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Pulin Luo
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Changming He
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yan Jia
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Zhoulin Wu
- College of Food and Biological EngineeringChengdu UniversityChengduChina
| | - Huimin Qiu
- College of AgricultureKunming UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Jing Li
- College of AgricultureKunming UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Feng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine ResourcesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Muhammad A. Ali
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of the PunjabLahorePakistan
| | - Rurong Mao
- Jinxin Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yong‐Xin Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at ShenzhenChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Diyan Li
- Antibiotics Research and Re‐evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of PharmacyChengdu UniversityChengduChina
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Li X, Xiang F, Liu T, Chen Z, Zhang M, Li J, Kang X, Wu R. Leveraging existing 16S rRNA gene surveys to decipher microbial signatures and dysbiosis in cervical carcinogenesis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11532. [PMID: 38773342 PMCID: PMC11109339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62531-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of dysbiotic cervicovaginal microbiota has been observed to be linked to the persistent development of cervical carcinogenesis mediated by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Nevertheless, the characteristics of the cervical microbiome in individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer (CC) are still not well understood. Comprehensive analysis was conducted by re-analyzing the cervical 16S rRNA sequencing datasets of a total of 507 samples from six previously published studies. We observed significant alpha and beta diversity differences in between CC, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and normal controls (NC), but not between HPV and NC in the combined dataset. Meta-analysis revealed that opportunistic pernicious microbes Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas and Anaerococcus were enriched in CC, while Lactobacillus was depleted compared to NC. Members of Gardnerella, Sneathia, Pseudomonas, and Fannyhessea have significantly increased relative abundance compared to other bacteria in the CIN group. Five newly identified bacterial genera were found to differentiate CC from NC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8947. Moreover, co-occurrence network analysis showed that the most commonly encountered Lactobacillus was strongly negatively correlated with Prevotella. Overall, our study identified a set of potential biomarkers for CC from samples across different geographic regions. Our meta-analysis provided significant insights into the characteristics of dysbiotic cervicovaginal microbiota undergoing CC, which may lead to the development of noninvasive CC diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Fenfen Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Molecular Science, Uppsala Biocenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zixi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Xiangdong Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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Ramboarina S, Crucitti T, Gill K, Bekker LG, Harding-Esch EM, van de Wijgert JHHM, Huynh BT, Fortas C, Harimanana A, Mayouya Gamana T, Randremanana RV, Mangahasimbola R, Dziva Chikwari C, Kranzer K, Mackworth-Young CRS, Bernays S, Thomas N, Anderson D, Tanko FR, Manhanzva M, Lurie M, Khumalo F, Sinanovic E, Honda A, Pidwell T, Francis SC, Masson L, Passmore JA. Novel point-of-care cytokine biomarker lateral flow test for the screening for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis: study protocol of a multicentre multidisciplinary prospective observational clinical study to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT). BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084918. [PMID: 38692732 PMCID: PMC11086546 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A prototype lateral flow device detecting cytokine biomarkers interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β has been developed as a point-of-care test-called the Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)-for detecting genital inflammation associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. In this paper, we describe the rationale and design for studies that will be conducted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Madagascar to evaluate the performance of GIFT and how it could be integrated into routine care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a prospective, multidisciplinary, multicentre, cross-sectional and observational clinical study comprising two distinct components: a biomedical ('diagnostic study') and a qualitative, modelling and economic ('an integration into care study') part. The diagnostic study aims to evaluate GIFT's performance in identifying asymptomatic women with discharge-causing STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG)) and BV. Study participants will be recruited from women attending research sites and family planning services. Several vaginal swabs will be collected for the evaluation of cytokine concentrations (ELISA), STIs (nucleic acid amplification tests), BV (Nugent score) and vaginal microbiome characteristics (16S rRNA gene sequencing). The first collected vaginal swab will be used for the GIFT assay which will be performed in parallel by a healthcare worker in the clinic near the participant, and by a technician in the laboratory. The integration into care study aims to explore how GIFT could be integrated into routine care. Four activities will be conducted: user experiences and/or perceptions of the GIFT device involving qualitative focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders; discrete choice experiments; development of a decision tree classification algorithm; and economic evaluation of defined management algorithms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Findings will be reported to participants, collaborators and local government for the three sites, presented at national and international conferences, and disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.The protocol and all study documents such as informed consent forms were reviewed and approved by the University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC reference 366/2022), Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/A/2966), Comité d'Ethique pour la Recherche Biomédicale de Madagascar (N° 143 MNSAP/SG/AMM/CERBM) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ethics committee (LSHTM reference 28046).Before the start, this study was submitted to the Clinicaltrials.gov public registry (NCT05723484). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05723484.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Bich-Tram Huynh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Inserm, France
| | - Camille Fortas
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Inserm, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, England
- Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development, Zimbabwe
- The Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe
| | - Katharina Kranzer
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, England
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Bernays
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, England
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicola Thomas
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Anderson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fatime Ramla Tanko
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, South Africa
| | - Monalisa Manhanzva
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, South Africa
| | - Micaela Lurie
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, South Africa
| | - Fezile Khumalo
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, South Africa
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ayako Honda
- Research Center for Health Policy and Economics, Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Study, Hitotsubashi University, Japan
| | - Tanya Pidwell
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Lindi Masson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jo-Anne Passmore
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
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Maduta CS, McCormick JK, Dufresne K. Vaginal community state types (CSTs) alter environmental cues and production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0044723. [PMID: 38334326 PMCID: PMC10955855 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00447-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare but life-threatening disease associated with the use of high-absorbency tampons. The production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) superantigen is involved in nearly all cases of mTSS and is tightly controlled by regulators responding to the environment. In the prototypic mTSS strain S. aureus MN8, the major repressor of TSST-1 is the carbon catabolite protein A (CcpA), which responds to glucose concentrations in the vaginal tract. Healthy vaginal Lactobacillus species also depend on glucose for both growth and acidification of the vaginal environment through lactic acid production. We hypothesized that interactions between the vaginal microbiota [herein referred to as community state types (CSTs)] and S. aureus MN8 depend on environmental cues and that these interactions subsequently affect TSST-1 production. Using S. aureus MN8 ΔccpA growing in various glucose concentrations, we demonstrate that the supernatants from different CSTs grown in vaginally defined medium (VDM) could significantly decrease tst expression. When co-culturing CST species with MN8 ∆ccpA, we show that Lactobacillus jensenii completely inhibits TSST-1 production in conditions mimicking healthy menstruation or mTSS. Finally, we show that growing S. aureus in "unhealthy" or "transitional" CST supernatants results in higher interleukin 2 (IL-2) production from T cells. These findings suggest that dysbiotic CSTs may encourage TSST-1 production in the vaginal tract and further indicate that the CSTs are likely important for the protection from mTSS.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we investigate the impact of the vaginal microbiota against Staphylococcus aureus in conditions mimicking the vaginal environment at various stages of the menstrual cycle. We demonstrate that Lactobacillus jensenii can inhibit toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production, suggesting the potential for probiotic activity in treating and preventing menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS). On the other side of the spectrum, "unhealthy" or "transient" bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus iners support more TSST-1 production by S. aureus, suggesting that community state types are important in the development of mTSS. This study sets forward a model for examining contact-independent interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the vaginal microbiota. It also demonstrates the necessity of replicating the environment when studying one as dynamic as the vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Maduta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John K. McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karine Dufresne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Gao H, Liu Q, Wang X, Li T, Li H, Li G, Tan L, Chen Y. Deciphering the role of female reproductive tract microbiome in reproductive health: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1351540. [PMID: 38562966 PMCID: PMC10982509 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1351540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Relevant studies increasingly indicate that female reproductive health is confronted with substantial challenges. Emerging research has revealed that the microbiome interacts with the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, which are the cornerstone of maintaining female reproductive health and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the precise mechanisms underlying their interaction and impact on physiological functions of the reproductive tract remain elusive, constituting a prominent area of investigation within the field of female reproductive tract microecology. From this new perspective, we explore the mechanisms of interactions between the microbiome and the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, factors that affect the composition of the microbiome in the female reproductive tract, as well as personalized medicine approaches in managing female reproductive tract health based on the microbiome. This study highlights the pivotal role of the female reproductive tract microbiome in maintaining reproductive health and influencing the occurrence of reproductive tract diseases. These findings support the exploration of innovative approaches for the prevention, monitoring and treatment of female reproductive tract diseases based on the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Qiao Liu
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- Center for a Combination of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Genlin Li
- Center for a Combination of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lingling Tan
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yahui Chen
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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9
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Chen L, Li J, Xiao B. The role of sialidases in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis and their use as a promising pharmacological target in bacterial vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367233. [PMID: 38495652 PMCID: PMC10940449 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the genital tract characterized by disturbance of the normally Lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora due to the overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis, an anaerobic pathogen and the major pathogen of BV, produces sialidases that cleave terminal sialic acid residues off of human glycans. By desialylation, sialidases not only alter the function of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates but also play a vital role in the attachment, colonization and spread of many other vaginal pathogens. With known pathogenic effects, excellent performance of sialidase-based diagnostic tests, and promising therapeutic potentials of sialidase inhibitors, sialidases could be used as a biomarker of BV. This review explores the sources of sialidases and their role in vaginal dysbiosis, in aims to better understand their participation in the pathogenesis of BV and their value in the diagnosis and treatment of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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10
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Qi J, Dai C, Song L, Zhang J. Association between bacterial vaginosis with human papillomavirus in the United States (NHANES 2003-2004). BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38388384 PMCID: PMC10882805 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02956-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance of vaginal microecology is closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical lesions. This study aims to investigate the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HPV infection. METHODS In total, 1,310 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2004) were included in this study. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between BV and HPV infection. RESULTS A significant positive association was observed between BV and HPV infection in women after adjustment for other confounders (OR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.88). In subgroup analyses, we have found this positive correlation was most prominent among Mexican Americans (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08-3.08) and non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08-3.04). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study demonstrated a positive association between BV and HPV infection in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qi
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Congwei Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Liyun Song
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Junqin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
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11
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Vivekanandan V, Khan ZH, Venugopal G, Musunuru B, Mishra P, Srivastava S, Ramadass B, Subhadra B. VagiBIOM Lactobacillus suppository improves vaginal health index in perimenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis: a randomized control trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3317. [PMID: 38336815 PMCID: PMC10858244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause vaginal dysbiosis that may influence general vaginal health and pregnancy complications. Balancing vaginal microbiome using Lactobacillus spp. may be a new way to prevent and treat mild BV. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study aimed at evaluating the effect of the product VagiBIOM, a multi-Lactobacillus vaginal suppository, on peri- and premenopausal women with BV in restoring vaginal pH and overall vaginal health by resetting the vaginal microbiome composition. Sixty-six peri- and premenopausal women with BV symptoms were randomized with a 2:1 ratio to be treated with VagiBIOM or placebo suppositories. Vaginal pH, VAS itching score, total Nugent score, and vaginal health index (VHI) were measured. Vaginal microbiome changes before and after the treatment were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. After 4 weeks of intervention with VagiBIOM or a placebo, the mean score for vaginal pH, VAS itching, and total Nugent score was significantly decreased from the baseline. Compared to the baseline scores, the VHI scores improved significantly following 28-day intervention (p < 0.001). Our results revealed two Lactobacillus species, L. hamsteri, and L. helveticus, as indicator species occurring differentially in the VagiBIOM-treated group. Furthermore, the regression and species network analyses revealed significant bacterial associations after VagiBIOM treatment. Lactobacillus hamsteri was positively associated with the Nugent score and negatively associated with vaginal pH. L. iners and L. salivarius were positively and inversely associated with VHI. As is typical, Bacteroides fragilis was positively associated with vaginal pH and negatively associated with the Nugent score. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus spp. diversity improved after VagiBIOM treatment. The VagiBIOM suppository treatment for peri- and premenopausal women with BV significantly relieved vaginal itching by decreasing vaginal pH and Nugent scores and improving the overall VHI after 4 weeks' intervention. This effect was primarily the result of VagiBIOM improving vaginal Lactobacillus diversity.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05060029, first registration 09/28/2021: Title: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaiba Hasan Khan
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Giriprasad Venugopal
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Bhavana Musunuru
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Priyanka Mishra
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Shalini Srivastava
- Vedic LifeSciences, Clinical Research, Andheri (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Balamurugan Ramadass
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Bobban Subhadra
- Biom Pharmaceutical Corporation, 2203 Industrial Blvd, Sarasota, FL, USA.
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12
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Robbins SJ, Brown SE, Stennett CA, Tuddenham S, Johnston ED, Wnorowski AM, Ravel J, He X, Mark KS, Brotman RM. Uterine fibroids and longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota in a cohort presenting for transvaginal ultrasound. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296346. [PMID: 38315688 PMCID: PMC10843103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis, characterized in part by low levels of vaginal Lactobacillus species, has been associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines which could fuel uterine fibroid development. However, prior work on the associations between uterine fibroids and vaginal bacteria is sparse. Most studies have focused on assessment of individual taxa in a single sample. To address research gaps, we sought to compare short, longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota in uterine fibroid cases versus controls with assessment for hormonal contraceptives (HCs), a possible confounder associated with both protection from fibroid development and increases in Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. This is a secondary analysis of 83 reproductive-age cisgender women who presented for transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and self-collected mid-vaginal swabs daily for 1-2 weeks before TVUS (Range: 5-16 days, n = 697 samples). Sonography reports detailed uterine fibroid characteristics (N = 21 cases). Vaginal microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and longitudinal microbiota profiles were categorized by hierarchical clustering. We compared longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota among fibroid cases and controls with exact logistic regression. Common indications for TVUS included pelvic mass (34%) and pelvic pain (39%). Fibroid cases tended to be older and report Black race. Cases less often reported HCs versus controls (32% vs. 58%). A larger proportion of cases had low-Lactobacillus longitudinal profiles (48%) than controls (34%). In unadjusted analysis, L. iners-dominated and low-Lactobacillus profiles had higher odds of fibroid case status compared to other Lactobacillus-dominated profiles, however these results were not statistically significant. No association between vaginal microbiota and fibroids was observed after adjusting for race, HC and menstruation. Results were consistent when number of fibroids were considered. There was not a statistically significant association between longitudinal profiles of vaginal microbiota and uterine fibroids after adjustment for common confounders; however, the study was limited by small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Robbins
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Stennett
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Susan Tuddenham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Johnston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amelia M. Wnorowski
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Katrina S. Mark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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13
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Yu B, McCartney S, Strenk S, Valint DJ, Liu C, Haggerty CL, Fredricks DN. Vaginal Bacteria Elicit Acute Inflammatory Response in Fallopian Tube Organoids. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:505-513. [PMID: 37726587 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
To facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent tubal factor infertility, we sought to establish patient tissue derived fallopian tube (FT) organoids and to study their inflammatory response to acute vaginal bacterial infection. FT tissues were obtained from four patients after salpingectomy for benign gynecological diseases. We introduced acute infection in the FT organoid culture system by inoculating the organoid culture media with two common vaginal bacterial species, Lactobacillus crispatus and Fannyhessea vaginae. The inflammatory response elicited in the organoids after acute bacterial infection was analyzed by the expression profile of 249 inflammatory genes. Compared to the negative controls that were not cultured with any bacteria, the organoids cultured with either bacterial species showed multiple differentially expressed inflammatory genes. Marked differences were noted between the Lactobacillus crispatus infected organoids and those infected by Fannyhessea vaginae. Genes from the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) family were highly upregulated in Fannyhessea vaginae infected organoids. Flow cytometry showed that immune cells quickly disappeared during the organoid culture, indicating the inflammatory response observed with bacterial culture was generated by the epithelial cells in the organoids. In summary, we have shown that patient tissue derived FT organoids respond to acute bacterial infection with upregulation of inflammatory genes specific to different vaginal bacterial species. FT organoids is a useful in vitro model system to study the host-pathogen interaction during bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Stephen McCartney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan Strenk
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. North, E4-100, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Daniel J Valint
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. North, E4-100, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Congzhou Liu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. North, E4-100, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Catherine L Haggerty
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. North, E4-100, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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14
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Muraoka A, Yokoi A, Kajiyama H. Emerging bacterial factors for understanding pathogenesis of endometriosis. iScience 2024; 27:108739. [PMID: 38269103 PMCID: PMC10805679 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of endometriosis is a complex process, and recent research has introduced novel hypotheses in this field. This review summarizes recent studies on the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We focused on several classical hypotheses, as well as their interactions with the microenvironment of hormonal dependence and immunosuppression. Furthermore, we highlighted the emergence of bacterial factors associated with endometriosis. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have revealed the presence and detailed distribution of these bacteria as well as the involvement of specific bacteria in pathogenesis. These factors alter the microenvironment in the early stages of endometriosis development, leading to lesion formation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the early development of endometriosis from a new perspective would be helpful for the development of novel therapeutic agents for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Muraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Nagoya University Institute for Advanced Research, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), FOREST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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15
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Li C, Duan Z, Zhang J, Gao J, Ying C. Diagnostic value of dual-fluorescence staining in bacterial vaginosis. Lab Med 2024; 55:40-44. [PMID: 37184354 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in Shanghai, China, and to explore the value of a dual-fluorescence staining method in the diagnosis of BV. METHODS Specimens were collected from women with vaginitis at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2020 to December 2021, and the proportions of various vaginitis types (such as Candida vaginitis, Trichomonas, and bacterial vaginitis) were analyzed statistically. To explore the diagnostic value of dual-fluorescence staining for BV, we first executed a dual-fluorescence staining method to analyze the vaginal secretions of 265 patients, then confirmed our diagnoses by consulting clinical physicians and by using Nugent scoring of Gram staining. RESULTS There were 16,905 patients who were diagnosed with vaginitis over the previous 2 years, with a median age of 32 (minimum age of 9 years and maximum of 84 years). Of these patients, we noted 10,887 cases (64.40%) of BV. Our staining results revealed that the dual-fluorescence method was consistent with Gram staining in the diagnosis of BV, with a P value of less than .001 using a χ 2 test and a consistency kappa value of 0.896. Compared with Gram staining, the dual-fluorescence staining method required an acceptable time (2.2 min vs 2.5 min, respectively) and exhibited different visual effects (green and yellow vs purple and red, respectively). CONCLUSION Dual-fluorescence staining for the detection of bacterial diseases of the vagina exhibited acceptable consistency with Gram staining and performed well with respect to dyeing time, stability, and the interpretation of results. We argue that this method should be used in outpatient services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Duan
- Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Ying
- Clinical Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Abramov VM, Kosarev IV, Machulin AV, Priputnevich TV, Deryusheva EI, Panin AN, Chikileva IO, Abashina TN, Melnikov VG, Suzina NE, Nikonov IN, Akhmetzyanova AA, Khlebnikov VS, Sakulin VK, Vasilenko RN, Samoilenko VA, Gordeev AB, Sukhikh GT, Uversky VN, Karlyshev AV. Protective Properties of S-layer Protein 2 from Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 against Candida albicans Infections. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1740. [PMID: 38136611 PMCID: PMC10741940 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, the protective role of the S-layer protein 2 (Slp2) of the vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) strain against foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and Escherichia coli O157:H was demonstrated. We demonstrate the new roles of the Slp2-positive LC2029 strain and soluble Slp2 against C. albicans infections. We show that LC2029 bacteria can adhere to the surface of the cervical epithelial HeLa cells, prevent their contact with C. albicans, and block yeast transition to a pathogenic hyphal form. Surface-bound Slp2 provides the ability for LC2029 to co-aggregate with various C. albicans strains, including clinical isolates. C. albicans-induced necrotizing epithelial damage is reduced by colonization with the Slp2-positive LC2029 strain. Slp2 inhibits the adhesion of various strains of C. albicans to different human epithelial cells, blocks yeast transition to a pathogenic hyphal form, and prevents the colonization and pathogenic infiltration of mucosal barriers. Only Slp2 and LC2029 bacteria stimulate the production of protective human β-defensin 3 in various epithelial cells. These findings support the anti-Candida albicans potential of the probiotic LC2029 strain and Slp2 and form the basis for further research on their ability to prevent and manage invasive Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyacheslav M. Abramov
- Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) Federal State Budgetary Institution “The Russian State Center for Animal Feed and Drug Standardization and Quality” (FGBU VGNKI), 123022 Moscow, Russia (A.N.P.)
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor V. Kosarev
- Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) Federal State Budgetary Institution “The Russian State Center for Animal Feed and Drug Standardization and Quality” (FGBU VGNKI), 123022 Moscow, Russia (A.N.P.)
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey V. Machulin
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Science”, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Tatiana V. Priputnevich
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgenia I. Deryusheva
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Science”, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Alexander N. Panin
- Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) Federal State Budgetary Institution “The Russian State Center for Animal Feed and Drug Standardization and Quality” (FGBU VGNKI), 123022 Moscow, Russia (A.N.P.)
| | - Irina O. Chikileva
- Laboratory of Cell Immunity, Blokhin National Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health RF, 115478 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Tatiana N. Abashina
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Science”, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav G. Melnikov
- Gabrichevsky Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya E. Suzina
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Science”, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Ilia N. Nikonov
- Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology Named after K.I. Skryabin, 109472 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Akhmetzyanova
- Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) Federal State Budgetary Institution “The Russian State Center for Animal Feed and Drug Standardization and Quality” (FGBU VGNKI), 123022 Moscow, Russia (A.N.P.)
| | | | - Vadim K. Sakulin
- Institute of Immunological Engineering, 142380 Lyubuchany, Russia (R.N.V.)
| | - Raisa N. Vasilenko
- Institute of Immunological Engineering, 142380 Lyubuchany, Russia (R.N.V.)
| | - Vladimir A. Samoilenko
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of Russian Academy of Science”, Russian Academy of Science, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Alexey B. Gordeev
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Andrey V. Karlyshev
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
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17
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Kadogami D, Kimura F, Hanada T, Tsuji S, Nakaoka Y, Murakami T, Morimoto Y. Impact of Lactobacillus in the uterine microbiota on in vitro fertilization outcomes. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104138. [PMID: 37717556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Abundant intrauterine Lactobacillus is associated with good in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; however, whether specific species of Lactobacillus have any benefit remains unclear. So we examine the effect of Lactobacillus on the clinical outcomes of IVF at the species level. Uterine microbiota were classified as either Lactobacillus-dominant (LD) or non-Lactobacillus-dominant. In the LD group, we further investigated the clinical results for each Lactobacillus species and evaluated them in relation to IVF outcomes. In Uterine microbiome analysis, Lactobacillus was the most abundant, with the four species of L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii accounting for the great majority. We compared the clinical outcomes of single frozen-thawed embryo transfer conducted by Lactobacillus species and found that the implantation rate was lowest in those in whom L. iners was dominant. This study is the first to conduct a species-level analysis of the uterine microbiota and report on a detailed investigation of Lactobacillus, which was believed to be particularly helpful for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kadogami
- IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0015, Japan.
| | - Fuminori Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Hanada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Tsuji
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Nakaoka
- IVF Namba Clinic, 1-17-28 Minamihorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0015, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Morimoto
- HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, 15th Floor, Grand Front Osaka Tower B, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, 530-0011 Osaka, Japan
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18
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Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Fowler SW, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37985659 PMCID: PMC10661851 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbial composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection against infection, the lack of in vivo models resembling the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of C57BL/6J female mice, we found that vaginal microbial composition varies within and between colonies across three vivaria. Noting vaginal microbial plasticity in conventional mice, we assessed the vaginal microbiome of humanized microbiota mice (HMbmice). Like the community structure in conventional mice, HMbmice vaginal microbiota clustered into community state types but, uniquely, HMbmice communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacillus or Enterobacteriaceae. Compared to conventional mice, HMbmice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia. Although Escherichia and Lactobacillus both correlated with the absence of uterine GBS, vaginal pre-inoculation with exogenous HMbmouse-derived E. coli, but not Ligilactobacillus murinus, reduced vaginal GBS burden. Overall, HMbmice serve as a useful model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Korinna Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie W Fowler
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Cortés-Ortíz IA, Puente-Rivera J, Ordaz-Pérez G, Bonilla-Cortés AY, Figueroa-Arredondo P, Serrano-Bello CA, García-Moncada E, Acosta-Altamirano G, Artigas-Pérez DE, Bravata-Alcántara JC, Sierra-Martínez M. Brachybacterium conglomeratum Is Associated with Cervicovaginal Infections and Human Papilloma Virus in Cervical Disease of Mexican Female Patients. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2769. [PMID: 38004780 PMCID: PMC10673253 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachybacterium conglomeratum, traditionally considered an environmental bacterium, has recently garnered attention for its potential involvement in human health. While prior research hinted at its pathogenic role in humans, our study aims to determine its prevalence and associations in diverse clinical contexts. We examined vaginal swabs from three distinct patient groups: patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), patients with cervicovaginal infections, and patients with a history of precancerous lesions undergoing follow-up. B. conglomeratum was present in all three patient groups, with the highest prevalence observed in the LSIL group. Statistically significant associations were primarily identified in the LSIL group, where B. conglomeratum was present in 60% of cases. Notably, the LSIL group exhibited coinfections with multiple high-risk oncogenotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), suggesting potential synergistic effects, and understanding these microbial relationships and their influence on viral persistence, particularly with HPV, holds promise for mitigating HPV-related carcinogenesis. Furthermore, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae were frequently detected in this group, along with Ureaplasma parvum as the predominant sexually transmitted bacterium. In all cases, B. conglomeratum was found in association with these microorganisms rather than as a sole pathogen. This coexistence underscores the intricate microbial interactions within cervicovaginal infections and precancerous lesions. This study marks the first report of B. conglomeratum prevalence in women with these clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Alejandra Cortés-Ortíz
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.A.C.-O.); (G.O.-P.); (E.G.-M.)
| | - Jonathan Puente-Rivera
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Guiedaana Ordaz-Pérez
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.A.C.-O.); (G.O.-P.); (E.G.-M.)
| | - Alejandra Yareth Bonilla-Cortés
- Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatia, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Guillermo Massieu Helguera 239, La Purísima Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City 07320, Mexico;
| | - Paula Figueroa-Arredondo
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Salvador Diaz Mirón esq. Plan de San Luis S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Casco de Santo Tomas, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Alberto Serrano-Bello
- Servicio de Unidad Patológica, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo García-Moncada
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.A.C.-O.); (G.O.-P.); (E.G.-M.)
| | - Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano
- Unidad de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Alta Especialidad Ixtapaluca, Carr Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Ernesto Artigas-Pérez
- Genetic and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Hospital Juárez de México, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 5160, Col. Magdalena de las Salinas, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (I.A.C.-O.); (G.O.-P.); (E.G.-M.)
| | - Juan Carlos Bravata-Alcántara
- Unidad de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Alta Especialidad Ixtapaluca, Carr Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
| | - Mónica Sierra-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Alta Especialidad Ixtapaluca, Carr Federal México-Puebla Km 34.5, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
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20
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Ye J, Qi X. Vaginal microecology and its role in human papillomavirus infection and human papillomavirus associated cervical lesions. APMIS 2023. [PMID: 37941500 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The vaginal microecology comprises the vaginal microbiome, immune microenvironment, vaginal anatomy, and the cervicovaginal fluid, which is rich in metabolites, enzymes, and cytokines. Investigating its role in the female reproductive system holds paramount significance. The advent of next-generation sequencing enabled a more profound investigation into the structure of the vaginal microbial community in relation to the female reproductive system. Human papillomavirus infection is prevalent among women of reproductive age, and persistent oncogenic HPV infection is widely recognized as a factor associated with cervical cancer. Extensive previous research has demonstrated that dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus species, heightens susceptivity to HPV infection, consequently contributing to persistent HPV infection and the progression of cervical lesion. Likewise, HPV infection can exacerbate dysbiosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current literatures and to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the interaction between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, with the intention of offering valuable insights for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Ye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Jackson R, Rajadhyaksha EV, Loeffler RS, Flores CE, Van Doorslaer K. Characterization of 3D organotypic epithelial tissues reveals tonsil-specific differences in tonic interferon signaling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292368. [PMID: 37792852 PMCID: PMC10550192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques can recapitulate the stratified nature of multicellular epithelial tissues. Organotypic 3D epithelial tissue culture methods have several applications, including the study of tissue development and function, drug discovery and toxicity testing, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of tissue-engineered constructs for use in regenerative medicine. We grew 3D organotypic epithelial tissues from foreskin, cervix, and tonsil-derived primary cells and characterized the transcriptome of these in vitro tissue equivalents. Using the same 3D culturing method, all three tissues yielded stratified squamous epithelium, validated histologically using basal and superficial epithelial cell markers. The goal of this study was to use RNA-seq to compare gene expression patterns in these three types of epithelial tissues to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their function and identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Functional profiling by over-representation and gene set enrichment analysis revealed tissue-specific differences: i.e., cutaneous homeostasis and lipid metabolism in foreskin, extracellular matrix remodeling in cervix, and baseline innate immune differences in tonsil. Specifically, tonsillar epithelia may play an active role in shaping the immune microenvironment of the tonsil balancing inflammation and immune responses in the face of constant exposure to microbial insults. Overall, these data serve as a resource, with gene sets made available for the research community to explore, and as a foundation for understanding the epithelial heterogeneity and how it may impact their in vitro use. An online resource is available to investigate these data (https://viz.datascience.arizona.edu/3DEpiEx/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jackson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Esha V. Rajadhyaksha
- College of Medicine and College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Reid S. Loeffler
- Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Caitlyn E. Flores
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Immunobiology, Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, Genetics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, and University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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22
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Li BJ, He WX, Hua H, Wei P. Potential correlation of oral flora with pemphigus vulgaris - A case control study. J Dent Sci 2023; 18:1612-1620. [PMID: 37799932 PMCID: PMC10547953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral flora is related to various immune-related diseases. Herein we explored the characteristics of oral flora in patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and analyzed the correlation between oral flora and PV. Materials and methods Twenty-two untreated patients with PV and 12 healthy controls (HC) were included in this case-control study. The characteristics of salivary microbiome were assessed by high-throughput sequencing using the 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq approach, and differences between the PV and HC groups were determined. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was applied to screen key metabolic pathways and preliminarily explore potential mechanisms underlying PV occurrence and development. Results The abundance of oral flora in the PV group was significantly lower than that in the HC group, and there were characteristic changes. The relative abundance of Prevotella and Agrobacterium in the PV group was significantly higher than that in the HC group (P < 0.05) and that of Neisseria, Lautropia, and Fusobacterium was significantly lower (P < 0.05). There was a linear correlation between Prevotella and serum Dsg3 level in PV. KEGG pathway analyses indicated significant differences in nine metabolic pathways between the PV and HC groups (P < 0.05), namely carbohydrate metabolism, digestive system, neurodegenerative disease, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, drug resistance: antimicrobial, infectious disease: viral, circulatory system, excretory system, and nervous system. Conclusion The oral flora of patients with PV presented characteristic changes, and several metabolic pathways were affected, including N-glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. Prevotella spp. appear to require the most attention in PV. We believe that oral flora dysbacteriosis contributes to PV occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-jie Li
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen-xiu He
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hong Hua
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, PR China
| | - Pan Wei
- Department of Oral Medicine, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, PR China
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23
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Ren Z, Harriot AD, Mair DB, Chung MK, Lee PHU, Kim DH. Biomanufacturing of 3D Tissue Constructs in Microgravity and their Applications in Human Pathophysiological Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300157. [PMID: 37483106 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in bioengineering in-vivo-like 3D functional tissues has led to novel approaches to the biomanufacturing process as well as expanded applications for these unique tissue constructs. Microgravity, as seen in spaceflight, is a unique environment that may be beneficial to the tissue-engineering process but cannot be completely replicated on Earth. Additionally, the expense and practical challenges of conducting human and animal research in space make bioengineered microphysiological systems an attractive research model. In this review, published research that exploits real and simulated microgravity to improve the biomanufacturing of a wide range of tissue types as well as those studies that use microphysiological systems, such as organ/tissue chips and multicellular organoids, for modeling human diseases in space are summarized. This review discusses real and simulated microgravity platforms and applications in tissue-engineered microphysiological systems across three topics: 1) application of microgravity to improve the biomanufacturing of tissue constructs, 2) use of tissue constructs fabricated in microgravity as models for human diseases on Earth, and 3) investigating the effects of microgravity on human tissues using biofabricated in vitro models. These current achievements represent important progress in understanding the physiological effects of microgravity and exploiting their advantages for tissue biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanping Ren
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Anicca D Harriot
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Devin B Mair
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Peter H U Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southcoast Health, Fall River, MA, 02720, USA
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21218, USA
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24
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Zhu B, Spaine KM, Edupuganti L, Matveyev A, Serrano MG, Buck GA. Characteristics of vaginal microbes and classification of the vaginal microbiome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.16.553525. [PMID: 37645743 PMCID: PMC10462076 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.16.553525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background The vaginal microbiome (VMB) has been classified into several discrete community state types, some of which have been associated with adverse human health conditions. However, the roles of the many vaginal bacteria in modulating the VMB and health remain unclear. Methods The associations among the vaginal taxa and other vaginal taxa, the vaginal pH, and the host gene expression responses were determined by calculating the correlation among the relative abundance of the vaginal taxa, the association between the vaginal pH and the predominant taxon in the VMB, and the correlation between the relative abundance of the vaginal taxa and human gene expression at the transcriptional level, respectively. Using these associations, an alternative more informative method, the biological vagitype (BVT), is proposed to classify community state types of the VMB. Findings Most Lactobacillus spp., with the exception of Lactobacillus iners , show significant correlations with host gene expression profiles and negative associations with dysbiosis-associated vaginal taxa. Many non- Lactobacillus spp. exhibit varied correlations with Lactobacillus spp., the vaginal pH, and host gene expression. Compared to other dysbiotic taxa, including Candidatus Lachnocurva vaginae, Gardnerella vaginalis has a stronger positive correlation with vaginal pH and a stronger negative correlation with Lactobacillus spp. Most dysbiosis-associated taxa are associated with stress responses of the host at the transcriptional level, but the genus Mycoplasma has a uniquely strong positive correlation with host immune responses. The association between BVTs of the VMBs and host characteristics, e.g., race/ethnicity, microbial infection, smoking, antibiotics, high blood pressure, economic state, diet, and others, was examined. The BVT classification method improved overall performance in associating specific vaginal microbial populations with host characteristics and phenotypes. Interpretation This study sheds light on the biological characteristics of the vaginal microbiota, including some less abundant or still unculturable taxa. Since the BVT method was established based on these biological characteristics, the classification outcome of the VMB may have more clinical relevance. Because the BVT method performs better in associating specific vaginal community types with diseases, e.g., bacterial vaginosis and gonorrhea, it could be beneficial for the predictive modeling of adverse health. Funding This work was supported by grants [UH3AI083263, U54HD080784, and R01HD092415] from the National Institutes of Health; and support from the [GAPPS BMGF PPB] grant from the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth. We would also like to thank the Office of Research on Women's Health at NIH for their generous support. Research in context Evidence before this study: The vaginal microbiome (VMB) refers to the community of microorganisms in the female lower reproductive tract. The VMB is often a simple ecosystem dominated by a single species. The most predominant bacteria in the VMB include several Lactobacillus species and two non- Lactobacillus species, i.e., Candidatus Lachnocurva vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis. Lactobacillus species produce lactic acid to lower the vaginal pH and inhibit the growth of disease-associated bacteria. Thus, the predominance of protective Lactobacilli, i.e., L. crispatus, L. jensenii , and L. gasseri , in the VMB is associated with overall vaginal health. However, the role of L. iners in promoting a healthy vaginal ecosystem is less clear. Actually, the biological and health relevance of many bacteria in the female lower reproductive tract is largely unknown. Some bacteria have low relative abundances, e.g., Peptostreptococcus and Coriobacteriaceae spp.; and others are not yet culturable, e.g., Candidatus Lachnocurva vaginae and BVAB TM7. When abundance of a taxon is low, its association with a host characteristic is a challenge. Previous methods to classify the VMB were based simply on their microbial compositions, and the biological characteristics of the vaginal bacteria were largely ignored. Thus, classification of these VMBs into biologically relevant community types, as described herein, should be helpful in determining their relevance to women's reproductive health. Added value of this study: This study examines three biological characteristics of bacteria in the VMB, i.e., the associations among different bacterial taxa, the vaginal pH, and the host response. Based on these three characteristics, the influence of these bacteria, particularly low abundant and unculturable bacteria, on vaginal health is evaluated. L. iners seems to be neutral in maintaining overall vaginal health. Gardnerella vaginalis is apparently more easily inhibited by Lactobacillus spp. than Candidatus Lachnocurva vaginae because of its stronger positive correlation with vaginal pH and negative correlation with Lactobacillus . The genus of Mycoplasma has a unique positive correlation with local immune responses, implying a role for Mycoplasma in promoting inflammation. Compared with previous methods to classify the VMB, a new method, considering the above three biological characteristics of bacteria in the VMB, has been established. The new method performs better in associating specific vaginal communities with host characteristics and phenotypes; e.g., bacterial vaginosis and gonorrhea. Implications of all the available evidence: Accurate biological classification of the VMB is fundamental for assessing its impact on women's health. Our classification scheme represents a step further toward that correct classification, eventually leading to new strategies for clinical assessment of the potential use of the VMB to diagnose or predict women's reproductive health.
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25
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DePaoli Taylor B, Criscitiello MF, Bazer FW, Richardson LS, Noah A, Haggerty CL. Functional interferon-epsilon gene polymorphisms and sexually transmitted infections of the endometrium. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13754. [PMID: 37491918 PMCID: PMC10793201 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Interferon-epsilon (IFNε) is the only type I IFN constitutively expressed in the female reproductive tract and fluctuates across the menstrual cycle in humans. Mouse models show that IFNε protects against Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes Simplex Virus, HIV, and Zika in mice, but human studies are limited. Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) can ascend to the upper genital tract and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent infertility. However, the host immunological mechanisms that play a role in the ascension and infection of the endometrium in individuals with clinically suspected PID are not elucidated. METHOD OF STUDY This pilot investigation determined if IFNε gene variants are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and endometrial infection with C. trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium using biospecimens from 154 self-report Black individuals who participated in the PID Evaluation and Clinical Health (PEACH) study. RESULTS The T allele for rs2039381 was associated with endometrial STI infection (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0-7.1) and the C allele for rs1125488 was inversely associated with BV (OR: .2, 95% CI: .05-.8). CONCLUSIONS Few studies have examined IFNε gene variants, our study raises the possibility that IFNε gene variants may be a potential host contributor to STI pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie DePaoli Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555
| | - Michael F. Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555
| | - Akaninyene Noah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555
| | - Catherine L. Haggerty
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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Mu Y, Hu A, Kan H, Li Y, He Y, Fan W, Liu H, Li Q, Zheng Y. Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes Linked to Vaginal Bacteriome of Pregnant Females in the Early Second Trimester: a Case-Cohort Design. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2324-2335. [PMID: 36725814 PMCID: PMC9891760 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a major cause of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), one of the greatest challenges facing obstetrics with complicated pathogenesis. This case-cohort study investigated the association between vaginal bacteriome of singleton pregnant females in the early second trimester and PPROM. The study included 35,255 and 180 pregnant females with PPROM as cases and term-birth without prelabor rupture of membranes (TWPROM) and term prelabor rupture of membranes (TPROM) pregnant females as controls, respectively. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the vaginal microbiome traits were analyzed. Females with PPROM had higher alpha and beta diversity (P < 0.05) than TWPROM and TPROM. The presence of L. mulieris was associated with a decreased risk of PPROM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.72) compared with TWPROM. Meanwhile, the presence of Megasphaera genus (aOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.09-4.70), Faecalibacterium genus (aOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.52-7.13), Bifidobacterium genus (aOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.47-7.24), Xanthomonadales genus (aOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.27-6.01), Gammaproteobacteria class (aOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.09-5.14), and Alphaproteobacteria class (aOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14-5.26) was associated with an increased risk of PPROM compared with TWPROM. Our results indicated that the risk of PPROM can decrease with vaginal L. mulieris but increase with high alpha or beta diversity, and several vaginal bacteria in pregnant females may be involved in the occurrence of PPROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Mu
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Anqun Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China
| | - Hui Kan
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yining He
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Biostatistics Office, Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Biostatistics Office, Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China.
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China.
| | - Yingjie Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Gao Q, Fan T, Luo S, Zheng J, Zhang L, Cao L, Zhang Z, Li L, Huang Z, Zhang H, Huang L, Xiao Q, Qiu F. Lactobacillus gasseri LGV03 isolated from the cervico-vagina of HPV-cleared women modulates epithelial innate immune responses and suppresses the growth of HPV-positive human cervical cancer cells. Transl Oncol 2023; 35:101714. [PMID: 37331103 PMCID: PMC10366645 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is necessary for the development of cervical cancers. An increasing number of retrospective studies have found the depletion of Lactobacillus microbiota in the cervico-vagina facilitate HPV infection and might be involved in viral persistence and cancer development. However, there have been no reports confirming the immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus microbiota isolated from cervico-vaginal samples of HPV clearance in women. Using cervico-vaginal samples from HPV persistent infection and clearance in women, this study investigated the local immune properties in cervical mucosa. As expected, type I interferons, such as IFN-α and IFN-β, and TLR3 globally downregulated in HPV+ persistence group. Luminex cytokine/chemokine panel analysis revealed that L. jannaschii LJV03, L. vaginalis LVV03, L. reuteri LRV03, and L. gasseri LGV03 isolated from cervicovaginal samples of HPV clearance in women altered the host's epithelial immune response, particularly L. gasseri LGV03. Furthermore, L. gasseri LGV03 enhanced the poly (I:C)-induced production of IFN by modulating the IRF3 pathway and attenuating poly (I:C)-induced production of proinflammatory mediators by regulating the NF-κB pathway in Ect1/E6E7 cells, indicating that L. gasseri LGV03 keeps the innate system alert to potential pathogens and reduces the inflammatory effects during persistent pathogen infection. L. gasseri LGV03 also markedly inhibited the proliferation of Ect1/E6E7 cells in a zebrafish xenograft model, which may be attributed to an increased immune response mediated by L. gasseri LGV03.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Gao
- Department of Gynecology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Obstetrics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, China
| | - Siying Luo
- Department of Gynecology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jieting Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Longbing Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong 528244, China
| | - Zikang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong 528244, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gynecology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Hospital (Guangming), Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Zhu Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Huifen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, China
| | - Liuxuan Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Qing Xiao
- Department of Gynecology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong 528244, China.
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28
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Grobeisen-Duque O, Mora-Vargas CD, Aguilera-Arreola MG, Helguera-Repetto AC. Cycle Biodynamics of Women's Microbiome in the Urinary and Reproductive Systems. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4003. [PMID: 37373695 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The genitourinary microbiome plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of urinary and reproductive health in women throughout their lives. Particularly during the reproductive stage, resident microorganisms contribute to implantation and protect against perinatal complications, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, while also serving as the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. This review aimed to elucidate the relationship between a healthy microbiome environment and women's overall health. We examine the variability and dynamics of the microbiome during different developmental stages, ranging from the prepubertal to the postmenopausal stage. Furthermore, we explore the significance of a healthy microbiota in successful implantation and pregnancy development and investigate potential differences between women experiencing infertility. In addition, we analyze the local and systemic inflammatory responses associated with the establishment of a dysbiotic state and compare it to a condition where a healthy microbiome was established. Lastly, we present the most recent evidence regarding preventive measures, such as dietary interventions and the use of probiotics to promote and maintain a healthy microbiome, thereby ensuring comprehensive women's health. By highlighting the importance of the genitourinary microbiome in reproductive health, this review aimed to enhance this microbiome's visibility and significance in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Grobeisen-Duque
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anahuac Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 52786, Mexico
| | - Carlos Daniel Mora-Vargas
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11350, Mexico
| | | | - Addy Cecilia Helguera-Repetto
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
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29
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Berard AR, Brubaker DK, Birse K, Lamont A, Mackelprang RD, Noël-Romas L, Perner M, Hou X, Irungu E, Mugo N, Knodel S, Muwonge TR, Katabira E, Hughes SM, Levy C, Calienes FL, Lauffenburger DA, Baeten JM, Celum C, Hladik F, Lingappa J, Burgener AD. Vaginal epithelial dysfunction is mediated by the microbiome, metabolome, and mTOR signaling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112474. [PMID: 37149863 PMCID: PMC10242450 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by depletion of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria, leading to increased mucosal inflammation, epithelial disruption, and poor reproductive health outcomes. However, the molecular mediators contributing to vaginal epithelial dysfunction are poorly understood. Here we utilize proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to characterize biological features underlying BV in 405 African women and explore functional mechanisms in vitro. We identify five major vaginal microbiome groups: L. crispatus (21%), L. iners (18%), Lactobacillus (9%), Gardnerella (30%), and polymicrobial (22%). Using multi-omics we show that BV-associated epithelial disruption and mucosal inflammation link to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and associate with Gardnerella, M. mulieris, and specific metabolites including imidazole propionate. Experiments in vitro confirm that type strain G. vaginalis and M. mulieris supernatants and imidazole propionate directly affect epithelial barrier function and activation of mTOR pathways. These results find that the microbiome-mTOR axis is a central feature of epithelial dysfunction in BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Berard
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Douglas K Brubaker
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Alana Lamont
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Romel D Mackelprang
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Laura Noël-Romas
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Michelle Perner
- Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Xuanlin Hou
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Irungu
- Partners in Health Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Partners in Health Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samantha Knodel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Timothy R Muwonge
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sean M Hughes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Claire Levy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | | | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Florian Hladik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jairam Lingappa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Adam D Burgener
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Framstegsgatan, 171 64 Solna, Sweden.
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30
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Tuniyazi M, Zhang N. Possible Therapeutic Mechanisms and Future Perspectives of Vaginal Microbiota Transplantation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1427. [PMID: 37374929 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities inhabiting the human body play a crucial role in protecting the host against pathogens and inflammation. Disruptions to the microbial composition can lead to various health issues. Microbial transfer therapy (MTT) has emerged as a potential treatment option to address such issues. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the most widely used form of MTT and has been successful in treating several diseases. Another form of MTT is vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT), which involves transferring vaginal microbiota from a healthy female donor to a diseased patient's vaginal cavity with the goal of restoring normal vaginal microbial composition. However, VMT has not been extensively studied due to safety concerns and a lack of research. This paper explores the therapeutic mechanisms of VMT and discusses future perspectives. Further research is necessary to advance the clinical applications and techniques of VMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maimaiti Tuniyazi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Naisheng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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31
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Yu B, McCartney S, Strenk S, Valint D, Liu C, Haggerty C, Fredricks DN. Vaginal bacteria elicit acute inflammatory response in fallopian tube organoids: a model for pelvic inflammatory disease. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2891189. [PMID: 37293093 PMCID: PMC10246240 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2891189/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent tubal factor infertility, as well as ovarian carcinogenesis, we sought to establish patient tissue derived fallopian tube (FT) organoids and to study their inflammatory response to acute vaginal bacterial infection. Design: Experimental study. Setting: Academic medical and researchcenter. Patients: FT tissues were obtained from four patients after salpingectomy for benign gynecological diseases. Interventions: We introduced acute infection in the FT organoid culture system by inoculating the organoid culture media with two common vaginal bacterial species, Lactobacillus crispatus and Fannyhesseavaginae . Main Outcome Measures: The inflammatory response elicited in the organoids after acute bacterial infection was analyzed by the expression profile of 249 inflammatory genes. Results: Compared to the negative controls that were not cultured with any bacteria, the organoids cultured with either bacterial species showed multiple differentially expressed inflammatory genes. Marked differences were noted between the Lactobacillus crispatus infected organoids and those infected by Fannyhessea vaginae . Genes from the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) family were highly upregulated in F. vaginae infected organoids. Flow cytometry showed that immune cells quickly disappeared during the organoid culture, indicating the inflammatory response observed with bacterial culture was generated by the epithelial cells in the organoids. Conclusion : Patient tissue derived FT organoids respond to acute bacterial infection with upregulation of inflammatory genes specific to different vaginal bacterial species. FT organoids is a useful model system to study the host-pathogen interaction during bacterial infection which may facilitate mechanistic investigations in PID and its contribution to tubal factor infertility and ovarian carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Stephen McCartney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Susan Strenk
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Daniel Valint
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Congzhou Liu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - David N. Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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32
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Kim R. Advanced Organotypic In Vitro Model Systems for Host-Microbial Coculture. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2023; 17:1-27. [PMID: 37363268 PMCID: PMC10201494 DOI: 10.1007/s13206-023-00103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In vitro model systems have been advanced to recapitulate important physiological features of the target organ in vivo more closely than the conventional cell line cultures on a petri dish. The advanced organotypic model systems can be used as a complementary or alternative tool for various testing and screening. Numerous data from germ-free animal studies and genome sequencings of clinical samples indicate that human microbiota is an essential part of the human body, but current in vitro model systems rarely include them, which can be one of the reasons for the discrepancy in the tissue phenotypes and outcome of therapeutic intervention between in vivo and in vitro tissues. A coculture model system with appropriate microbes and host cells may have great potential to bridge the gap between the in vitro model and the in vivo counterpart. However, successfully integrating two species in one system introduces new variables to consider and poses new challenges to overcome. This review aims to provide perspectives on the important factors that should be considered for developing organotypic bacterial coculture models. Recent advances in various organotypic bacterial coculture models are highlighted. Finally, challenges and opportunities in developing organotypic microbial coculture models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raehyun Kim
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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33
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Sharifian K, Shoja Z, Jalilvand S. The interplay between human papillomavirus and vaginal microbiota in cervical cancer development. Virol J 2023; 20:73. [PMID: 37076931 PMCID: PMC10114331 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have grown accustomed to the idea that human papillomavirus can cause tumors. The genetic and environmental factors that make the difference between elimination of viral infection and the development of cancer are therefore an area of active investigation at present. Microbiota has emerged as an important factor that may affect this balance by increasing or decreasing the ability of viral infection to promote. The female reproductive system has its specific microbiota that helps to maintain health and prevent infection with pathogens. In contrast to other mucosal sites, the vaginal microbiota typically has low diversity and contains few Lactobacillus spp. which by using high-throughput 16s rRNA gene sequencing, classified into five different community state types. According to emerging information, increased diversity of vaginal microbiota and reduced abundance of Lactobacillus spp. contribute to HPV acquisition, persistence, and development of cervical cancer. In this review, the role of normal female reproductive tract microbiota in health, mechanisms which dysbiosis can cause diseases through interaction with microbes and several therapeutic approaches were addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Sharifian
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155, Iran
| | | | - Somayeh Jalilvand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155, Iran.
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34
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Armstrong E, Kaul R, Cohen CR. Optimizing the vaginal microbiome as a potential strategy to reduce heterosexual HIV transmission. J Intern Med 2023; 293:433-444. [PMID: 36544257 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a proinflammatory genital condition characterized by high vaginal bacterial diversity and a paucity of Lactobacillus species. BV has been linked to an elevated risk of HIV acquisition among HIV-negative women and of forward HIV transmission to male sex partners among women living with HIV (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.69 and 3.17, respectively), potentially by eliciting genital inflammation in women with BV and their male sex partners. BV is also highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting that BV treatment may have potential as an HIV prevention strategy. BV is typically treated with antibiotics but recurrence rates are high, possibly because treatment does not directly promote Lactobacillus growth. More recently, BV treatment strategies incorporating live biotherapeutic lactobacilli have led to sustained optimization of the vaginal microbiome and a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers previously associated with HIV susceptibility. Future studies are urgently needed to evaluate BV treatment strategies that can optimize the vaginal microbiome in the long term through colonization with H2 O2 -producing vaginal lactobacilli and to assess whether vaginal microbiota optimization is able to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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35
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Holm JB, Carter KA, Ravel J, Brotman RM. Lactobacillus iners and genital health: molecular clues to an enigmatic vaginal species. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2023; 25:67-75. [PMID: 37234911 PMCID: PMC10209668 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-023-00798-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Vaginal lactobacilli are recognized as important drivers of genital health including protection against bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. Lactobacillus iners is distinct from L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii by its high global prevalence in vaginal microbiomes, relatively small genome, production of only L-lactic acid, and inconsistent associations with genital health outcomes. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of L. iners in the vaginal microbiome, highlight the importance of strain-level consideration for this species, and explain that while marker gene-based characterization of the composition of the vaginal microbiota does not capture strain-level resolution, whole metagenome sequencing can aid in expanding our understanding of this species in genital health. Recent findings L. iners exists in the vaginal microbiome as a unique combination of strains. The functional repertoires of these strain combinations are likely wide and contribute to the survival of this species in a variety of vaginal microenvironments. In published studies to date, strain-specific effects are aggregated and may yield imprecise estimates of risk associated with this species. Summary The worldwide high prevalence of Lactobacillus iners warrants more research into its functional roles in the vaginal microbiome and how it may directly impact susceptibility to infections. By incorporating strain-level resolution into future research endeavors, we may begin to appreciate L. iners more thoroughly and identify novel therapeutic targets for a variety of genital health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna B. Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kayla A. Carter
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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36
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Han M, Wang N, Han W, Ban M, Sun T, Xu J. Vaginal and tumor microbiomes in gynecological cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 25:153. [PMID: 36936020 PMCID: PMC10018329 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancer are the three most common types of gynecologic cancer. As a hub, the vagina connects the site of gynecological cancer with the external environment. Lactobacilli participate in the formation of a healthy vaginal microenvironment as the first line of defense against pathogen invasion; a dysbiotic vaginal microenvironment loses its original protective function and is associated with the onset, metastasis, poor efficacy and poor prognosis of gynecological cancer. The early diagnosis of cancer is the key to improve the survival time of patients with cancer. The screening of Porphyromonas, Sneathia and Atopobium vaginae, and other microbial markers, can assist the diagnosis of gynecological cancer, and screen out the high-risk population as early as possible. With the in-depth study of the microbes in tumor tissues, reasearchers have analyzed the immunological associations of microorganisms in tumor tissues. Due to the structural-functional interconnection between the organ of gynecological tumorigenesis and the vagina, the present study aims to review the relationship between vaginal and tumor microorganisms and gynecological cancer in terms of occurrence, screening, treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Wenjie Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Meng Ban
- Liaoning Microhealth Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Junnan Xu
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Professor Junnan Xu, Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Elnaggar JH, Huynh VO, Lin D, Hillman RT, Abana CO, El Alam MB, Tomasic KC, Karpinets TV, Kouzy R, Phan JL, Wargo J, Holliday EB, Das P, Mezzari MP, Ajami NJ, Lynn EJ, Minsky BD, Morris VK, Milbourne A, Messick CA, Klopp AH, Futreal PA, Taniguchi CM, Schmeler KM, Colbert LE. HPV-related anal cancer is associated with changes in the anorectal microbiome during cancer development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1051431. [PMID: 37063829 PMCID: PMC10090447 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1051431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare gastrointestinal cancer. Factors associated with progression of HPV infection to anal dysplasia and cancer are unclear and screening guidelines and approaches for anal dysplasia are less clear than for cervical dysplasia. One potential contributing factor is the anorectal microbiome. In this study, we aimed to identify differences in anal microbiome composition in the settings of HPV infection, anal dysplasia, and anal cancer in this rare disease. Methods Patients were enrolled in two prospective studies. Patients with anal dysplasia were part of a cross-sectional cohort that enrolled women with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia. Anorectal tumor swabs were prospectively collected from patients with biopsy-confirmed locally advanced SCCA prior to receiving standard-of-care chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Patients with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia without anal dysplasia were considered high-risk (HR Normal). 16S V4 rRNA Microbiome sequencing was performed for anal swabs. Alpha and Beta Diversity and composition were compared for HR Normal, anal dysplasia, and anal cancer. Results 60 patients with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia were initially enrolled. Seven patients had concurrent anal dysplasia and 44 patients were considered HR Normal. Anorectal swabs from 21 patients with localized SCCA were included, sequenced, and analyzed in the study. Analysis of weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances demonstrated significant differences in microbial community composition between anal cancer and HR normal (p=0.018). LEfSe identified that all three groups exhibited differential enrichment of specific taxa. Peptoniphilus (p=0.028), Fusobacteria (p=0.0295), Porphyromonas (p=0.034), and Prevotella (p=0.029) were enriched in anal cancer specimens when compared to HR normal. Conclusion Although alpha diversity was similar between HR Normal, dysplasia and cancer patients, composition differed significantly between the three groups. Increased anorectal Peptoniphilus, Fusobacteria, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella abundance were associated with anal cancer. These organisms have been reported in various gastrointestinal cancers with roles in facilitating the proinflammatory microenvironment and neoplasia progression. Future work should investigate a potential role of microbiome analysis in screening for anal dysplasia and investigation into potential mechanisms of how these microbial imbalances influence the immune system and anal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H. Elnaggar
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Victoria O. Huynh
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Daniel Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - R. Tyler Hillman
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas Scholar in Cancer Research, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Chike O. Abana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Molly B. El Alam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Katarina C. Tomasic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tatiana V. Karpinets
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ramez Kouzy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jae L. Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Emma B. Holliday
- Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Prajnan Das
- Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Melissa P. Mezzari
- The Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nadim J. Ajami
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Erica J. Lynn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bruce D. Minsky
- Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Van K. Morris
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Andrea Milbourne
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Craig A. Messick
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ann H. Klopp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - P. Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cullen M. Taniguchi
- Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Schmeler
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren E. Colbert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Ait-Zenati F, Djoudi F, Mehelleb D, Madaoui M. Involvement of the human microbiome in frequent cancers, current knowledge and carcinogenesis mechanisms. Bull Cancer 2023:S0007-4551(23)00092-9. [PMID: 36959041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The human body is home to a complex microbial community, living in symbiosis. However, when an imbalance occurs, known as dysbiosis, it can lead to organic diseases such as cancers. Helicobacter pylori is commonly recognized as the causative agent of gastric cancer. Numerous studies have explored the potential role of other microorganisms in cancers. For example, the role of intestinal microbiota in the hepatocellular carcinoma formation and progression, the microbiota in breast cancer and the interaction between the microbiome and TP53 in human lung carcinogenesis. In this review, we highlight the latest findings on the microbiome involved in the most common cancers and the suggested mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazia Ait-Zenati
- Laboratoire d'écologie microbienne, département de microbiologie, université de Bejaia, route de Targa-Ouzemour, Bejaia, Algeria
| | - Ferhat Djoudi
- Laboratoire d'écologie microbienne, département de microbiologie, université de Bejaia, route de Targa-Ouzemour, Bejaia, Algeria.
| | - Dalila Mehelleb
- Laboratoire d'écologie microbienne, département de microbiologie, université de Bejaia, route de Targa-Ouzemour, Bejaia, Algeria
| | - Menad Madaoui
- Laboratoire d'écologie microbienne, département de microbiologie, université de Bejaia, route de Targa-Ouzemour, Bejaia, Algeria
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Matsuda E, Takada K, Kobayashi O, Nakajima T, Ikeda Y, Asai-Sato M, Kawakami K, Komatsu A, Chishima F, Komine-Aizawa S, Hayakawa S, Kawana K. Pathological roles of antimicrobial peptides and pro-inflammatory factors secreted from the cervical epithelium in Gardnerella vaginalis-abundant vaginal flora in pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103797. [PMID: 36645984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis due to Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is one of the main causes of preterm birth. Antimicrobial function of the cervical glands prevents ascending pathogen infection. This study investigated the effect of GV on the cervical gland cells. We examined the correlation between GV and neutrophil elastase in the cervical mucous obtained from pregnant women's clinical samples. Culture supernatants (sup) of GV and Lactobacillus crispatus (LC) were added to human immortalized cervical gland cells (EndoCx). Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to examine the effects on the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI), and Elafin. mRNA microarray analysis revealed the expression profile of GV-exposed EndoCx. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Elafin against LC and GV was investigated. In the clinical samples, neutrophil elastase was increased in the GV-positive cervical mucous. In an in vitro assay, RT-qPCR and ELISA showed that GV-sup enhanced the secretion of Elafin, but not SLPI, from EndoCx, whereas LC-sup did not. mRNA microarray assay and ELISA results demonstrated that GV-sup enhanced the proinflammatory pathway and interleukin (IL)- 8 secretion from EndoCx as well as cell adhesion and tight junction pathways. Moreover, GV-sup directly enhanced Elafin and IL-8 secretion from the cervical gland cells. In the GV-abundant vaginal flora, IL-8 level increased the neutrophil elastase activity and Elafin inhibited the elastase activity to protect from tissue damage and infection. Thus, the balance of IL-8-induced neutrophil and Elafin-induced antiprotease activities may be crucial in preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Matsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Osamu Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mikiko Asai-Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kaori Kawakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Atsushi Komatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Fumihisa Chishima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan.
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Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.09.527909. [PMID: 36798217 PMCID: PMC9934685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although vaginal Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection through acidification, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation, lack of an in vivo model system that closely resembles the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of wildtype C57BL/6J mice, commonly used to study pathogen colonization, and found that the vaginal microbiome composition varies highly both within and between colonies from three distinct vivaria. Because of the strong influence of environmental exposure on vaginal microbiome composition, we assessed whether a humanized microbiota mouse ( HMb mice) would model a more human-like vaginal microbiota. Similar to humans and conventional mice, HMb mice vaginal microbiota clustered into five community state types ( h mCST). Uniquely, HMb mice vaginal communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacilli or Enterobacteriaceae . Compared to genetically-matched conventional mice, HMb mice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia , but no differences were observed with uropathogenic E. coli . Specifically, vaginal Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were associated with the absence of uterine GBS. Anti-GBS activity of HMb mice vaginal E. coli and L. murinus isolates, representing Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus respectively, were characterized in vitro and in vivo . Although L. murinus reduced GBS growth in vitro , vaginal pre-inoculation with HMb mouse-derived E. coli , but not L. murinus , conferred protection against vaginal GBS burden. Overall, the HMb mice are an improved model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens. IMPORTANCE An altered vaginal microbiota, typically with little to no levels of Lactobacillus , is associated with increased susceptibility to urogenital infections, although mechanisms driving this vulnerability are not fully understood. Despite known inhibitory properties of Lactobacillus against urogenital pathogens, clinical studies with Lactobacillus probiotics have shown mixed success. In this study, we characterize the impact of the vaginal microbiota on urogenital pathogen colonization using a humanized microbiota mouse model that more closely mimics the human vaginal microbiota. We found several vaginal bacterial taxa that correlated with reduced pathogen levels but showed discordant effects in pathogen inhibition between in vitro and in vivo assays. We propose that this humanized microbiota mouse platform is an improved model to describe the role of the vaginal microbiota in protection against urogenital pathogens. Furthermore, this model will be useful in testing efficacy of new probiotic strategies in the complex vaginal environment.
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Yu B, Nguyen EB, McCartney S, Strenk S, Valint D, Liu C, Haggerty C, Fredricks DN. Vaginal bacteria elicit acute inflammatory response in fallopian tube organoids: a model for pelvic inflammatory disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.06.527402. [PMID: 36798329 PMCID: PMC9934550 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.06.527402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective To facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent tubal factor infertility, as well as ovarian carcinogenesis, we sought to establish patient tissue derived fallopian tube (FT) organoids and to study their inflammatory response to acute vaginal bacterial infection. Design Experimental study. Setting Academic medical and research center. Patients FT tissues were obtained from four patients after salpingectomy for benign gynecological diseases. Interventions We introduced acute infection in the FT organoid culture system by inoculating the organoid culture media with two common vaginal bacterial species, Lactobacillus crispatus and Fannyhessea vaginae . Main Outcome Measures The inflammatory response elicited in the organoids after acute bacterial infection was analyzed by the expression profile of 249 inflammatory genes. Results Compared to the negative controls that were not cultured with any bacteria, the organoids cultured with either bacterial species showed multiple differentially expressed inflammatory genes. Marked differences were noted between the Lactobacillus crispatus infected organoids and those infected by Fannyhessea vaginae . Genes from the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) family were highly upregulated in F. vaginae infected organoids. Flow cytometry showed that immune cells quickly disappeared during the organoid culture, indicating the inflammatory response observed with bacterial culture was generated by the epithelial cells in the organoids. Conclusion Patient tissue derived FT organoids respond to acute bacterial infection with upregulation of inflammatory genes specific to different vaginal bacterial species. FT organoids is a useful model system to study the host-pathogen interaction during bacterial infection which may facilitate mechanistic investigations in PID and its contribution to tubal factor infertility and ovarian carcinogensis.
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42
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Lebedeva OP, Popov VN, Syromyatnikov MY, Starkova NN, Maslov AY, Kozarenko ON, Gryaznova MV. Female reproductive tract microbiome and early miscarriages. APMIS 2023; 131:61-76. [PMID: 36511842 PMCID: PMC10107729 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Miscarriage is one of the main causes of reproductive loss, which can lead to a number of physical and psychological complications and other long-term consequences. However, the role of vaginal and uterine microbiome in such complications is poorly understood. To review the published data on the function of the female reproductive tract microbiome in the pathogenesis of early miscarriages. The articles published over the past 20 years and deposited in PubMed, Google Academy, Scopus, Elibrary, ResearchGate, and EBSCO databases were analyzed. The review presents new data on the impact of the vaginal and uterine microbiome on the local immunity, including defense against sexually transmitted infections, and its association with other factors of miscarriages. The studies on the microbiome of non-pregnant women with recurrent miscarriages in the anamnesis, patients undergoing IVF, and pregnant women with miscarriages, as well as new directions in the microbiome research are discussed. The majority of studies have demonstrated that the dominant species of the vaginal and uterine microbiome in patients with early miscarriages are non-Lactobacillus bacteria. As many of these bacteria have not previously been detected by cultural studies and their role in obstetric complications is not well defined, further research on the female reproductive tract microbiome, including the microbiome of the cervix uteri, is needed to develop new approaches for the prognosis and prevention of miscarriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P Lebedeva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia
| | - Vasily N Popov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia.,Department of Genetics, Cytology, and Bioengineering, Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y Syromyatnikov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia.,Department of Genetics, Cytology, and Bioengineering, Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
| | | | - Alexander Y Maslov
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College, New York City, NY, USA.,Laboratory of Applied Genomic Technologies, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia
| | - Olesya N Kozarenko
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia.,Female Health Department, Yakovlevo Central District Hospital, Belgorod Region, Russia
| | - Mariya V Gryaznova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia.,Department of Genetics, Cytology, and Bioengineering, Voronezh State University, Voronezh, Russia
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Brown BP, Feng C, Tanko RF, Jaumdally SZ, Bunjun R, Dabee S, Happel AU, Gasper M, Nyangahu DD, Onono M, Nair G, Palanee-Phillips T, Scoville CW, Heller K, Baeten JM, Bosinger SE, Burgener A, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. Copper intrauterine device increases vaginal concentrations of inflammatory anaerobes and depletes lactobacilli compared to hormonal options in a randomized trial. Nat Commun 2023; 14:499. [PMID: 36717556 PMCID: PMC9886933 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective contraceptives are a global health imperative for reproductive-aged women. However, there remains a lack of rigorous data regarding the effects of contraceptive options on vaginal bacteria and inflammation. Among 218 women enrolled into a substudy of the ECHO Trial (NCT02550067), we evaluate the effect of injectable intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), levonorgestrel implant (LNG), and a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) on the vaginal environment after one and six consecutive months of use, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multiplex cytokine assays. Primary endpoints include incident BV occurrence, bacterial diversity, and bacterial and cytokine concentrations. Secondary endpoints are bacterial and cytokine concentrations associated with later HIV seroconversion. Participants randomized to Cu-IUD exhibit elevated bacterial diversity, increased cytokine concentrations, and decreased relative abundance of lactobacilli after one and six months of use, relative to enrollment and other contraceptive options. Total bacterial loads of women using Cu-IUD increase 5.5 fold after six months, predominantly driven by increases in the concentrations of several inflammatory anaerobes. Furthermore, growth of L. crispatus (MV-1A-US) is inhibited by Cu2+ ions below biologically relevant concentrations, in vitro. Our work illustrates deleterious effects on the vaginal environment induced by Cu-IUD initiation, which may adversely impact sexual and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Brown
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA.
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Colin Feng
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA
| | - Ramla F Tanko
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Shameem Z Jaumdally
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rubina Bunjun
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie Gasper
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Donald D Nyangahu
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jared M Baeten
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Seattle, USA
| | - Steven E Bosinger
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, USA
- Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, USA.
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Jackson R, Rajadhyaksha EV, Loeffler RS, Flores CE, Van Doorslaer K. Characterization of 3D organotypic epithelial tissues reveals tonsil-specific differences in tonic interferon signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524743. [PMID: 36711548 PMCID: PMC9882319 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing techniques can recapitulate the stratified nature of multicellular epithelial tissues. Organotypic 3D epithelial tissue culture methods have several applications, including the study of tissue development and function, drug discovery and toxicity testing, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of tissue-engineered constructs for use in regenerative medicine. We grew 3D organotypic epithelial tissues from foreskin, cervix, and tonsil-derived primary cells and characterized the transcriptome of these in vitro tissue equivalents. Using the same 3D culturing method, all three tissues yielded stratified squamous epithelium, validated histologically using basal and superficial epithelial cell markers. The goal of this study was to use RNA-seq to compare gene expression patterns in these three types of epithelial tissues to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their function and identify potential therapeutic targets for various diseases. Functional profiling by over-representation and gene set enrichment analysis revealed tissue-specific differences: i.e. , cutaneous homeostasis and lipid metabolism in foreskin, extracellular matrix remodeling in cervix, and baseline innate immune differences in tonsil. Specifically, tonsillar epithelia may play an active role in shaping the immune microenvironment of the tonsil balancing inflammation and immune responses in the face of constant exposure to microbial insults. Overall, these data serve as a resource, with gene sets made available for the research community to explore, and as a foundation for understanding the epithelial heterogeneity and how it may impact their in vitro use. An online resource is available to investigate these data ( https://viz.datascience.arizona.edu/3DEpiEx/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jackson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Esha V Rajadhyaksha
- College of Medicine and College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Reid S Loeffler
- Biosystems Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Caitlyn E Flores
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Immunobiology; Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; Genetics Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; and University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
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45
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Mashatan N, Heidari R, Altafi M, Amini A, Ommati MM, Hashemzaei M. Probiotics in vaginal health. Pathog Dis 2023; 81:ftad012. [PMID: 37286796 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis, a type of vaginal inflammation, can be considered the main reason for abnormal discharges of the vagina and vaginal dysbiosis during reproductive years. Epidemiological investigations of females suffering from vaginitis demonstrated that at least 30% to 50% of all women had Bacterial vaginosis (BV). One of the fields of treatment is the use of probiotics, probiotics are commonly defined as viable microorganisms (yeasts or bacteria) that can positively affect the health of their hosts. They are used in foods, notably fermented milk products, and medicine-related products. The development of new probiotic strains is aimed at more active advantageous organisms. Lactobacillus species are the dominant bacteria in a normal vagina that can decrease the pH of the vagina by the production of lactic acid. A number of lactobacilli types can produce hydrogen peroxide as well. The presence of hydrogen peroxide-induced low pH can prevent the growth of several other microorganisms. The vaginal flora of BV cases can modify by replacing the Lactobacillus species with a high density of anaerobic bacteria (i.e. Mobiluncus sp. Bacteroides sp.), Mycoplasma hominis, and Gardnerella vaginalis. More vaginal infections are treated with medications, while there is a possibility of recurrence and chronic infection because of the adverse effects on the indigenous lactobacilli. Probiotics and prebiotics have shown capacities for optimizing, maintaining, and restoring the vaginal microflora. Therefore, biotherapeutics can offer alternative approaches to reduce infections of the vagina and thus promote consumers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noushin Mashatan
- Graduated, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mana Altafi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Shiraz Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Amini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Products Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Masoud Hashemzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
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Chandiwana P, Munjoma PT, Mazhandu AJ, Li J, Baertschi I, Wyss J, Jordi SBU, Mazengera LR, Yilmaz B, Misselwitz B, Duri K. Antenatal gut microbiome profiles and effect on pregnancy outcome in HIV infected and HIV uninfected women in a resource limited setting. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:4. [PMID: 36604616 PMCID: PMC9817306 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) severely damages the epithelial cells of the gut lining leading to an inflamed leaky gut, translocation of microbial products, and dysbiosis resulting in systemic immune activation. Also, microbiota composition and maternal gut function can be altered in pregnancy through changes in the immune system and intestinal physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women and to compare and identify the association between gut microbial composition and adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS A total of 94 pregnant women (35 HIV-infected and 59 HIV-uninfected controls) were recruited in Harare from 4 polyclinics serving populations with relatively poor socioeconomic status. Women were of a median age of 28 years (interquartile range, IQR: 22.3-32.0) and 55% of women were 35 weeks gestational age at enrolment (median 35.0 weeks, IQR: 32.5-37.2). Microbiota profiling in these participants showed that species richness was significantly lower in the HIV-infected pregnant women compared to their HIV-uninfected peers and significant differences in β-diversity using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity were observed. In contrast, there was no significant difference in α-diversity between immune-compromised (CD4+ < 350 cells/µL) and immune-competent HIV-infected women (CD4+ ≥ 350 cells/µL) even after stratification by viral load suppression. HIV infection was significantly associated with a reduced abundance of Clostridium, Turicibacter, Ruminococcus, Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Treponema, Oscillospira, and Faecalibacterium and a higher abundance of Actinomyces, and Succinivibrio. Low infant birth weight (< 2500 g) was significantly associated with high abundances of the phylum Spirochaetes, the families Spirochaeteceae, Veillonellaceae, and the genus Treponema. CONCLUSION The results reported here show that the species richness and taxonomy composition of the gut microbiota is altered in HIV-infected pregnant women, possibly reflecting intestinal dysbiosis. Some of these taxa were also associated with low infant birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panashe Chandiwana
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Privilege Tendai Munjoma
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Arthur John Mazhandu
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jiaqi Li
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Baertschi
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Wyss
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Bruno Ulrich Jordi
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lovemore Ronald Mazengera
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bahtiyar Yilmaz
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Misselwitz
- grid.411656.10000 0004 0479 0855Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department for Biomedical Research, Maurice Müller Laboratories, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kerina Duri
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Immunology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Zizolfi B, Foreste V, Gallo A, Martone S, Giampaolino P, Di Spiezio Sardo A. Endometriosis and dysbiosis: State of art. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1140774. [PMID: 36891056 PMCID: PMC9986482 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1140774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex and heterogeneous disease affecting approximately 10% of reproductive age women. The hypothesis that alterations in the microbiota are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has been postulated. Possible explanations for the implications of dysbiosis in endometriosis include the Bacterial Contamination hypothesis and immune activation, cytokine-impaired gut function, altered estrogen metabolism and signaling. Thus, dysbiosis, disrupt normal immune function, leading to the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, compromised immunosurveillance and altered immune cell profiles, all of which may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the available literature data about the relationship between microbiota and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunella Zizolfi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Brunella Zizolfi,
| | - Virginia Foreste
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Martone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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48
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Zhu B, Tao Z, Edupuganti L, Serrano MG, Buck GA. Roles of the Microbiota of the Female Reproductive Tract in Gynecological and Reproductive Health. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0018121. [PMID: 36222685 PMCID: PMC9769908 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00181-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome of the female reproductive tract defies the convention that high biodiversity is a hallmark of an optimal ecosystem. Although not universally true, a homogeneous vaginal microbiome composed of species of Lactobacillus is generally associated with health, whereas vaginal microbiomes consisting of other taxa are generally associated with dysbiosis and a higher risk of disease. The past decade has seen a rapid advancement in our understanding of these unique biosystems. Of particular interest, substantial effort has been devoted to deciphering how members of the microbiome of the female reproductive tract impact pregnancy, with a focus on adverse outcomes, including but not limited to preterm birth. Herein, we review recent research efforts that are revealing the mechanisms by which these microorganisms of the female reproductive tract influence gynecologic and reproductive health of the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Zhi Tao
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Laahirie Edupuganti
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Myrna G. Serrano
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory A. Buck
- Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Computer Science, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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49
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Shapiro RL, DeLong K, Zulfiqar F, Carter D, Better M, Ensign LM. In vitro and ex vivo models for evaluating vaginal drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114543. [PMID: 36208729 PMCID: PMC9940824 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal drug delivery systems are often preferred for treating a variety of diseases and conditions of the female reproductive tract (FRT), as delivery can be more targeted with less systemic side effects. However, there are many anatomical and biological barriers to effective treatment via the vaginal route. Further, biocompatibility with the local tissue and microbial microenvironment is desired. A variety of in vitro and ex vivo models are described herein for evaluating the physicochemical properties and toxicity profile of vaginal drug delivery systems. Deciding whether to utilize organoids in vitro or fresh human cervicovaginal mucus ex vivo requires careful consideration of the intended use and the formulation characteristics. Optimally, in vitro and ex vivo experimentation will inform or predict in vivo performance, and examples are given that describe utilization of a range of methods from in vitro to in vivo. Lastly, we highlight more advanced model systems for other mucosa as inspiration for the future in model development for the FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Shapiro
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Kevin DeLong
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Fareeha Zulfiqar
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Davell Carter
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Marina Better
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Laura M Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Infectious Diseases, and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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50
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Mahajan G, Doherty E, To T, Sutherland A, Grant J, Junaid A, Gulati A, LoGrande N, Izadifar Z, Timilsina SS, Horváth V, Plebani R, France M, Hood-Pishchany I, Rakoff-Nahoum S, Kwon DS, Goyal G, Prantil-Baun R, Ravel J, Ingber DE. Vaginal microbiome-host interactions modeled in a human vagina-on-a-chip. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:201. [PMID: 36434666 PMCID: PMC9701078 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A dominance of non-iners Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome is optimal and strongly associated with gynecological and obstetric health, while the presence of diverse obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria and a paucity in Lactobacillus species, similar to communities found in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is considered non-optimal and associated with adverse health outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are being explored to modulate the composition of the vaginal microbiome; however, there is no human model that faithfully reproduces the vaginal epithelial microenvironment for preclinical validation of potential therapeutics or testing hypotheses about vaginal epithelium-microbiome interactions. RESULTS Here, we describe an organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic culture model of the human vaginal mucosa (vagina chip) that is lined by hormone-sensitive, primary vaginal epithelium interfaced with underlying stromal fibroblasts, which sustains a low physiological oxygen concentration in the epithelial lumen. We show that the Vagina Chip can be used to assess colonization by optimal L. crispatus consortia as well as non-optimal Gardnerella vaginalis-containing consortia, and to measure associated host innate immune responses. Co-culture and growth of the L. crispatus consortia on-chip was accompanied by maintenance of epithelial cell viability, accumulation of D- and L-lactic acid, maintenance of a physiologically relevant low pH, and down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, co-culture of G. vaginalis-containing consortia in the vagina chip resulted in epithelial cell injury, a rise in pH, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of applying human organ chip technology to create a preclinical model of the human vaginal mucosa that can be used to better understand interactions between the vaginal microbiome and host tissues, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live biotherapeutics products. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Emulate, Inc, 27 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Erin Doherty
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tania To
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arlene Sutherland
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Grant
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abidemi Junaid
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aakanksha Gulati
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nina LoGrande
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma Timilsina
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Viktor Horváth
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Center on Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Indriati Hood-Pishchany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Girija Goyal
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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