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Isolation and comparative investigation of vaginal mycoflora in feline population of urban and dairy cattle herds. J Mycol Med 2015; 26:22-7. [PMID: 26711354 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to identify the predominant fungal species present at vaginal site in different healthy cats including households, stray and cats in industrial dairy cattle herds. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fungal isolates of vaginal fluids of 100 cats were collected using the sterilized cotton swabs from discharges of vagina. The isolates were identified according to their morphological characteristics and biochemical profile. Were included 34%, 33% and 33% households, stray cats and cats of industrial dairy cattle herds of Mashhad-Iran, respectively. They were short hair cats. RESULT Vaginal fungi were isolated from 69% of feline population. Fungal isolates were obtained from vagina of 22%, 25% and 22% of households, stray cats and cats of industrial dairy cattle herds, respectively. There were no significant differences among the cats. The highest fungal agent was recovered in cats of 1-2 years old. Twenty two different isolates were recovered in this study. The most frequently recovered species samples were Penicillum spp. (11%) followed by Aspergillus section Nidulanti (4%). However, the vagina of healthy cats could be contaminated by 2-4 different fungal agents. CONCLUSION It is concluded that fungal infections can occur in vaginal cavity of different healthy kinds of cats.
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Gonçalves B, Ferreira C, Alves CT, Henriques M, Azeredo J, Silva S. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Epidemiology, microbiology and risk factors. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:905-27. [PMID: 26690853 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1091805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection caused by Candida species that affects millions of women every year. Although Candida albicans is the main cause of VVC, the identification of non-Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species, especially Candida glabrata, as the cause of this infection, appears to be increasing. The development of VVC is usually attributed to the disturbance of the balance between Candida vaginal colonization and host environment by physiological or nonphysiological changes. Several host-related and behavioral risk factors have been proposed as predisposing factors for VVC. Host-related factors include pregnancy, hormone replacement, uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression, antibiotics, glucocorticoids use and genetic predispositions. Behavioral risk factors include use of oral contraceptives, intrauterine device, spermicides and condoms and some habits of hygiene, clothing and sexual practices. Despite a growing list of recognized risk factors, much remains to be elucidated as the role of host versus microorganisms, in inducing VVC and its recurrence. Thus, this review provides information about the current state of knowledge on the risk factors that predispose to VVC, also including a revision of the epidemiology and microbiology of VVC, as well as of Candida virulence factors associated with vaginal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Gonçalves
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Carina Ferreira
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Carlos Tiago Alves
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Mariana Henriques
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Joana Azeredo
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- a CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
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Wang L, Wang C, Mei H, Shen Y, Lv G, Zeng R, Zhan P, Li D, Liu W. Combination of Estrogen and Immunosuppressive Agents to Establish a Mouse Model of Candidiasis with Concurrent Oral and Vaginal Mucosal Infection. Mycopathologia 2015; 181:29-39. [PMID: 26404163 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9947-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mouse model is an appropriate tool for pathogenic determination and study of host defenses during the fungal infection. Here, we established a mouse model of candidiasis with concurrent oral and vaginal mucosal infection. Two C. albicans strains sourced from clinical candidemia (SC5314) and mucosal infection (ATCC62342) were tested in ICR mice. The different combinational panels covering estrogen and immunosuppressive agents, cortisone, prednisolone and cyclophosphamide were used for concurrent oral and vaginal candidiasis establishment. Prednisolone in combination with estrogen proved an optimal mode for concurrent mucosal infection establishment. The model maintained for 1 week with fungal burden reached at least 10(5) cfu/g of tissue. This mouse model was evaluated by in vivo pharmacodynamics of fluconazole and host mucosal immunity of IL-17 and IL-23. Mice infected by SC5314 were cured by fluconazole. An increase in IL-23 in both oral and vaginal homogenates was observed after infection, while IL-17 only had a prominent elevation in oral tissue. This model could properly mimic complicated clinical conditions and provides a valuable means for antifungal assay in vivo and may also provide a useful method for the evaluation of host-fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Mei
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongnian Shen
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixia Lv
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, SE 305 Med-Dent Building, 3900 Reservoir Rd., NW., Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Weida Liu
- Department of Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, No. 12. Jiang Wangmiao St., Nanjing, 210042, People's Republic of China.
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Lasarte S, Samaniego R, Salinas-Muñoz L, Guia-Gonzalez MA, Weiss LA, Mercader E, Ceballos-García E, Navarro-González T, Moreno-Ochoa L, Perez-Millan F, Pion M, Sanchez-Mateos P, Hidalgo A, Muñoz-Fernandez MA, Relloso M. Sex Hormones Coordinate Neutrophil Immunity in the Vagina by Controlling Chemokine Gradients. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:476-84. [PMID: 26238687 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol-based contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy predispose women to Candida albicans infections. Moreover, during the ovulatory phase (high estradiol), neutrophil numbers decrease in the vaginal lumen and increase during the luteal phase (high progesterone). Vaginal secretions contain chemokines that drive neutrophil migration into the lumen. However, their expression during the ovarian cycle or in response to hormonal treatments are controversial and their role in vaginal defense remains unknown.To investigate the transepithelial migration of neutrophils, we used adoptive transfer of Cxcr2(-/-) neutrophils and chemokine immunofluorescence quantitative analysis in response to C. albicans vaginal infection in the presence of hormones.Our data show that the Cxcl1/Cxcr2 axis drives neutrophil transepithelial migration into the vagina. Progesterone promotes the Cxcl1 gradient to favor neutrophil migration. Estradiol disrupts the Cxcl1 gradient and favors neutrophil arrest in the vaginal stroma; as a result, the vagina becomes more vulnerable to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lasarte
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Rafael Samaniego
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)
| | | | | | - Linnea A Weiss
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Enrique Mercader
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
| | - Elena Ceballos-García
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada Servicio de Ginecología
| | | | | | | | | | - Paloma Sanchez-Mateos
- Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid
| | - Andres Hidalgo
- Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC)
| | - Maria A Muñoz-Fernandez
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Miguel Relloso
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Grupo Fisiopatología Comparada
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Ayehunie S, Islam A, Cannon C, Landry T, Pudney J, Klausner M, Anderson DJ. Characterization of a Hormone-Responsive Organotypic Human Vaginal Tissue Model: Morphologic and Immunologic Effects. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:980-90. [PMID: 25676577 PMCID: PMC5933095 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115570906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells in the female genital tract. We investigated the effects of these hormones on reconstructed human organotypic vaginal epithelial tissue models (EpiVaginal). We ascertained that epithelial cells in the tissue models express estrogen and progesterone receptors. Treatment with estradiol-17β (E(2)) significantly increased epithelium thickness and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), whereas progesterone (P) treatment resulted in thinning of the epithelium and decreased TEER when compared with untreated controls. Exposure to E(2) increased (1) the expression of the progesterone receptor B (PR-B), (2) accumulation of glycogen in suprabasal cells, (3) epithelial differentiation, and (4) the expression of a number of gene pathways associated with innate immunity, epithelial differentiation, wound healing, and antiviral responses. These findings indicate that EpiVaginal tissues are hormone responsive and can be used to study the role of female reproductive hormones in innate immune responses, microbial infection, and drug delivery in the vaginal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Ayehunie
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Ayesha Islam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chris Cannon
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Landry
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Blood group antigens represent polymorphic traits inherited among individuals and populations. At present, there are 34 recognized human blood groups and hundreds of individual blood group antigens and alleles. Differences in blood group antigen expression can increase or decrease host susceptibility to many infections. Blood groups can play a direct role in infection by serving as receptors and/or coreceptors for microorganisms, parasites, and viruses. In addition, many blood group antigens facilitate intracellular uptake, signal transduction, or adhesion through the organization of membrane microdomains. Several blood groups can modify the innate immune response to infection. Several distinct phenotypes associated with increased host resistance to malaria are overrepresented in populations living in areas where malaria is endemic, as a result of evolutionary pressures. Microorganisms can also stimulate antibodies against blood group antigens, including ABO, T, and Kell. Finally, there is a symbiotic relationship between blood group expression and maturation of the gastrointestinal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cooling
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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The role of sex hormones in immune protection of the female reproductive tract. Nat Rev Immunol 2015; 15:217-30. [PMID: 25743222 DOI: 10.1038/nri3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within the human female reproductive tract (FRT), the challenge of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is coupled with the need to enable successful reproduction. Oestradiol and progesterone, which are secreted during the menstrual cycle, affect epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells in the FRT to modify their functions and hence the individual's susceptibility to STIs in ways that are unique to specific sites in the FRT. The innate and adaptive immune systems are under hormonal control, and immune protection in the FRT varies with the phase of the menstrual cycle. Immune protection is dampened during the secretory phase of the cycle to optimize conditions for fertilization and pregnancy, which creates a 'window of vulnerability' during which potential pathogens can enter and infect the FRT.
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Effect of progesterone on Candida albicans vaginal pathogenicity. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:1011-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Kovács R, Czudar A, Horváth L, Szakács L, Majoros L, Kónya J. Serum interleukin-6 levels in murine models of Candida albicans infection. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2014; 61:61-9. [PMID: 24631754 DOI: 10.1556/amicr.61.2014.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two Balb/C mouse models of Candida infection were used to detect serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses. The first model used systemic infection by Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain infected through the lateral tail vein of mice without any specific pretreatment. The median Candida burdens of the kidneys were 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h postinoculation (p.i.) and 1.2 × 107 CFU/ml 72 h p.i., while median serum IL-6 levels were 479.3 pg/ml and 934.5 pg/ml, respectively. The Candida burden showed significant correlation with serum IL-6 24 h p.i. (R2 = 0.6358; P = 0.0082) but not 72 h p.i.The second model was a mouse vaginitis model applying intravaginal inoculation of mice pretreated with subcutaneous estradiol-valerate (10 mg/ml) 3 days before infection. Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid was 2.8 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h p.i. and 1.4 × 108 CFU/ml 72 h p.i. Serum IL-6 response was detected in 4 of 15 mice 24 h p.i. and 9 of 15 mice 72 h p.i. Even the responders had low IL-6 serum levels (mean values 29.9 pg/ml and 60.1 pg/ml, respectively) not correlating with Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid.In conclusion, serum IL-6 had strong relationship with systemic C. albicans infection while the local C. albicans infection of the vagina led to partial, prolonged and limited serum IL-6 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renátó Kovács
- 1 University of Debrecen Department of Medical Microbiology Debrecen Hungary
| | - Anita Czudar
- 1 University of Debrecen Department of Medical Microbiology Debrecen Hungary
| | - László Horváth
- 2 University of Debrecen Central Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Debrecen Hungary
| | - Levente Szakács
- 1 University of Debrecen Department of Medical Microbiology Debrecen Hungary
| | - László Majoros
- 1 University of Debrecen Department of Medical Microbiology Debrecen Hungary
| | - József Kónya
- 1 University of Debrecen Department of Medical Microbiology Debrecen Hungary
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Zhang JE, Luo D, Chen RY, Yang YP, Zhou Y, Fan YM. Feasibility of histological scoring and colony count for evaluating infective severity in mouse vaginal candidiasis. Exp Anim 2014; 62:205-10. [PMID: 23903055 PMCID: PMC4160942 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.62.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualitative measurement of the infective level is relatively difficult in experimental
vaginal candidiasis. Female BALB/c mice aged 8 to 10 weeks were randomly divided into E1,
E2 and E0 groups, which received subcutaneous injection of 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg of estradiol
benzoate or 0.1 ml soybean oil 3 days before vaginal inoculation, respectively, and
hormone treatment continued every other day thereafter. Each group was further divided
into infected and noninfected subgroups. The infected mice were inoculated intravaginally
with 10 µl (5 × 104 conidia) of Candida
albicans suspension, while the noninfected mice were inoculated with 10
µl phosphate-buffered saline. Direct microscopic examination, colony
count and vaginal histopathology including infection degree and inflammation extent were
performed at 3, 7 and 14 days post inoculation. Estrogen treatment increased the vaginal
fungal burden and extent of infection and inflammation compared with the control group,
and 0.3 mg/week estrogen generally induced more severe infection and inflammation than
0.15 mg/week estrogen did. Colony count peaked on day 3 and decreased remarkably after 7
days. Infection score increased gradually during the first 7 days and decreased on day 14,
while inflammation extent exacerbated progressively over the course of 14 days. This study
demonstrates that the modified histological scoring system might be more feasible than
colony count for evaluation of infectivity and dynamic change in experimental vaginal
candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-E Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, No.57, Renmin Avenue, Xiashan District, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524001, PR, China
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Carey AJ, Tan CK, Mirza S, Irving-Rodgers H, Webb RI, Lam A, Ulett GC. Infection and cellular defense dynamics in a novel 17β-estradiol murine model of chronic human group B streptococcus genital tract colonization reveal a role for hemolysin in persistence and neutrophil accumulation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:1718-31. [PMID: 24453257 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Genital tract carriage of group B streptococcus (GBS) is prevalent among adult women; however, the dynamics of chronic GBS genital tract carriage, including how GBS persists in this immunologically active host niche long term, are not well defined. To our knowledge, in this study, we report the first animal model of chronic GBS genital tract colonization using female mice synchronized into estrus by delivery of 17β-estradiol prior to intravaginal challenge with wild-type GBS 874391. Cervicovaginal swabs, which were used to measure bacterial persistence, showed that GBS colonized the vaginal mucosa of mice at high numbers (10(6)-10(7) CFU/swab) for at least 90 d. Cellular and histological analyses showed that chronic GBS colonization of the murine genital tract caused significant lymphocyte and PMN cell infiltrates, which were localized to the vaginal mucosal surface. Long-term colonization was independent of regular hormone cycling. Immunological analyses of 23 soluble proteins related to chemotaxis and inflammation showed that the host response to GBS in the genital tract comprised markers of innate immune activation including cytokines such as GM-CSF and TNF-α. A nonhemolytic isogenic mutant of GBS 874391, Δcyle9, was impaired for colonization and was associated with amplified local PMN responses. Induction of DNA neutrophil extracellular traps, which was observed in GBS-infected human PMNs in vitro in a hemolysin-dependent manner, appeared to be part of this response. Overall, this study defines key infection dynamics in a novel murine model of chronic GBS genital tract colonization and establishes previously unknown cellular and soluble defense responses to GBS in the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J Carey
- School of Medical Sciences, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
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Lasarte S, Elsner D, Guía-González M, Ramos-Medina R, Sánchez-Ramón S, Esponda P, Muñoz-Fernández MA, Relloso M. Female sex hormones regulate the Th17 immune response to sperm and Candida albicans. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:3283-91. [PMID: 24065277 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What role do female sex hormones play in the antisperm immune response? SUMMARY ANSWER We found that sperm induce a Th17 immune response and that estradiol down-regulates the antisperm Th17 response by dendritic cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Estradiol down-regulates the immune response to several pathogens and impairs the triggering of dendritic cell maturation by microbial products. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Ex vivo and in vivo murine models of vaginal infection with sperm and Candida albicans were used to study the induction of Th17 and its hormonal regulation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed the induction of Th17 cytokines and T cells in splenocytes obtained from BALB/c mice challenged with sperm and C. albicans. For the in vivo vaginal infection models, we used ovariectomized mice treated with vehicle, estradiol or progesterone, and we assessed the effect of these hormones on the immune response in the lymph nodes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Th17 cytokines and T cells were induced by sperm antigens in both ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Estrus levels of estradiol down-regulated the Th17 response to sperm and C. albicans in vivo. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was conducted using murine models; whether or not the results are applicable to humans is not known. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results describe an adaptive mechanism that reconciles immunity and reproduction and further explains why unregulated Th17 could be linked to infertility and recurrent infections. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by research grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (PI10/00897) and Fundación Mutua Madrileña to M.R. M.R. holds a Miguel Servet contract from the ISCIII (CP08/00228). M.A.M.-F. was supported by (ISCIII) INTRASALUD PI09/02029. We have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not required.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lasarte
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Dr. Esquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain
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Yuan Q, Zhuo C, Yonggui M, Fuer L, Suhua C, Guangying H. Nonoxynol-9 berberine plural gel has little effect on expression of SLPI, SP-D and lactoferrin in mice's vagina. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2013; 11:565-76. [PMID: 24639792 PMCID: PMC3941347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most frequently used spermicide Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) in the clinic alters the vaginal flora, which will result in an increased risk of opportunistic infection. So development of a novel spermicidal and microbicidal drug appears to be inevitable. Vaginal local immune is an important part of vaginal flora. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), surfactant proteins D (SP-D), and lactoferrin (LF) are anti-microbial molecules with important roles in immune system of female vaginas. OBJECTIVE To observe effect of a vaginal spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) berberine plural gel on the expression of SLPI SP-D and LF in mice's vaginas. Materials and Methods : Female BABL/C mice were randomly divided into following 5 groups: normal control group, blank gel group, berberine gel group, 12% N-9 gel group and N-9 berberine plural gel group. Estradiol benzoate at physiological dose was done by hypodermic injection to every group's mice. After 72h, drug gels were separately injected into the mice's vaginas, while immunohistochemistry and Western blot were taken to detect the expression of the 3 indexes in mice's vaginas respectively after 24h and 72h of gel injection. RESULTS The differences in the three indexes between normal control group and blank gel group were not significant statistically (p>0.05). The expression of the three indexes in 12% N-9 gel group was decreased compared to that in blank gel group (p<0.05). The differences in the three indexes between N-9 berberine plural gel group and blank gel group were not significant statistically (p>0.05). Also, the three index's level of 24h and 72h in sub observation groups after treatment were without statistical significance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Application of N-9 berberine plural gel had little impact on antimicrobial peptides in normal mice's vaginas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Yuan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital. Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China. ,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hosptial of Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R.China.
| | - Chen Zhuo
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital. Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China. ,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China.
| | - Ma Yonggui
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R..China.
| | - Lu Fuer
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital. Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China. ,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China.
| | - Chen Suhua
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China.
| | - Huang Guangying
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital. Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China. ,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R.China.
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Mosci P, Pietrella D, Ricci G, Pandey N, Monari C, Pericolini E, Gabrielli E, Perito S, Bistoni F, Vecchiarelli A. Mouse strain-dependent differences in estrogen sensitivity during vaginal candidiasis. Mycopathologia 2012; 175:1-11. [PMID: 23054331 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-012-9589-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The animal models available for studying the immune response to genital tract infection require induction of a pseudo estrous state, usually achieved by administration of 17-β-estradiol. In our experimental model of vaginal candidiasis, under pseudo estrus, different strains of mice were used. We observed major differences in the clearance of Candida albicans infection among the different strains, ascribable to differing susceptibility to estradiol treatment. In the early phase of infection CD1, BALB/c, C57BL/6 albino and C57BL/6 mice were colonized to similar levels, while in the late phase of infection, BALB/c mice, which are considered genetically resistant to C. albicans infection, exhibited greater susceptibility to vaginal candidiasis than CD1 and C57BL/6 albino strains of mice. This was because estradiol induced "per se" enlarged and fluid-filled uteri, more pronounced in infected mice and consistently more evident in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice than in CD1 mice. Unlike CD1, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice showed a heavy fungal colonization of the uterus, even though C57BL/6 mice apparently cleared C. albicans from the vagina. The presence of C. albicans in the vagina and uterus was accompanied by a heavy bacterial load. Collectively these observations prompted us to carry out a careful analysis of estradiol effects in a mouse model of vaginal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Mosci
- Internal Medicine Section, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Diagnostic and Veterinary Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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66
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Fischer G. Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: What we know and what we have yet to learn. Australas J Dermatol 2012; 53:247-54. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2011.00860.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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67
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Teixeira GS, Carvalho FP, Arantes RME, Nunes AC, Moreira JLS, Mendonça M, Almeida RB, Farias LM, Carvalho MAR, Nicoli JR. Characteristics of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella vaginalis from women with or without bacterial vaginosis and their relationships in gnotobiotic mice. J Med Microbiol 2012; 61:1074-1081. [PMID: 22539000 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.041962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate in vitro the production of antagonistic compounds against Gardnerella vaginalis by Lactobacillus strains isolated from women with or without bacterial vaginosis (BV), and to select one of the better Lactobacillus producers of such a substance to be tested in vivo using a gnotobiotic animal model challenged with one of the more sensitive G. vaginalis isolates. A total of 24 isolates from women with and without BV were identified as G. vaginalis. A higher frequency (P<0.05) of this bacterium was observed in women with BV (56.7%) when compared to healthy women (17.6%). A total of 86 strains of Lactobacillus were obtained from healthy women and women with BV. Lactobacillus strains were more frequently present (P<0.05) in healthy women (97.5%) than in women with BV (76.7%). Lactobacillus crispatus was the predominating strain in both healthy women and women with BV. Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus vaginalis were isolated with an intermediate frequency in the two groups. In vitro antagonism assays were performed using as indicators 17 reference strains and the G. vaginalis strains isolated from women with BV and from healthy women. Lactobacillus isolated from healthy women showed the higher antagonistic activity against all the indicator strains when compared with isolates from women with BV. Concerning the indicator strains, G. vaginalis found in women with BV was more resistant to the antagonism, particularly when Lactobacillus isolates from women with BV were used as producer strains. A high vaginal population level of G. vaginalis was obtained by intravaginal inoculation of germ-free mice, and this colonization was accompanied by vaginal histopathological lesions. A tenfold decrease in vaginal population level of G. vaginalis and a reduction of histological lesions were observed when the pathogenic challenge was performed in mice previously monoassociated with an L. johnsonii strain. Concluding, results of the present study suggest that progression of G. vaginalis-associated BV depends in part on a simultaneous presence of Lactobacillus populations with a low antagonistic capacity and of a G. vaginalis strain with a high resistance to this antagonism. The results could also explain why G. vaginalis is frequently found in the vaginal ecosystem of healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Teixeira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - F P Carvalho
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R M E Arantes
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A C Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J L S Moreira
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M Mendonça
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R B Almeida
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L M Farias
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - M A R Carvalho
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J R Nicoli
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Yilmaz AE, Celik N, Soylu G, Donmez A, Yuksel C. Comparison of clinical and microbiological features of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal and pubertal girls. J Formos Med Assoc 2012; 111:392-6. [PMID: 22817817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Vulvovaginitisis the most common gynecological problem of childhood. The aim of the study was to determine and compare clinical and microbiological features of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal and adolescent girls. METHODS In this retrospective study, the records of patients who were diagnosed with vulvovaginitis between January 2005 and December 2010 in the pediatric outpatient clinic at Fatih University Hospital were retrieved. Information regarding age, symptoms, history of antibiotic use within 1 month prior to presentation, findings on urinalysis, serum antistreptolysin-O levels, and results of urine/vaginal cultures was collected. RESULTS The records of 112 patients were evaluated, 72 of which were prepubertal (64.2%) and 40 were pubertal (35.7%) at the time of diagnosis. Thirty-eight prepubertal patients (52.7%) had a positive result on vaginal culture, the most commonly encountered microorganism being group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (15.2%). Culture positivity rate in the pubertal group was 47.5% (19 patients), with Candida albicans being the most frequently isolated microorganism (27.5%). CONCLUSION The etiopathogenesis and culture results differ between prepubertal and adolescent girls with vulvovaginitis, which should be taken into consideration in the treatment approach of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse E Yilmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Prasad R, Devaux F, Dhamgaye S, Banerjee D. Response of pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeasts to steroids. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 129:61-9. [PMID: 21115115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroids are known to induce pleiotropic drug resistance states in hemiascomycetes, with tremendous potential consequences on human fungal infections. The proteins capable of binding to steroids such as progesterone binding protein (PBP), estradiol binding proteins (ESP) are found in yeasts, however, the well known receptor mediated signaling present in higher eukaryotic cells is absent in yeasts and fungi. Steroids are perceived as stress by yeast cells which triggers general stress response leading to activation of heat shock proteins, cell cycle regulators, MDR transporters, etc. In this article, we review the response of yeast to human steroid hormones which affects its cell growth, morphology and virulence. We discuss that a fairly conserved response to steroids at the level of transcription and translation exists between pathogenic and non-pathogenic yeasts. Article from a special issue on steroids and microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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70
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Rahman D, Mistry M, Thavaraj S, Naglik JR, Challacombe SJ. Murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal Candida albicans colonisation. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 845:527-35. [PMID: 22328401 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-539-8_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the complex interaction between the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and its human host require the use of animals as in vivo models. A major advance is the creation of a low-oestrogen murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal C. albicans colonisation that resembles human candidal carriage at both mucosal sites. Weekly intramuscular (5 μg) and subcutaneous (5 μg) oestrogen administration was determined as optimal, enhancing oral colonisation but essential for vaginal colonisation. Using a clinical C. albicans oral isolate, persistent colonisation for up to 6 weeks can be achieved at both sites in two strains of mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6). This concurrent model of mucosal colonisation reduces the numbers of experimental mice by half, and opens up new avenues of research in assessing potential mucosal vaccine candidates and in studying delicate host-pathogen interactions during the most natural state of C. albicans epithelial colonisation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Candida albicans/growth & development
- Candida albicans/pathogenicity
- Candidiasis, Oral/complications
- Candidiasis, Oral/microbiology
- Candidiasis, Oral/pathology
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/complications
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology
- Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
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Affiliation(s)
- Durdana Rahman
- Department of Oral Immunology, King's College London Dental Institute, London, UK
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71
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Yano J, Noverr MC, Fidel PL. Cytokines in the host response to Candida vaginitis: Identifying a role for non-classical immune mediators, S100 alarmins. Cytokine 2011; 58:118-28. [PMID: 22182685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans, affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. More than two decades of research have been focused on the mechanisms associated with susceptibility or resistance to symptomatic infection. Adaptive immunity by Th1-type CD4(+) T cells and downstream cytokine responses are considered the predominant host defense mechanisms against mucosal Candida infections. However, numerous clinical and animal studies have indicated no or limited protective role of cells and cytokines of the Th1 or Th2 lineage against vaginal infection. The role for Th17 is only now begun to be investigated in-depth for VVC with results already showing significant controversy. On the other hand, a clinical live-challenge study and an established animal model have shown that a symptomatic condition is intimately associated with the vaginal infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) but with no effect on vaginal fungal burden. Subsequent studies identified S100A8 and S100A9 alarmins as key chemotactic mediators of the acute PMN response. These chemotactic danger signals appear to be secreted by vaginal epithelial cells upon interaction and early adherence of Candida. Thus, instead of a putative immunodeficiency against Candida involving classical immune cells and cytokines of the adaptive response, the pathological inflammation in VVC is now considered a consequence of a non-productive innate response initiated by non-classical immune mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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72
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Yano J, Fidel PL. Protocols for vaginal inoculation and sample collection in the experimental mouse model of Candida vaginitis. J Vis Exp 2011:3382. [PMID: 22215135 PMCID: PMC3369659 DOI: 10.3791/3382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida species, is a fungal infection of the lower female genital tract that affects approximately 75% of otherwise healthy women during their reproductive years. Predisposing factors include antibiotic usage, uncontrolled diabetes and disturbance in reproductive hormone levels due to pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies. Recurrent VVC (RVVC), defined as three or more episodes per year, affects a separate 5 to 8% of women with no predisposing factors. An experimental mouse model of VVC has been established and used to study the pathogenesis and mucosal host response to Candida. This model has also been employed to test potential antifungal therapies in vivo. The model requires that the animals be maintained in a state of pseudoestrus for optimal Candida colonization/infection. Under such conditions, inoculated animals will have detectable vaginal fungal burden for weeks to months. Past studies show an extremely high parallel between the animal model and human infection relative to immunological and physiological properties. Differences, however, include a lack of Candida as normal vaginal flora and a neutral vaginal pH in the mice. Here, we demonstrate a series of key methods in the mouse vaginitis model that include vaginal inoculation, rapid collection of vaginal specimens, assessment of vaginal fungal burden, and tissue preparations for cellular extraction/isolation. This is followed by representative results for constituents of vaginal lavage fluid, fungal burden, and draining lymph node leukocyte yields. With the use of anesthetics, lavage samples can be collected at multiple time points on the same mice for longitudinal evaluation of infection/colonization. Furthermore, this model requires no immunosuppressive agents to initiate infection, allowing immunological studies under defined host conditions. Finally, the model and each technique introduced here could potentially give rise to use of the methodologies to examine other infectious diseases of the lower female genital tract (bacterial, parasitic, viral) and respective local or systemic host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yano
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, USA
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73
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Tamsikar J, Singh S, Naidu J. Prevalence of non- albicans Candida vaginitis in patients on hormonal treatment in Jabalpur, Central India. J Mycol Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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74
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75
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Ogunshe AAO, Omotoso MA, Bello VB. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of metabolites from lactobacillus strains on Candida species implicated in Candida vaginitis. Malays J Med Sci 2011; 18:13-25. [PMID: 22589669 PMCID: PMC3328930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research from developing countries, such as Nigeria, on Lactobacillus species in the female urogenital tract and their role as a barrier to vaginal infection is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the clinical biotherapeutic potential of indigenous Lactobacillus species. METHODS Antimicrobial metabolites production were characterised using simple and easily reproducible qualitative and quantitative methods. The in vitro inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus antimicrobials on vulvovaginal candidiasis-associated Candida species was investigated using modified agar spot and agar well-diffusion methods. RESULTS The maximum levels of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and diacetyl from 20 vaginal Lactobacillus strains from diseased subjects were 1.46 mg/L, 1.36 mmol/L, and 1.72 mg/L respectively. From the 4 healthy subjects, the maximum level of lactic acid was 1.08 mg/L; hydrogen peroxide, 1.36 mmol/L; and diacetyl, 0.86 mg/L. The maximum productions of these substances occurred between 72 and 120 hours of incubation. The in vitro antagonistic activities of vaginal L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. brevis, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. delbrueckii, and L. jensenii from diseased subjects inhibited a maximum of 5.71% of the 35 Candida species tested, while vaginal L. acidophilus and L. plantarum from healthy subjects inhibited between 57.1% and 68.6% of Candida species in vitro. CONCLUSION Antimicrobial-producing lactobacilli can be considered as adjunct biotherapeutic candidates for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adenike A O Ogunshe
- Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 900001, Nigeria
| | - Mopelola A Omotoso
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 900001, Nigeria
| | - Victoria B Bello
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Laboratory Technology Training School, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 900001, Nigeria
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Relloso M, Aragoneses-Fenoll L, Lasarte S, Bourgeois C, Romera G, Kuchler K, Corbí AL, Muñoz-Fernández MA, Nombela C, Rodríguez-Fernández JL, Diez-Orejas R. Estradiol impairs the Th17 immune response against Candida albicans. J Leukoc Biol 2011; 91:159-65. [PMID: 21965175 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1110645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal opportunistic pathogen that is also a member of gastrointestinal and reproductive tract microbiota. Exogenous factors, such as oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and estradiol, may affect susceptibility to Candida infection, although the mechanisms involved in this process have not been elucidated. We used a systemic candidiasis model to investigate how estradiol confers susceptibility to infection. We report that estradiol increases mouse susceptibility to systemic candidiasis, as in vivo and ex vivo estradiol-treated DCs were less efficient at up-regulating antigen-presenting machinery, pathogen killing, migration, IL-23 production, and triggering of the Th17 immune response. Based on these results, we propose that estradiol impairs DC function, thus explaining the increased susceptibility to infection during estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Relloso
- Departamento de Microbiología II, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
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Jerse AE, Wu H, Packiam M, Vonck RA, Begum AA, Garvin LE. Estradiol-Treated Female Mice as Surrogate Hosts for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Genital Tract Infections. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:107. [PMID: 21747807 PMCID: PMC3129519 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, animal modeling of gonorrhea has been hampered by the exclusive adaptation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to humans. Genital tract infection can be established in female mice that are treated with 17β-estradiol, however, and many features of experimental murine infection mimic human infection. Here we review the colonization kinetics and host response to experimental murine gonococcal infection, including mouse strain differences and evidence that IL-17 responses, toll-like receptor 4, and T regulatory cells play a role in infection. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of the mouse system and the potential of transgenic mice to circumvent host restrictions. Additionally, we review studies with genetically defined mutants that demonstrated a role for sialyltransferase and the MtrC-MtrD-MtrE active efflux pump in evading innate defenses in vivo, but not for factors hypothesized to protect against the phagocytic respiratory burst and H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli. Studies using estradiol-treated mice have also revealed the existence of non-host-restricted iron sources in the female genital tract and the influence of hormonal factors on colonization kinetics and selection for opacity (Opa) protein expression. Recent work by others with estradiol-treated mice that are transgenic for human carcinoembryonic adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) supports a role for Opa proteins in enhancing cellular attachment and thus reduced shedding of N. gonorrhoeae. Finally we discuss the use of the mouse model in product testing and a recently developed gonorrhea chlamydia coinfection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University Bethesda, MD, USA
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78
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In Vitro and In Vivo Activities of Essential Oil from the Seed of Anethum graveolens L. against Candida spp. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:659704. [PMID: 21716714 PMCID: PMC3119046 DOI: 10.1155/2011/659704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The essential oil produced from the seed of Anethum graveolens L. (Umbelliferae) was tested in vitro and in vivo anti-Candida activity. The microbroth dilution method was used in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), according to M27-A3 of the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). And then, efficacy evaluation of essential oil in the prophylaxis and treatment of experimental vaginal candidiasis was performed in immunosuppressed mice. The anti-Candida activity was analyzed by microbiological and histological techniques and was compared with that of fluconazole (FCZ). The results showed essential oil was active in vitro against all tested strains, with MICs ranging
from 0.312 μL/mL (for C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei) to 0.625 μL/mL (for 6 isolated C. albicans strains). Essential oil (2% v/v) was highly efficacious in accelerating C. albicans 09-1555 clearance from experimentally infected mice vagina by prophylaxis and therapeutic treatments. In both therapeutic efficacy and prophylaxis studies, the histological findings confirmed the microbiological results. The experimental results revealed that the tested essential oil is effective against vulvovaginal candidiasis in immunosuppressed mice.
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Abstract
Pre-pubertal girls with inflammatory chronic vulval disease excluding lichen sclerosus are often described as having 'non-specific vulvovaginitis'. The aim of this retrospective case series was to determine the aetiology of chronic vulvovaginitis in pre-pubertal (Tanner Stage 1) girls, with particular reference to candidiasis. A chart review recorded and compared the characteristics of 38 girls and 68 post-menarchal adolescents and pre-menopausal women with chronic vulvitis. Nineteen (50%) of the pre-pubertal children had been previously diagnosed with candidiasis and 21 (55%) had been treated unsuccessfully with topical antifungal agents. Candida albicans was isolated in two (5%) of the children and 37 (54%) of the adults (P < 0.001). A positive Candida culture was causally associated with chronic vulvovaginitis in 50% of the adults but in none of the children (P < 0.001). In 28 (74%) of the children and 28 (41%) of the adults, no pathogens were isolated on microbiological testing. General skin examination of the girls revealed signs of psoriasis in 27 (71%) and atopic dermatitis in nine (24%). Symptoms were controlled with topical anti-inflammatory treatment and environmental modification, including cessation of topical antifungals. Pre-pubertal girls with chronic vulvitis are likely to have either psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis is not seen in Tanner Stage 1 girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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80
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Lilly EA, Yano J, Fidel PL. Annexin-A1 identified as the oral epithelial cell anti-Candida effector moiety. Mol Oral Microbiol 2010; 25:293-304. [PMID: 20618702 DOI: 10.1111/j.2041-1014.2010.00579.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immunity are considered critical to protection against mucosal candidal infections. Among innate anti-Candida mechanisms, oral and vaginal epithelial cells have antifungal activity. The mechanism is fungistatic, acid-labile and includes a requirement for cell contact by intact, but not necessarily live, epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to use the acid-labile property to further characterize the effector moiety. Surface material extracted from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) -treated, but not acid-treated, epithelial cells significantly inhibited the growth of Candida blastoconidia in a dose-dependent manner which was abrogated by prior heat and protease treatment. Proteins extracted from PBS-treated cells bound blastoconidia and hyphae more intensely than those from acid-treated cells. Proteins from PBS-treated cells eluted from Candida revealed two unique bands of approximately 33 and 45 kDa compared with acid-treated cells. Mass spectrometry identified these proteins as Annexin-A1 and actin, respectively. Oral epithelial cells stained positive for Annexin-A1, but not actin. Western blots showed reduced Annexin-A1 in proteins from acid-treated epithelial cells compared with those from PBS-treated epithelial cells. Lastly, it was demonstrated that immunoprecipitation of Annexin-A1 from proteins extracted from PBS-treated oral epithelial cells resulted in abrogation of inhibitory activity. Taken together, these results indicate that Annexin-A1 is a strong candidate for the epithelial cell anti-Candida effector protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Lilly
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
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81
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Epithelial cell-derived S100 calcium-binding proteins as key mediators in the hallmark acute neutrophil response during Candida vaginitis. Infect Immun 2010; 78:5126-37. [PMID: 20823201 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00388-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida species, is a significant problem in women of childbearing age. Similar to clinical observations, a robust vaginal polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration occurs in a subset of mice without affecting vaginal fungal burden. We hypothesize that the vaginal PMN infiltrate and accompanying inflammation are not protective but instead are responsible for the symptoms of infection. The purpose of this study was to identify the signal(s) associated with the PMN response in the established mouse model. Vaginal lavage fluid from inoculated mice were categorized base on PMN counts, evaluated for PMN chemotactic activity and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry (MS) for unique protein identification. The lavage fluid from inoculated mice with high, but not low, PMN levels showed increased chemotactic activity. Likewise, SDS-PAGE of lavage fluid with high PMN levels showed distinct protein patterns. MS revealed that bands at 6 and 14 kDa matched the PMN chemotactic calcium-binding proteins (CBPs), S100A8 and S100A9, respectively. The presence of the CBPs in lavage fluid was confirmed by Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vaginal tissues and epithelial cells from inoculated mice with high PMN levels stained more intensely and exhibited increased mRNA transcripts for both proteins compared to those in mice with low PMN levels. Subsequent antibody neutralization showed significant abrogation of the chemotactic activity when the lavage fluid was treated with anti-S100A8, but not anti-S100A9, antibodies. These results reveal that the PMN chemotactic CBP S100A8 and S100A9 are produced by vaginal epithelial cells following interaction with Candida and that S100A8 is a strong candidate responsible for the robust PMN migration during experimental VVC.
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82
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The relationship between the symptoms of female gonococcal infections and serum progesterone level and the genotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence type (NG-MAST) in Wuhan, China. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 30:113-6. [PMID: 20820835 PMCID: PMC2998644 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to study the relationship between the symptoms of female gonococcal infections and serum progesterone level and the genotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence type (NG-MAST) in Wuhan, China. Eighty-one strains of N. gonorrhoeae were harvested from the vaginal discharge of 975 adult females in Wuhan and were genotyped by using NG-MAST. Serum progesterone (P) and estradiol (E(2)) levels were measured by radio immunoassay (RIA) in 39 gonorrhea-infected patients with slight symptoms (asymptomatic group) and 42 patients with conspicuous symptoms (symptomatic group). The average levels of serum progesterone in the asymptomatic group were significantly higher than in the symptomatic group (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in serum estradiol between the two groups. Of 81 wild-type isolates, 50 NG-MAST sequence types were associated with female infections in Wuhan, and N. gonorrhoeae ST2951, ST735, and ST436 were principally found in asymptomatic patients. ST809 and ST369, however, were mainly detected in asymptomatic female subjects. Gonococcal genetic island (GGI)-positive and GGI-negative strains were found in both the asymptomatic group and the symptomatic group. In females with gonococcal infection, high serum progesterone level is associated with the absence of symptoms, but no association was revealed between genotypes and the presence of symptoms. The GGI bears no relation to the absence of symptoms in the patients.
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83
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Carrara MA, Donatti L, Damke E, Svidizinski TIE, Consolaro MEL, Batista MR. A new model of vaginal infection by Candida albicans in rats. Mycopathologia 2010; 170:331-8. [PMID: 20532984 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is regarded as an important public health issue, and several aspects of its pathogenesis are not yet sufficiently clear. Experimental in vivo models of vaginal infection with Candida albicans have been extremely useful in the identification of factors concerning hormonal influences on the infection, the virulence of the yeasts, the susceptibility, and the treatment of the infection. The development of easily manageable, reproducible, and economically viable animal models of VVC is highly important. We describe a simple experimental model of VVC in rats, using a pharmaceutical brand of estradiol hexa-hydrobenzoate for human treatment. All the steps of this model were standardized; and after the experiments, the rats were euthanized for further examination of their tissues by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Standardized features included the use of non-ovariectomized rats, sterile distilled water as the hormone vehicle, estradiol hexa-hydrobenzoate administered at 0.20 mg/week/rat fractionated three times/week, and a yeast suspension of 5 × 10(8) yeasts/ml in a single vaginal administration 1 week after hormone induction. In this way, 100% of the rats were in pseudo-estrus and developed and maintained the infection until the third week of the experiment. Electron microscopy observation of the vagina of the rats confirmed the presence of both pseudo-estrus and vaginal infection. The standardized experimental model proved inexpensive, reproducible, and easily feasible for the induction of vaginal infection with C. albicans and may help to clarify important aspects of the pathogenesis and treatment of VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia A Carrara
- Department of Clinical Analyses, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
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84
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Babić M, Hukić M. Candida albicans and non-albicans species as etiological agent of vaginitis in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2010; 10:89-97. [PMID: 20192939 PMCID: PMC5596619 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2010.2744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidosis. The objectives of our study were: to make determination of the microscopic findings of vaginal swab, frequency of Candida species in the culture of pregnant women and patients who are not pregnant, determine the Candida species in all cultures, and to determine the frequency and differences in the frequency of C. albicans and other non-albicans species. In one year study performed during 2006 year, we tested patients of Gynaecology and Obstetrics clinic of the Clinical Centre in Sarajevo and Gynaecology department of the General hospital in Sarajevo. 447 woman included in the study were separated in two groups: 203 pregnant (in the last trimester of pregnancy), and 244 non-pregnant woman in period of fertility. Each vaginal swab was examined microscopically. The yeast, number of colonies, and the species of Candida were determined on Sabouraud dextrose agar with presence of antibiotics. For determination of Candida species, we used germ tube test for detection of C. albicans, and cultivation on the selective medium and assimilation tests for detection of non-albicans species. The results indicated positive microscopic findings in the test group (40,9%), as well as greater number of positive cultures (46,8%). The most commonly detected species for both groups was C. albicans ( test group 40.9% and control group 23,0%). The most commonly detected non-albicans species for the test group were C. glabrata (4,2 %) and C. krusei (3,2%), and for the control group were C. glabrata (3,2%) and C. parapsilosis (3,2%). The microscopic findings correlated with the number of colonies in positive cultures. In the test group, we found an increased number of yeasts (64,3%), and the pseudopyphae and blastopores by microscopic examination as an indication of infection. In the control group, we found a small number of yeasts (64,6%) , in the form of blastopores, as an indication of the candida colonisation. Our results indicate that gravidity, as the risc factor for incidence of infection, has the significant role in the incidence of vaginal candidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Babić
- Institute for Clinical Microbiology, University of Sarajevo Clinics Centre, Bolnička 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Corresponding author
| | - Mirsada Hukić
- Institute for Clinical Microbiology, University of Sarajevo Clinics Centre, Bolnička 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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85
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Domino SE, Hurd EA, Thomsson KA, Karnak DM, Holmén Larsson JM, Thomsson E, Bäckström M, Hansson GC. Cervical mucins carry alpha(1,2)fucosylated glycans that partly protect from experimental vaginal candidiasis. Glycoconj J 2009; 26:1125-34. [PMID: 19326211 PMCID: PMC2794911 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-009-9234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Revised: 03/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cervical mucins are glycosylated proteins that form a protective cervical mucus. To understand the role of mucin glycans in Candida albicans infection, oligosaccharides from mouse cervical mucins were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cervical mucins carry multiple alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans, but alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase Fut2-null mice are devoid of these epitopes. Epithelial cells in vaginal lavages from Fut2-null mice lacked Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-I) staining for alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans. Hysterectomy to remove cervical mucus eliminated UEA-I and acid mucin staining in vaginal epithelial cells from wild type mice indicating the cervix as the source of UEA-I positive epithelial cells. To assess binding of alpha(1-2) fucosylated glycans on C. albicans infection, an in vitro adhesion assay was performed with vaginal epithelial cells from wild type and Fut2-null mice. Vaginal epithelial cells from Fut2-null mice were found to bind increased numbers of C. albicans compared to vaginal epithelial cells obtained from wild type mice. Hysterectomy lessened the difference between Fut2-null and wild type mice in binding of C. ablicans in vitro and susceptibility to experimental C. albicans vaginitis in vivo. We generated a recombinant fucosylated MUC1 glycanpolymer to test whether the relative protection of wild type mice compared to Fut2-null mice could be mimicked with exogenous mucin. While a small portion of the recombinant MUC1 epitopes displayed alpha(1-2)fucosylated glycans, the predominant epitopes were sialylated due to endogenous sialyltransferases in the cultured cells. Intravaginal instillation of recombinant MUC1 glycanpolymer partially reduced experimental yeast vaginitis suggesting that a large glycanpolymer, with different glycan epitopes, may affect fungal burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Domino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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86
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Chen H, Wu Z, Li J, Chen R, Yu Y, Xu L, Shuai J, Tu YT. Effect of progesterone on gonococci-induced apoptosis and respiratory burst of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro. Int J Dermatol 2009; 48:1011-6. [PMID: 19702993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone may have clinical relevance in females with asymptomatic gonococcal infections. AIM To investigate the regulatory effect of progesterone on apoptosis and oxidative burst activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) challenged by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro. METHODS Isolated PMNs were incubated with progesterone or staurosporine. Staurosporine was used as a positive control for our in vitro model. Expression levels of inhibitory apoptosis proteins (IAPs), cellular IAP2 (cIAP2), and X-linked IAP (XIAP) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, PMN apoptosis at various time points (3, 8, 12, and 24 h) was assayed by flow cytometry. Luminol amplified chemiluminescence methods were used to quantify the oxidative burst function of PMNs challenged with N. gonorrhoeae ST2951. RESULTS cIAP2 was upregulated significantly in PMNs with progesterone treatment in 3 h, and XIAP was upregulated slightly compared with the medium + ST2951 group, whereas cIAP2 was downregulated in staurosporine-challenged PMNs. In addition, we found that progesterone delayed the onset of apoptosis activity in N. gonorrhoeae ST2951-challenged PMNs, notably at 12 h. No statistically significant changes in PMN oxidative burst activity were observed at 10 ng/mL of progesterone. Staurosporine enhanced the production of superoxide anion (respiratory burst) of human PMNs stimulated by N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSION Progesterone plays an important regulatory role in the interaction of PMNs and N. gonorrhoeae. Delayed PMN apoptosis induced by progesterone presumably acts as a mechanism for N. gonorrhoeae to avoid the innate immune response and establish long-term, low-level infection in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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87
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Vu B, Essmann M, Larsen B. Sodium choleate (NaCho) effects on Candida albicans: implications for its role as a gastrointestinal tract inhabitant. Mycopathologia 2009; 169:183-91. [PMID: 19876762 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9248-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans at times resides in the intestinal tract, where it experiences exposure to bile salts suggesting a study of the effects of crude bile salts in the form of sodium choleate (NaCho) on C. albicans growth, expression of virulent phenotypes, and adaptation to physiological challenges in vitro. Growth and phenotype alteration was examined by challenging clinical isolates of C. albicans with a wide range of NaCho concentrations by using conventional microbial physiology methods. Our results showed that (1) NaCho did not inhibit growth of yeast cells, up to 40 mg/ml; (2) NaCho powerfully stimulated the hypha formation; (3) NaCho at 2.5 and 5 mg/ml significantly induced CDR1p and biofilm formation, but these effects decreased at higher NaCho concentrations; (4) loss of cell integrity with exposure to 56 degrees C for 15 min, was exacerbated by increasing levels of NaCho; (5) NaCho protected yeast from hydrogen peroxide damage in a dose-dependent manner; and (6) catalase activity was increased by NaCho exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Vu
- Drake University, Des Moines, IA, USA
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88
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Aspects of the steroid response in fungi. Chem Biol Interact 2009; 178:303-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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89
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Krizancić Bombek L, Lapornik A, Ukmar M, Matis M, Cresnar B, Katalinić JP, Zakelj-Mavric M. Aspects of the progesterone response in Hortaea werneckii: Steroid detoxification, protein induction and remodelling of the cell wall. Steroids 2008; 73:1465-74. [PMID: 18793662 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone in sublethal concentrations temporarily inhibits growth of Hortaea werneckii. This study investigates some of the compensatory mechanisms which are activated in the presence of progesterone and are most probably contributing to escape from growth inhibition. These mechanisms lead on the one hand to progesterone biotransformation/detoxification but, on the other, are suggested to increase the resistance of H. werneckii to the steroid. Biotransformation can detoxify progesterone efficiently in the early logarithmic phase, with mostly inducible steroid transforming enzymes, while progesterone biotransformation/detoxification in the late logarithmic and stationary phases of growth is not very efficient. The relative contribution of constitutive steroid transforming enzymes to progesterone biotransformation is increased in these latter phases of growth. In the presence of progesterone, activation of the cell wall integrity pathway is suggested by the overexpression of Pck2 which was detected in the stationary as well as the logarithmic phase of growth of the yeast. Progesterone treated H. werneckii cells were found to be more resistant to cell lysis than mock treated cells, indicating for the first time changes in the yeast cell wall as a result of treatment with progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Krizancić Bombek
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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90
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Intranasal and subcutaneous immunization under the effect of estradiol leads to better protection against genital HSV-2 challenge compared to progesterone. Vaccine 2008; 26:6165-72. [PMID: 18804503 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2008] [Revised: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 08/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of hormonal environment on intranasal and subcutaneous routes of immunization in a genital herpes infection model. Ovariectomized mice were treated with estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)) or placebo hormone pellets and immunized intranasally (i.n.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) with attenuated HSV-2. Immunized mice were subsequently challenged, intravaginally, with wild-type HSV-2. Mice immunized under the influence of E(2) showed higher survival rates, reduced pathology and significantly lower viral shedding compared with those immunized under the influence of P(4) or placebo, by both i.n. and s.c. routes. Vaginal and serum anti-HSV-2 IgG, but not IgA, levels correlated with decreased pathology in E(2)-treated, i.n. immunized mice. We conclude that immunization under the influence of E(2) afforded better protection compared to placebo and P(4), by both routes of immunization. Female sex hormones can influence immune responses and outcome of viral challenge in the genital tract following systemic immunization.
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91
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das Neves J, Pinto E, Teixeira B, Dias G, Rocha P, Cunha T, Santos B, Amaral MH, Bahia MF. Local Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidosis. Drugs 2008; 68:1787-802. [DOI: 10.2165/00003495-200868130-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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92
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Capilla J, Clemons KV, Stevens DA. Animal models: an important tool in mycology. Med Mycol 2007; 45:657-84. [PMID: 18027253 PMCID: PMC7107685 DOI: 10.1080/13693780701644140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of fungal infections are, and will remain, a key tool in the advancement of the medical mycology. Many different types of animal models of fungal infection have been developed, with murine models the most frequently used, for studies of pathogenesis, virulence, immunology, diagnosis, and therapy. The ability to control numerous variables in performing the model allows us to mimic human disease states and quantitatively monitor the course of the disease. However, no single model can answer all questions and different animal species or different routes of infection can show somewhat different results. Thus, the choice of which animal model to use must be made carefully, addressing issues of the type of human disease to mimic, the parameters to follow and collection of the appropriate data to answer those questions being asked. This review addresses a variety of uses for animal models in medical mycology. It focuses on the most clinically important diseases affecting humans and cites various examples of the different types of studies that have been performed. Overall, animal models of fungal infection will continue to be valuable tools in addressing questions concerning fungal infections and contribute to our deeper understanding of how these infections occur, progress and can be controlled and eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Capilla
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Karl V. Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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93
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Watson C, Calabretto H. Comprehensive review of conventional and non-conventional methods of management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2007; 47:262-72. [PMID: 17627679 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2007.00736.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a condition what causes women a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience, and sometimes has psychological sequelae.(1) This condition is notoriously difficult to manage. Conventional management is generally favoured by medical practitioners. Some practitioners prefer not to offer other options because of significant possible side-effects and the lack of research supporting alternative treatments. There are many studies and much available information surrounding uncomplicated VVC, including two systematic reviews.(2,3) In the area of recurrent VVC however, quality conclusive studies are scarce, and recurrent VVC is featured infrequently in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Systematic reviews that strongly support a particular pharmacological method of conventional management of recurrent VVC over another are absent from medical literature. Recommendations are largely formed on the basis of scanty RCTs and expert opinion. There is even less conclusive evidence in the area of alternative therapies; yet despite this, anecdotally many practitioners (both alternative and mainstream) continue to advocate certain treatments in the absence of any reliable cure that can be confidently prescribed. As the use of methods other than mainstream medicine becomes more widespread, it is important to be aware of both conventional and non-conventional management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Practitioners need to ascertain their patient's preference and treatment history. It is difficult to find comprehensive literature assessing both approaches. Giving women the most up-to-date and relevant information, and different management options, is essential in allowing them to make informed decisions. This review critically assesses both mainstream and less conventional approaches in the management of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Watson
- Gynaecology Assessment Clinic, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Tan J, Li J, Chen S, Wu Y, Qin FT, Ding J, Cao F, Zhang S. Susceptibility to vaginal candidiasis under different conditions in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 25:744-6. [PMID: 16696345 DOI: 10.1007/bf02896190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to study the susceptibility of murine vaginal mucosa to Candida albicans under different conditions, vaginal lavage fluid and vaginal tissue of mice were observed and compared between murine models with normal immune system (estrogen-treated mice) and immunosuppressed murine model, and between primary infection model of vaginal candidiasis and secondary infection one. The average level of colony forming unit (CFU) from the immuosuppressed group was higher than that from estrogen-treated group at each time point and the peak time was delayed. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05) from the fourth day after inoculation. A significant difference existed in the average level of CFU between the control group and the estrogen-treated group (P < 0.05), and between the control group and the immuosuppressed group (P < 0.01). It was concluded that the vaginal mucosa from the immunosuppressed mice is more susceptible to Candida albicans and no difference is found in susceptibility between mice with primary infection and secondary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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95
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Garoussi MT, Khosrave AR, Havareshti P. Mycoflora of cervicovaginal fluids in dairy cows with or without reproductive disorders. Mycopathologia 2007; 164:97-100. [PMID: 17577679 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infection of reproduction system of dairy cattle have not been received much more attention. The aim of this study was to determine the fungal infection of Holstein dairy cows with reproductive disorders or healthy. Fungal isolates of cervicovaginal fluids of 176 Holstein dairy cows were collected by using the double rod swabs for cervix and the sterilized cotton swabs for discharges of vagina. They were evaluated for fungal infections. The treatment group included 70 dairy cows with reproductive diseases, such as abortion, repeat breeder, endometritis, metritis, retention of fetal membrane, dystocia, cervicitis, and vaginitis. The control groups were included 42 healthy non-pregnant cows and 64 pregnant cows. Isolates of fungi were obtained from cervix and vagina of 27.1% and 28.6% of treatment group, 26.7% and 31.2% of pregnant cows, and 33.3% and 21.4% of healthy non-pregnant cows, respectively, indicating no significant differences. It is showed that the cervix and vagina of the treatment group have been infected by six different mycotic isolates. However, the cervix and vagina of pregnant and non-pregnant healthy cows in control group were infected with 5, 6 and 5, 4 different fungal agents, respectively. Penicillium and yeast were the most common isolated agents. Regarding to the result of this study, it is concluded that fungal infections can occur in cervicovaginal cavity of Holstein dairy cows with or without reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massoud Talebkhan Garoussi
- Section of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran.
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96
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Banerjee D, Martin N, Nandi S, Shukla S, Dominguez A, Mukhopadhyay G, Prasad R. A genome-wide steroid response study of the major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Mycopathologia 2007; 164:1-17. [PMID: 17574539 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of steroid receptors and any known mechanism of gene regulation by steroid hormones in Candida albicans, we did a genome-wide analysis of C. albicans cells treated with progesterone using Eurogentec cDNA microarrays to find the complete repertoire of steroid responsive genes. Northern blotting analysis was employed to validate the genes that were differentially regulated by progesterone in the microarray experiments. A total of 99 genes were found to be significantly regulated by progesterone, among them 60 were up-regulated and 39 were down-regulated. It was observed that progesterone considerably enhanced the expression of multi-drug resistance (MDR) genes belonging to ATP Binding Cassette (CDR1 and CDR2) super-family of multidrug transporters, suggesting a possible relationship between steroid stress and MDR genes. Several genes associated with hyphal induction and the establishment of pathogenesis were also found up-regulated. In silico search for various transcription factor (TF) binding sites in the promoter of the affected genes revealed that EFG1, CPH1, NRG1, TUP1, MIG1 and AP-1 regulated genes are responsive to progesterone. The stress responsive elements (STRE; AG(4) or C(4)T) were also found in the promoters of several responsive genes. Our data sheds new light on the regulation of gene expression in C. albicans by human steroids, and its correlation with drug resistance, virulence, morphogenesis and general stress response. A comparison with drug induced stress response has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Banerjee
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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97
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Chen Z, Kong X. Study of Candida albicans vaginitis model in Kunming mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 27:307-10. [PMID: 17641849 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-007-0323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The model of vaginal candidiasis in Kunming mice was constructed in order to search for the optima construction conditions and provide an economic animal model of Candida albicans (C. albicans) vaginitis. Estrogen benzoate (E2) was given to mice at different concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 0.05 mg/mouse (4 levels) beginning 72 h prior to vaginal inoculation, then mice were inoculated intravaginally with various concentrations of stationary-phase C. albicans blastoconidia (ATCC90028) (5 levels) in 20 microL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in each E2 level. General state, scores of genital pathology, the hyphae and vaginal fungal burden (CFU) in vaginal lavage fluid, the hydrops rate of uterus and vaginal tissues for pathological section in mice were observed and obtained at day 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21 after inoculation. The results showed the infection rate in mice was related to the dosage of E2 and concentration of C. albicans blastoconidia. Additionally there was better cross-effect between the two treated factors. The infection rate was about 80% on the day 4, and could reach 100% on the day 7 until the end of experiment after inoculated intravaginally in groups of E2I3, E2 0.025 mg/mouse injected hypodermically and inoculated intravaginally with 5 x 10(4) C. albicans blastoconidia, and large amount of hyphae and blastoconidia could be observe in superficial layer tissue and canal of vaginal by PAS. From the results in our experiment it was concluded that E2I3 was the optima construction condition in kunming mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Spacek J, Buchta V, Jílek P, Förstl M. Clinical aspects and luteal phase assessment in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 131:198-202. [PMID: 16687200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2005] [Revised: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to characterize the patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN Basic data of personal history and history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, lower genital tract symptoms and signs in 50 patients were analyzed in this longitudinal follow-up study including the determination of midluteal serum progesterone and urinary pregnanediol levels during the luteal phase in 84 cycles (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis) and 60 cycles (healthy controls). RESULTS All patients suffered primary idiopathic form of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Frequently, there was a striking discrepancy between severe symptoms and clinical finding, which was often negligible or normal. There was no redness and no or minimum discharge in 52% of culture documented attacks. In contrast to the healthy controls, the patients had significantly lower levels of progesterone (p<0.01) as well as those of urinary pregnanediol (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Culture positive attacks in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis represented rather a form of vulvovaginal discomfort than attacks of vulvovaginal candidiasis with typical inflammatory changes. Significantly lower progesterone levels in the RVVC patients as compared to the healthy controls suggest a link between an altered hormonal status and one of possible causes of RVVC in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirí Spacek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Králové 500 05, Czech Republic.
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Rahman D, Mistry M, Thavaraj S, Challacombe SJ, Naglik JR. Murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal Candida albicans colonization to study epithelial host-pathogen interactions. Microbes Infect 2007; 9:615-22. [PMID: 17383212 PMCID: PMC3242973 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2007.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We report the creation of a new low-estrogen murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal C. albicans colonization that resembles human candidal carriage at both mucosal sites. Weekly estrogen administration of 5 microg intramuscular and subcutaneously was optimal for enhancement of oral colonization and was essential for vaginal colonization. In BALB/c mice, a number of C. albicans clinical isolates (n=3) colonized both oral and/or vaginal sites, but only strain 529L colonized 100% of mice persistently for over 5 weeks. Laboratory strains SC5314 and NCPF 3153 did not colonize the model; however, NCPF 3156 showed vaginal colonization up to week 5. Prior passaging through mice enhanced subsequent colonization of SC5314. Intranasal immunization with a C. albicans virulence antigen (secreted aspartyl proteinase 2) significantly reduced or abolished the fungal burden orally and vaginally by week 2 and 7. Our concurrent model of mucosal colonization reduces the numbers of experimental mice by half, can be used to assess potential vaccine candidates, and permits the detailed analysis of host-fungal interactions during the natural state of Candida colonization.
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Abstract
It is known that sex hormones regulate IgA and IgG levels in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, antigen presentation by uterine and vaginal epithelial cells is also under strict hormonal control. The effect of the estrous cycle on cytokine secretion by vaginal and uterine lymphoid cells has been examined in mice using simultaneous staining for cytoplasmic cytokines and surface markers after ex vivo culture with PMA/ionomycin in the presence of Brefeldin A, and flow cytometry analysis. Two different mice strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, were used. The most relevant finding was the increase in the proportion of vaginal cells secreting IFN-gamma at diestrus in both strains of mice. Other cytokines (IL-2 and IL-4) as well as some T cell subsets seemed to be modified in a strain dependent fashion. Data also suggest that NK cells are at least partially responsible for IFN-gamma secretion. Our data indicate that vaginal and uterus lymphoid cells isolated at diestrus were in vivo activated to secrete cytokines after ex vivo culture. IFN-gamma seems to be the key cytokine, since it increases in both strains of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Lopez
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK.
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