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Verstraelen H, Vieira-Baptista P, De Seta F, Ventolini G, Lonnee-Hoffmann R, Lev-Sagie A. The Vaginal Microbiome: I. Research Development, Lexicon, Defining "Normal" and the Dynamics Throughout Women's Lives. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:73-78. [PMID: 34928256 PMCID: PMC8719517 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This series of articles, titled The Vaginal Microbiome, written on behalf of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, aims to summarize the current findings and understanding of the vaginal bacterial microbiota, mainly regarding areas relevant to clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A database search of PubMed was performed, using the search terms "vaginal microbiome" (VMB) with "research," "normal," "neonate," "puberty," "adolescent," "menopause," and "ethnicities," as well as "human microbiome project." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. RESULTS In the last 2 decades, many studies applying molecular techniques were performed, intending to characterize the vaginal microbiota. These studies advanced our understanding of how vaginal health is defined. The first article in this series focuses on the advancement of VMB research, technical definitions, the definition of "normal" VMB, and the dynamics of VMB throughout women's lives. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how microorganisms inhabiting the vagina interact with each other and with the host is important for a more complete understanding of vaginal health. The clinical application of microbial community sequencing is in its beginning, and its interpretation regarding practical clinical aspects is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Distinguish University, Professor School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, Odessa, TX
| | - Risa Lonnee-Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Probiotics During the Therapeutic Management of Periodontitis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1373:353-375. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-96881-6_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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53
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Osborne N, Peterson CB, Vannucci M. Latent Network Estimation and Variable Selection for Compositional Data Via Variational EM. J Comput Graph Stat 2022; 31:163-175. [PMID: 36776345 PMCID: PMC9909885 DOI: 10.1080/10618600.2021.1935971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Network estimation and variable selection have been extensively studied in the statistical literature, but only recently have those two challenges been addressed simultaneously. In this article, we seek to develop a novel method to simultaneously estimate network interactions and associations to relevant covariates for count data, and specifically for compositional data, which have a fixed sum constraint. We use a hierarchical Bayesian model with latent layers and employ spike-and-slab priors for both edge and covariate selection. For posterior inference, we develop a novel variational inference scheme with an expectation-maximization step, to enable efficient estimation. Through simulation studies, we demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms existing methods in its accuracy of network recovery. We show the practical utility of our model via an application to microbiome data. The human microbiome has been shown to contribute too many of the functions of the human body, and also to be linked with a number of diseases. In our application, we seek to better understand the interaction between microbes and relevant covariates, as well as the interaction of microbes with each other. We call our algorithm simultaneous inference for networks and covariates and provide a Python implementation, which is available online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine B. Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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The Role of Genital Tract Microbiome in Fertility: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010180. [PMID: 35008605 PMCID: PMC8745627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining the health status of every human being, and the microbiome of the genital tract can affect the fertility potential before and during assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs). This review aims to identify and appraise studies investigating the correlation of genital microbiome to infertility. Publications up to February 2021 were identified by searching the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase and bibliographies. Only full-text original research articles written in English were considered eligible for analysis, whereas reviews, editorials, opinions or letters, case studies, conference papers, and abstracts were excluded. Twenty-six articles were identified. The oldest studies adopted the exclusive culture-based technique, while in recent years PCR and RNA sequencing based on 16S rRNA were the most used technique. Regardless of the anatomical site under investigation, the Lactobacillus-dominated flora seems to play a pivotal role in determining fertility, and in particular Lactobacillus crispatus showed a central role. Nonetheless, the presence of pathogens in the genital tract, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma species, and Gram-negative stains microorganism, affected fertility also in case of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV). We failed to identify descriptive or comparative studies regarding tubal microbiome. The microbiome of the genital tract plays a pivotal role in fertility, also in case of ARTs. The standardization of the sampling methods and investigations approaches is warranted to stratify the fertility potential and its subsequent treatment. Prospective tubal microbiome studies are warranted.
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Artym J, Zimecki M. Antimicrobial and Prebiotic Activity of Lactoferrin in the Female Reproductive Tract: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121940. [PMID: 34944756 PMCID: PMC8699013 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Women’s intimate health depends on several factors, such as age, diet, coexisting metabolic disorders, hormonal equilibrium, sexual activity, drug intake, contraception, surgery, and personal hygiene. These factors may affect the homeostasis of the internal environment of the genital tract: the vulva, vagina and cervix. This equilibrium is dependent on strict and complex mutual interactions between epithelial cells, immunocompetent cells and microorganisms residing in this environment. The microbiota of the genital tract in healthy women is dominated by several species of symbiotic bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus. The bacteria inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and inflammatory processes by virtue of direct and multidirectional antimicrobial action and, indirectly, by the modulation of immune system activity. For the homeostasis of the genital tract ecosystem, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptides, as well as proteins secreted by mucus cells into the cervicovaginal fluid, have a fundamental significance. Of these, a multifunctional protein known as lactoferrin (LF) is one of the most important since it bridges innate and acquired immunity. Among its numerous properties, particular attention should be paid to prebiotic activity, i.e., exerting a beneficial action on symbiotic microbiota of the gastrointestinal and genital tract. Such activity of LF is associated with the inhibition of bacterial and fungal infections in the genital tract and their consequences, such as endometritis, pelvic inflammation, urinary tract infections, miscarriage, premature delivery, and infection of the fetus and newborns. The aim of this article is to review the results of laboratory as well as clinical trials, confirming the prebiotic action of LF on the microbiota of the lower genital tract.
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56
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Zhou ZW, Long HZ, Cheng Y, Luo HY, Wen DD, Gao LC. From Microbiome to Inflammation: The Key Drivers of Cervical Cancer. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:767931. [PMID: 34867901 PMCID: PMC8634716 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.767931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Microbes and hosts form a mutually beneficial symbiosis relationship, and various parts of the host body are microbial habitats. Microbes can trigger inflammation in certain parts of the host body, contributing to cervical cancer development. This article reviews the relationship between cervicovaginal microbes, inflammation and cervical cancer, and discusses the effect of some key cervical microbes on cervical cancer. Finally, probiotic therapy and immunotherapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Zhi Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong-Yu Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Li-Chen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Institute, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
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KIECKA ANETA, MACURA BARBARA, SZCZEPANIK MARIAN. Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage? Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:431-446. [PMID: 35003275 PMCID: PMC8702604 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric problem. Significant causes of miscarriage include genetic and epigenetic disorders of the embryo, immunological and endocrine factors, uterine malformations, improper embryo selection, and lifestyle. Perhaps a hitherto underappreciated cause of miscarriage may be an abnormal microbiota composition of the female reproductive system. Lactobacillus spp. is the most common bacteria within the reproductive tract. However, the protective role of Lactobacilli in the vagina has been well described in the literature, while it is still unknown what function Lactobacilli may have in the uterus. Moreover, new research shows that Lactobacillus spp. can have a role in miscarriage. However, both molecular and immunological mechanisms of host-Lactobacillus spp. interactions are not fully understood. Understanding these relationships will help address the importance and extent of the protective role of Lactobacillus spp. in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- ANETA KIECKA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - BARBARA MACURA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - MARIAN SZCZEPANIK
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
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Mitra A, MacIntyre DA, Paraskevaidi M, Moscicki AB, Mahajan V, Smith A, Lee YS, Lyons D, Paraskevaidis E, Marchesi JR, Bennett PR, Kyrgiou M. The vaginal microbiota and innate immunity after local excisional treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Genome Med 2021; 13:176. [PMID: 34736529 PMCID: PMC8567681 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00977-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginal microbiota (VMB) composition is altered in women with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) compared to healthy controls and is associated with disease progression. However, the impact of CIN excision on the VMB and innate immunity is not known. This observational study aims to explore the impact of CIN excision on the VMB, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS We sampled 103 non-pregnant, premenopausal women at the time of excisional treatment for CIN and at their 6-month follow-up visit. A further 39 untreated controls with normal cytology were also sampled. We used metataxonomics to group vaginal swab samples into community state types (CSTs) and ELISA to quantify cytokine and AMP levels in matched vaginal secretions. Analyses were performed to compare the bacterial composition and immune analyte levels before and after CIN excision and in healthy controls. RESULTS Women with CIN had significantly higher rates of Lactobacillus species depletion pre-treatment compared to healthy controls (CST IV 21/103, 20% vs 1/39, 3%, p = 0.0081). Excision did not change the VMB composition, with CST IV remaining significantly more prevalent after excision compared to untreated, healthy controls (CST IV 19/103, 20% vs 1/39, 3%, p = 0.0142). Prevotella bivia and Sneathia amnii were significantly higher in samples before treatment compared to untreated controls, and Prevotella bivia remained significantly higher amongst the treated, with less Lactobacillus crispatus compared to untreated controls. IL-1β and IL-8 remained significantly elevated pre- (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0014, respectively) and post-treatment (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0035, respectively) compared to untreated controls. Levels of human beta-defensin-1 and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor were both significantly reduced following CIN excision (p < 0.0001); however, their levels remained lower than controls post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS Women with CIN have an increased prevalence of Lactobacillus sp. depletion, high-diversity VMB composition, and higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and AMPs compared to normal controls. Surgical excision of the disease reduces levels of vaginal AMPs but does not alter VMB composition or cytokine levels. These findings suggest that women with CIN have an inherent predisposition to a high-diversity proinflammatory environment that is not corrected by disease excision. The failure to re-establish a Lactobacillus-enriched CST may explain why women remain at high risk of pre-invasive and invasive disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mitra
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W120HS, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Maria Paraskevaidi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Anna-Barbara Moscicki
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Vishakha Mahajan
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ann Smith
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University West of England, Bristol, Glenside Campus, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK
| | - Yun S Lee
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Deirdre Lyons
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W120HS, UK
| | - Evangelos Paraskevaidis
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W120HS, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Julian R Marchesi
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W120HS, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, W120HS, UK.
- IRDB, Department of Gut, Metabolism and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Lu J, Guevara MA, Francis JD, Spicer SK, Moore RE, Chambers SA, Craft KM, Manning SD, Townsend SD, Gaddy JA. Analysis of Susceptibility to the Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Human Milk Lactoferrin in Clinical Strains of Streptococcus agalactiae With Diverse Capsular and Sequence Types. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:740872. [PMID: 34616691 PMCID: PMC8488155 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.740872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading infection-related causes of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This includes chorioamnionitis, which leads to preterm ruptures of membranes and can ultimately result in preterm or stillbirth. Infection can also lead to maternal and neonatal sepsis that may contribute to mortality. Currently, treatment for GBS infection include a bolus of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to mothers testing positive for GBS colonization during late pregnancy. Lactoferrin is an antimicrobial peptide expressed in human breast milk, mucosal epithelia, and secondary granules of neutrophils. We previously demonstrated that lactoferrin possesses antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against several strains of GBS. This is largely due to the ability of lactoferrin to bind and sequester iron. We expanded upon that study by assessing the effects of purified human breast milk lactoferrin against a panel of phenotypically and genetically diverse isolates of GBS. Of the 25 GBS isolates screened, lactoferrin reduced bacterial growth in 14 and biofilm formation in 21 strains. Stratifying the data, we observed that colonizing strains were more susceptible to the growth inhibition activity of lactoferrin than invasive isolates at lactoferrin concentrations between 250-750 µg/mL. Treatment with 750 µg/mL of lactoferrin resulted in differences in bacterial growth and biofilm formation between discrete sequence types. Differences in bacterial growth were also observed between capsular serotypes 1a and III. Maternally isolated strains were more susceptible to lactoferrin with respect to bacterial growth, but not biofilm formation, compared to neonatal sepsis isolates. Finally, high biofilm forming GBS strains were more impacted by lactoferrin across all isolates tested. Taken together, this study demonstrates that lactoferrin possesses antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against a wide range of GBS isolates, with maternally isolated colonizing strains being the most susceptible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Lu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Miriam A Guevara
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jamisha D Francis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Sabrina K Spicer
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Rebecca E Moore
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Schuyler A Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kelly M Craft
- Department of Chemistry, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Steven D Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States
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60
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Ambulatory COVID-19 Patients Treated with Lactoferrin as a Supplementary Antiviral Agent: A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184276. [PMID: 34575388 PMCID: PMC8469309 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus causing COVID-19, exerts morbidity and mortality especially in elderly, obese individuals and those suffering from chronic conditions. In addition to the availability of vaccines and the limited efficacy of the first dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is an urgent requirement for the discovery and development of supplementary antiviral agents. Lactoferrin (Lf), a pleiotropic cationic glycoprotein of innate immunity, has been proposed as a safe treatment combined with other therapies in COVID-19 patients. Here, we present a small retrospective study on asymptomatic, paucisymptomatic, and moderate symptomatic COVID-19 Lf-treated versus Lf-untreated patients. The time required to achieve SARS-CoV-2 RNA negativization in Lf-treated patients (n = 82) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to that observed in Lf-untreated ones (n = 39) (15 versus 24 days). A link among reduction in symptoms, age, and Lf treatment was found. The Lf antiviral activity could be explained through the interaction with SARS-CoV-2 spike, the binding with heparan sulfate proteoglycans of cells, and the anti-inflammatory activity associated with the restoration of iron homeostasis disorders, which favor viral infection/replication. Lf could be an important supplementary treatment in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it is also safe and well-tolerated by all treated patients.
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61
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Wu S, Ding X, Kong Y, Acharya S, Wu H, Huang C, Liang Y, Nong X, Chen H. The feature of cervical microbiota associated with the progression of cervical cancer among reproductive females. Gynecol Oncol 2021; 163:348-357. [PMID: 34503848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize cervical microbiome feature of reproductive-age women in the progression of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) to cervical cancer. METHODS We characterized the 16S rDNA cervical mucus microbiome in 94 participants (age from 18 to 52), including 13 cervical cancer (CA), 31 high-grade SIL (HSIL), 10 low-grade SIL (LSIL), 12 HPV-infected (NH) patients and 28 healthy controls (NN). Alpha (within sample) diversity was examined by Shannon and Simpson index, while Beta (between sample) diversity by principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) of weighted Unifrac distances. Relative abundance of microbial taxa was compared using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe). Co-occurrence analysis was performed to identify correlation among marker genera, and Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) to explore functional features and pathways of cervical microbiota. RESULTS Alpha diversity(p < 0.05) was higher in severer cervical pathology with lower relative abundance of Lactobacillus as well as higher of anaerobes. Beta diversity (p < 0.01) was significantly different. Marker genera were identified including Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Campylobacter of CA and Sneathia of HSIL. The correlation of differential functional pathways with Prevotella was opposite to that with Lactobacillus. CONCLUSION Our study suggests differences in cervical microbiota diversity and relative abundance of reproductive-age females in different stages of cervical carcinogenesis. Marker genera might participate in the lesion progression and will be helpful for diagnosis, prevention and treatment. These findings may lead the way to further study of the cervical microbiome in development of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikao Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuewen Ding
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Sanam Acharya
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huaqian Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunning Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianxian Nong
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Chen H, Wang L, Zhao L, Luo L, Min S, Wen Y, Lei W, Shu M, Li Z. Alterations of Vaginal Microbiota in Women With Infertility and Chlamydia trachomatis Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:698840. [PMID: 34414130 PMCID: PMC8370387 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.698840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most common etiological agent of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and causes serious health sequelae such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even infertility if ascending from the lower to the upper female genital tract. Previous studies have revealed the pivotal role of vaginal microbiota in susceptibility to STIs. However, alterations in the vaginal microbiota in women who are infertile and infected with C. trachomatis remain unknown. This study used metagenomic analysis of sequenced 16S rRNA gene amplicons to examine the vaginal microbial profiles of women with tubal infertility who were C. trachomatis-negative and those who were C. trachomatis-positive pre- and post-antibiotic treatment. Women who were C. trachomatis-negative and deemed healthy were recruited as references of eubiosis and dysbiosis. Women with tubal infertility and C. trachomatis infection presented a unique Lactobacillus iners-dominated vaginal microbiota rather than one dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and displayed a decrease in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacter, Atopobium, and Streptococcus, accompanied by decreased levels of cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10. This altered vaginal microbiota could be restored with varying degrees after standard treatment for C. trachomatis. This shift could be a predictive vaginal microbiota signature for C. trachomatis infection among females with tubal infertility, while no significant differences in phylum, class, and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) levels were observed between women with tubal infertility who were C. trachomatis-negative and healthy controls. This is the first study to provide data on the association of vaginal microbiota with C. trachomatis infection among women with tubal infertility and highlights unprecedented potential opportunities to predict C. trachomatis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Lanhua Zhao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lipei Luo
- Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Shuling Min
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yating Wen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wenbo Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Mingyi Shu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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van Riel SJJM, Lardenoije CMJG, Oudhuis GJ, Cremers NAJ. Treating (Recurrent) Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with Medical-Grade Honey-Concepts and Practical Considerations. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080664. [PMID: 34436203 PMCID: PMC8400673 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a relapsing vaginal fungal infection caused by Candida species. The prevalence varies among age populations and can be as high as 9%. Treatment options are limited, and in 57% of the cases, relapses occur within six months after fluconazole maintenance therapy, which is the current standard of care. The pathogenesis of RVVC is multifactorial, and recent studies have demonstrated that the vaginal microenvironment and activity of the immune system have a strong influence on the disease. Medical-grade honey (MGH) has protective, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activity and forms a putative alternative treatment. Clinical trials have demonstrated that honey can benefit the treatment of bacterial and Candida-mediated vaginal infections. We postulate that MGH will actively fight ongoing infections; eradicate biofilms; and modulate the vaginal microenvironment by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties, and subsequently may decrease the number of relapses when compared to fluconazole. The MGH formulation L-Mesitran Soft has stronger antimicrobial activity against various Candida species than its raw honey. In advance of a planned randomized controlled clinical trial, we present the setup of a study comparing L-Mesitran Soft with fluconazole and its practical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senna J. J. M. van Riel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.J.J.M.v.R.); (C.M.J.G.L.)
| | - Celine M. J. G. Lardenoije
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.J.J.M.v.R.); (C.M.J.G.L.)
| | - Guy J. Oudhuis
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Niels A. J. Cremers
- Triticum Exploitatie B.V., Sleperweg 44, 6222 NK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-43-325-1773
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64
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Tabari MA, Poźniak B, Abrishami A, Moradpour AA, Shahavi MH, Kazemi S, Youssefi MR. Antitrichomonal activity of metronidazole-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles in pigeon trichomoniasis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3263-3272. [PMID: 34342682 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07263-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the novel drug delivery systems to reduce the dose of the drug and avoid side effects. Metronidazole has been used for many years in the treatment of anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. Nanolactoferrin, a newly developed antibacterial agent originated from lactoferrin, is applied both as an active therapeutic and a drug nanocarrier. The present study describes the development and characterization of metronidazole-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles (nano-MTZ) as well as reports their antitrichomonal activity on Trichomonas gallinae, the protozoal causative agent of pigeon trichomoniasis. The activity of the nano-MTZ is compared with the regular metronidazole formulation (MTZ) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the nano-MTZ to fibroblast cell line and possible hepatotoxicity in treated pigeons were evaluated. Nano-MTZ was prepared based on the thermal treatment method and the average size and surface charge of the dispersion were 30.6 nm and - 44.6 mv, respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was noted for the nano-MTZ in comparison to the MTZ. Loading efficiency in nano-MTZ was calculated as 55%. In vitro susceptibility results demonstrated 24 h 90% lethal concentration values of 4.23 and 6.64 µg/mL for MTZ and nano-MTZ, respectively. Oral treatment of the pigeons experimentally infected with T. gallinae resulted in the earlier eradication of the infection in the nano-MTZ-treated pigeons. No adverse effects on the liver function have been observed for the nano-MTZ. These findings suggest that nanolactoferrin is a promising platform for the development of novel MTZ formulations with improved antitrichomonal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Błażej Poźniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Azadeh Abrishami
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol BranchBabol, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Moradpour
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol BranchBabol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Shahavi
- Faculty of Engineering Modern Technologies, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies (AUSMT), Amol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Youssefi
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Babol BranchBabol, Iran. .,Department of Comprehensive Health Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Babol BranchBabol, Iran.
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65
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Lactoferrin for Prevention and Treatment of Anemia and Inflammation in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080898. [PMID: 34440102 PMCID: PMC8389615 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a physiological state that demands higher level of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for the growth and maintenance of the fetus. Iron deficiency is a part of most common diet deficiencies in pregnancy and has high clinical significance leading to the development of syderopenic anemia and its consequences for mother and child, such as higher risk of perinatal death, susceptibility to infection, intra-uteral growth inhibition, prematurity and low birth weight. Hence, iron supplementation is recommended for pregnant women; however dietary intake of iron from most commercially available formulas is often insufficient due to iron-poor bioavailability, or have undesired side-effects in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a discouraging and distrustful attitude to such treatment. The results of numerous studies indicate that diet supplementation with lactoferrin (LTF), an iron-binding protein, may be advantageous in prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. LTF, administered orally, normalizes iron homeostasis, not only by facilitating iron absorption, but also by inhibiting inflammatory processes responsible for anemia of chronic diseases, characterized by a functional iron deficit for physiological processes. LTF also protects against infections and inflammatory complications, caused by diagnostic surgical interventions in pregnant women. Beneficial, multidirectional actions of LTF during pregnancy encompass, in addition, inhibition of oxidative stress, normalization of intestine and genital tract microbiota and carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, protection of intestine barrier function, promotion of wound healing, as well as hypotensive, analgesic and antistress actions. Bovine lactoferrin (BLTF) is readily available on the nutritional market and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in human diet.
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66
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Joseph RJ, Ser HL, Kuai YH, Tan LTH, Arasoo VJT, Letchumanan V, Wang L, Pusparajah P, Goh BH, Ab Mutalib NS, Chan KG, Lee LH. Finding a Balance in the Vaginal Microbiome: How Do We Treat and Prevent the Occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:719. [PMID: 34203908 PMCID: PMC8232816 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported in one-third of women worldwide at different life stages, due to the complex balance in the ecology of the vaginal microbiota. It is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge and is associated with other health issues. Since the first description of anaerobic microbes associated with BV like Gardnerella vaginalis in the 1950s, researchers have stepped up the game by incorporating advanced molecular tools to monitor and evaluate the extent of dysbiosis within the vaginal microbiome, particularly on how specific microbial population changes compared to a healthy state. Moreover, treatment failure and BV recurrence rate remain high despite the standard antibiotic treatment. Consequently, researchers have been probing into alternative or adjunct treatments, including probiotics or even vaginal microbiota transplants, to ensure successful treatment outcomes and reduce the colonization by pathogenic microbes of the female reproductive tract. The current review summarizes the latest findings in probiotics use for BV and explores the potential of vaginal microbiota transplants in restoring vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jane Joseph
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Hooi-Leng Ser
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Yi-He Kuai
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia;
| | | | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Lijing Wang
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
| | - Priyia Pusparajah
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research Group (BMEX), School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
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67
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Lu J, Francis JD, Guevara MA, Moore RE, Chambers SA, Doster RS, Eastman AJ, Rogers LM, Noble KN, Manning SD, Damo SM, Aronoff DM, Townsend SD, Gaddy JA. Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Activity of the Human Breast Milk Glycoprotein Lactoferrin against Group B Streptococcus. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2124-2133. [PMID: 33755306 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an encapsulated Gram-positive human pathogen that causes invasive infections in pregnant hosts and neonates, as well as immunocompromised individuals. Colonization of the human host requires the ability to adhere to mucosal surfaces and circumnavigate the nutritional challenges and antimicrobial defenses associated with the innate immune response. Biofilm formation is a critical process to facilitate GBS survival and establishment of a replicative niche in the vertebrate host. Previous work has shown that the host responds to GBS infection by producing the innate antimicrobial glycoprotein lactoferrin, which has been implicated in repressing bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Additionally, lactoferrin is highly abundant in human breast milk and could serve a protective role against invasive microbial pathogens. This study demonstrates that human breast milk lactoferrin has antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against GBS and inhibits its adherence to human gestational membranes. Together, these results indicate that human milk lactoferrin could be used as a prebiotic chemotherapeutic strategy to limit the impact of bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on GBS-associated disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Lu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center A2200 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jamisha D Francis
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center A2200 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Miriam A Guevara
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center A2200 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Rebecca E Moore
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar and a Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 7330 Stevenson Center, Station B 351822, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Schuyler A Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar and a Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 7330 Stevenson Center, Station B 351822, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Ryan S Doster
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alison J Eastman
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lisa M Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kristen N Noble
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
| | - David M Aronoff
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center A2200 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Steven D Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar and a Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 7330 Stevenson Center, Station B 351822, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center A2200 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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68
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Wei YS, Feng K, Li SF, Hu TG, Linhardt RJ, Zong MH, Wu H. Oral fate and stabilization technologies of lactoferrin: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:6341-6358. [PMID: 33749401 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1900774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a bioactive protein initially found in many biological secretions including milk, is regarded as the nutritional supplement or therapeutic ligand due to its multiple functions. Research on its mode of action reveals that intact Lf or its active peptide (i.e., lactoferricin) shows an important multifunctional performance. Oral delivery is considered as the most convenient administration route for this bioactive protein. Unfortunately, Lf is sensitive to the gastrointestinal (GI) physicochemical stresses and lactoferricin is undetectable in GI digesta. This review introduces the functionality of Lf at the molecular level and its degradation behavior in GI tract is discussed in detail. Subsequently, the absorption and transport of Lf from intestine into the blood circulation, which is pivotal to its health promoting effects in various tissues, and some assisting labeling methods are discussed. Stabilization technologies aiming at preserving the structural integrity and functional properties of orally administrated Lf are summarized and compared. Altogether, this work comprehensively reviews the structure-function relationship of Lf, its oral fate and the development of stabilization technologies for the enhancement of the oral bioavailability of Lf. The existing limitations and scope for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Shan Wei
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Feng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Fang Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Teng-Gen Hu
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Min-Hua Zong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Wu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
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69
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Kumar B, Dey AK, Saha S, Singh AK, Kshetrapal P, Wadhwa N, Thiruvengadam R, Desiraju BK, Bhatnagar S, Salunke DM, Rashid F, Malakar D, Maiti TK. Dynamic Alteration in the Vaginal Secretory Proteome across the Early and Mid-Trimesters of Pregnancy. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:1190-1205. [PMID: 33497241 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by intense physiological and structural alterations in the vagina, cervix, and overlying fetal membranes. High vaginal fluid (HVF) is a proximal fluid that covers the lower part of the female reproductive system and the severity of vaginal pathology often adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. To identify the correlation of vaginal fluid proteome dynamics and physiological changes during the progression of pregnancy, a longitudinal study was performed on 20 pregnant women who delivered a baby in >37 weeks without any complications. SWATH-MS-based label-free quantitative proteomics was performed to profile the HVF proteome at three time points defined as V1 (7-12 weeks), V2 (18-20 weeks), and V3 (26-28 weeks). Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate protein abundance as a function of the period of gestational age. In this study, we identified 1015 HVF proteins and 61 of them were significantly altered until late second trimester. Our result demonstrates that the HVF proteins reveal gestational age-specific expression patterns and the function of these proteins is associated with tissue remodeling, organ development, and microbial defense. Our study provides an opportunity to monitor the underlying physiology of pregnancy that may be further probed for the biomarker identification in pregnancy-related adverse outcomes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD014846 and PXD021811.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhoj Kumar
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Amit Kumar Dey
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Sandhini Saha
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Pallavi Kshetrapal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Nitya Wadhwa
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Ramachandran Thiruvengadam
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Bapu Koundinya Desiraju
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Shinjini Bhatnagar
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Dinakar M Salunke
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Faraz Rashid
- Sciex, 121 UdyogVihar Phase IV, Gurgaon 122015, India
| | | | - Tushar Kanti Maiti
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad 121001, India
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70
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Encapsulation of Lactoferrin for Sustained Release Using Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) process were performed to encapsulate lactofer-rin, an iron-binding milk glycoprotein, using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). A natural en-teric polymer, shellac, was used as a coating material of lactoferrin carried out by the PGSS pro-cess. Conditions were optimized by applying different temperatures (20–50 °C) and pressures (8–10 MPa) and the particles were evaluated for particle shape and size, lactoferrin encapsulation ef-ficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm lactoferrin entrapment and in vitro dissolution studies at different pH values. Particles with an average diameter of 75.5 ± 7 μm were produced with encapsulation efficiency up to 71 ± 2%. Furthermore, particles that showed high stability in low pH (pH 1.2) and a sustained release over time (t2h = 75%) in higher pH (pH 7.4) suggested an effective encapsulation process for the protection of lactoferrin from gastric di-gestion.
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71
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The iron-dependent repressor YtgR is a tryptophan-dependent attenuator of the trpRBA operon in Chlamydia trachomatis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6430. [PMID: 33353937 PMCID: PMC7755916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The trp operon of Chlamydia trachomatis is organized differently from other model bacteria. It contains trpR, an intergenic region (IGR), and the biosynthetic trpB and trpA open-reading frames. TrpR is a tryptophan-dependent repressor that regulates the major promoter (PtrpR), while the IGR harbors an alternative promoter (PtrpBA) and an operator sequence for the iron-dependent repressor YtgR to regulate trpBA expression. Here, we report that YtgR repression at PtrpBA is also dependent on tryptophan by regulating YtgR levels through a rare triple-tryptophan motif (WWW) in the YtgCR precursor. Inhibiting translation during tryptophan limitation at the WWW motif subsequently promotes Rho-independent transcription termination of ytgR, thereby de-repressing PtrpBA. Thus, YtgR represents an alternative strategy to attenuate trpBA expression, expanding the repertoire for trp operon attenuation beyond TrpL- and TRAP-mediated mechanisms described in other bacteria. Furthermore, repurposing the iron-dependent repressor YtgR underscores the fundamental importance of maintaining tryptophan-dependent attenuation of the trpRBA operon.
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Cutone A, Ianiro G, Lepanto MS, Rosa L, Valenti P, Bonaccorsi di Patti MC, Musci G. Lactoferrin in the Prevention and Treatment of Intestinal Inflammatory Pathologies Associated with Colorectal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3806. [PMID: 33348646 PMCID: PMC7766217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The connection between inflammation and cancer is well-established and supported by genetic, pharmacological and epidemiological data. The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have been described as important promoters for colorectal cancer development. Risk factors include environmental and food-borne mutagens, dysbalance of intestinal microbiome composition and chronic intestinal inflammation, with loss of intestinal epithelial barrier and enhanced cell proliferation rate. Therapies aimed at shutting down mucosal inflammatory response represent the foundation for IBDs treatment. However, when applied for long periods, they can alter the immune system and promote microbiome dysbiosis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is imperative to find new safe substances acting as both potent anti-inflammatory and anti-pathogen agents. Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein essential in innate immunity, is generally recognized as safe and used as food supplement due to its multifunctionality. Lf possesses a wide range of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties against different aseptic and septic inflammatory pathologies, including IBDs. Moreover, Lf exerts anti-adhesive, anti-invasive and anti-survival activities against several microbial pathogens that colonize intestinal mucosa of IBDs patients. This review focuses on those activities of Lf potentially useful for the prevention/treatment of intestinal inflammatory pathologies associated with colorectal cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Giusi Ianiro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | | | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
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García-Peñarrubia P, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Martínez-Esparza M, Marín P, Machado-Linde F. Hypothetical roadmap towards endometriosis: prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemical pollutant exposure, anogenital distance, gut-genital microbiota and subclinical infections. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:214-246. [PMID: 32108227 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynaecological hormone-dependent disorder that is defined by histological lesions generated by the growth of endometrial-like tissue out of the uterus cavity, most commonly engrafted within the peritoneal cavity, although these lesions can also be located in distant organs. Endometriosis affects ~10% of women of reproductive age, frequently producing severe and, sometimes, incapacitating symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, among others. Furthermore, endometriosis causes infertility in ~30% of affected women. Despite intense research on the mechanisms involved in the initial development and later progression of endometriosis, many questions remain unanswered and its aetiology remains unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical role played by the relationship between the microbiome and mucosal immunology in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (HIV), infertility and several gynaecologic diseases. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we sought to respond to the main research question related to the aetiology of endometriosis. We provide a model pointing out several risk factors that could explain the development of endometriosis. The hypothesis arises from bringing together current findings from large distinct areas, linking high prenatal exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals with a short anogenital distance, female genital tract contamination with the faecal microbiota and the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We performed a search of the scientific literature published until 2019 in the PubMed database. The search strategy included the following keywords in various combinations: endometriosis, anogenital distance, chemical pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the microbiome of the female reproductive tract, microbiota and genital tract, bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, oestrogens and microbiota and microbiota-immune system interactions. OUTCOMES On searching the corresponding bibliography, we found frequent associations between environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals and endometriosis risk. Likewise, recent evidence and hypotheses have suggested the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. Hence, we can envisage a direct relationship between higher prenatal exposure to oestrogens or estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds (phthalates, bisphenols, organochlorine pesticides and others) and a shorter anogenital distance, which could favour frequent postnatal episodes of faecal microbiota contamination of the vulva and vagina, producing cervicovaginal microbiota dysbiosis. This relationship would disrupt local antimicrobial defences, subverting the homeostasis state and inducing a subclinical inflammatory response that could evolve into a sustained immune dysregulation, closing the vicious cycle responsible for the development of endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Determining the aetiology of endometriosis is a challenging issue. Posing a new hypothesis on this subject provides the initial tool necessary to design future experimental, clinical and epidemiological research that could allow for a better understanding of the origin of this disease. Furthermore, advances in the understanding of its aetiology would allow the identification of new therapeutics and preventive actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar García-Peñarrubia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Marín
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Machado-Linde
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Reina Sofía, CARM, Murcia, Spain
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Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL. The Cervicovaginal Mucus Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218266. [PMID: 33158227 PMCID: PMC7663572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm births are a global health priority that affects 15 million babies every year worldwide. There are no effective prognostic and therapeutic strategies relating to preterm delivery, but uterine infections appear to be a major cause. The vaginal epithelium is covered by the cervicovaginal mucus, which is essential to health because of its direct involvement in reproduction and functions as a selective barrier by sheltering the beneficial lactobacilli while helping to clear pathogens. During pregnancy, the cervical canal is sealed with a cervical mucus plug that prevents the vaginal flora from ascending toward the uterine compartment, which protects the fetus from pathogens. Abnormalities of the cervical mucus plug and bacterial vaginosis are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery. This review addresses the current understanding of the cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug and their interactions with the microbial communities in both the physiological state and bacterial vaginosis, with a focus on gel-forming mucins. We also review the current state of knowledge of gel-forming mucins contained in mouse cervicovaginal mucus and the mouse models used to study bacterial vaginosis.
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Lactoferrin Metal Saturation-Which Form Is the Best for Neonatal Nutrition? Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113340. [PMID: 33143055 PMCID: PMC7692973 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of metal saturation of lactoferrin (with iron and manganese) on population numbers of pathogenic species relevant for neonatal sepsis that commonly originates from the gut due to bacterial translocation. Little attention has been paid to how metal ions bound to the protein affect its activity. Several reference and clinical strains as well as probiotic strains were incubated with different forms of lactoferrin: metal-depleted (apolactoferrin), iron-saturated (hololactoferrin) and manganese-saturated lactoferrin. We also attempted to confirm the observed effects of lactoferrin forms in vivo using rat pups. The observed decrease in population numbers of Gram-negative rods could not be confirmed by quantitative plating—lactoferrin may regulate these populations diversely (e.g., by anti-biofilm activity) and contribute to the inhibition of inflammatory response. We did not see any effect of lactoferrin forms on staphylococci and bifidobacteria. However, we have noted a significant increase of population numbers of Lactobacillus strains upon incubation with manganese-saturated lactoferrin. These results were confirmed in vivo in a rat model. Metal saturation is an underestimated factor regulating lactoferrin activity. Some forms are more potent in the inhibition of pathogenic species while others, such as manganese-saturated lactoferrin, could contribute to the restoration of gut homeostasis.
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76
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Ruiz-Hernández UE, Pelcastre-Rodriguez LI, Cabrero-Martínez OA, Hernández-Cortez C, Castro-Escarpulli G. Analysis of CRISPR-Cas systems in Gardnerella suggests its potential role in the mechanisms of bacterial vaginosis. Comput Biol Chem 2020; 89:107381. [PMID: 33002715 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2020.107381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the principal cause of vaginal discharge among women, and it can lead to many comorbidities with a negative impact in women's daily activities. Despite the fact that the pathophysiological process of BV remains unclear, great advances had been achieved in determining consequences of the shift in the vaginal community, and it was defined that Gardnerella spp., plays a key role in the pathogenesis of BV. Interactions of vaginal phage communities and bacterial hosts may be relevant in eubiosis/dysbiosis states, so defense mechanisms in Gardnerella spp., against phage infections could be relevant in BV development. In this study, we analyzed CRISPR-Cas systems among the 13 Gardnerella species recently classified, considering that these systems act as prokaryotic immune systems against phages, plasmids, and other mobile genetic elements. In silico analyses for CRISPR-Cas systems mining over the 81 Gardnerella spp., strains genomes analyzed led to the identification of subtypes I-E and II-C. Spacers analyses showed a hypervariable region across species, providing a high resolution level in order to distinguish clonality in strains, which was supported with phylogenomic analyses based on Virtual Genomic Fingerprinting. Moreover, most of the spacers revealed interactions between Gardnerella spp., strains and prophages over the genus. Furthermore, virulence traits of the 13 species showed insights of potential niche specificity in the vaginal microbiome. Overall, our results suggest that the CRISPR-Cas systems in the genus Gardnerella may play an important role in the mechanisms of the development and maintenance of BV, considering that the Gardnerella species occupies different niches in the vaginal community; in addition, spacer sequences can be used for genotyping studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaldo Emilio Ruiz-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Leda Ivonne Pelcastre-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Omar Alejandro Cabrero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Cecilia Hernández-Cortez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Graciela Castro-Escarpulli
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Mane A, Khan I, Thakar M. Characterisation of colonisation properties of vaginal lactobacilli from healthy Indian women: Implications for identification of potential probiotic candidates. Indian J Med Microbiol 2020; 38:440-443. [PMID: 33154259 DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_20_108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The ability of probiotic bacteria to colonise the target site is considered of utmost importance and used for preliminary screening of potential probiotic candidates. Thirty-eight vaginal Lactobacillus strains isolated from healthy women and characterised by 16S RNA sequencing were assessed for colonisation characteristics including adherence to human vaginal epithelial cells, auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity. No significant difference in adherence (P = 0.384), auto-aggregation (P = 0.282) and hydrophobicity (P = 0.084) abilities between Lactobacillus species was observed, however, significant difference in colonisation characteristics between strains of the same species was noted (P < 0.001). We identified seven Lactobacillus strains that may serve as best candidates for vaginal probiotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arati Mane
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73 G Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ishrat Khan
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73 G Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhuri Thakar
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, 73 G Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Maharashtra, India
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Rouanet A, Bolca S, Bru A, Claes I, Cvejic H, Girgis H, Harper A, Lavergne SN, Mathys S, Pane M, Pot B, Shortt C, Alkema W, Bezulowsky C, Blanquet-Diot S, Chassard C, Claus SP, Hadida B, Hemmingsen C, Jeune C, Lindman B, Midzi G, Mogna L, Movitz C, Nasir N, Oberreither M, Seegers JFML, Sterkman L, Valo A, Vieville F, Cordaillat-Simmons M. Live Biotherapeutic Products, A Road Map for Safety Assessment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:237. [PMID: 32637416 PMCID: PMC7319051 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in the understanding of the relationship between the microbiota and its host have provided evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of selected microorganisms to prevent or treat disease. According to Directive 2001/83/EC, in the European Union (EU), any product intended to prevent or treat disease is defined as a medicinal product and requires a marketing authorization by competent authorities prior to commercialization. Even if the pharmaceutical regulatory framework is harmonized at the EU level, obtaining marketing authorisations for medicinal products remains very challenging for Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). Compared to other medicinal products currently on the market, safety assessment of LBPs represents a real challenge because of their specific characteristics and mode of action. Indeed, LBPs are not intended to reach the systemic circulation targeting distant organs, tissues, or receptors, but rather exert their effect through direct interactions with the complex native microbiota and/or the modulation of complex host-microbiota relation, indirectly leading to distant biological effects within the host. Hence, developers must rely on a thorough risk analysis, and pharmaceutical guidelines for other biological products should be taken into account in order to design relevant non-clinical and clinical development programmes. Here we aim at providing a roadmap for a risk analysis that takes into account the specificities of LBPs. We describe the different risks associated with these products and their interactions with the patient. Then, from that risk assessment, we propose solutions to design non-clinical programmes and First in Human (FIH) early clinical trials appropriate to assess LBP safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rouanet
- Pharmabiotic Research Institute - PRI, Narbonne, France
| | | | | | | | - Helene Cvejic
- Accelsiors CRO, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Ashton Harper
- Medical Affairs Department, ADM Protexin Ltd., Somerset, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Pot
- Science Department, Yakult Europe BV, Almere, Netherlands
- Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Colette Shortt
- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd., Foundation Park, Maidenhead, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Garikai Midzi
- Medical Affairs Department, ADM Protexin Ltd., Somerset, United Kingdom
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80
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Massa E, Pelusa F, Lo Celso A, Madariaga MJ, Filocco L, Morente C, Ghersevich S. Lactoferrin levels in cervical fluid from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients - correlation with IVF parameters. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 99:91-96. [PMID: 32476453 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since our previous results suggest that lactoferrin (LF) might have roles in the reproductive process and that its levels might change in the female tract as a response to various factors, the aim of this investigation was to assess whether LF levels in cervical secretions correlate with reproductive parameters from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Cervical fluid samples were obtained from 34 women under 40 years old enrolled for assisted reproduction techniques, and LF concentration was measured. The mean total protein concentration in all cervical fluid samples was 842.8 ± 116.9 µg/mL. The mean concentration of LF was 0.73 ± 0.06 ng LF/µg of total proteins. We observed that higher LF levels in cervical fluid correlated with lower IVF rates when all patients were analyzed; this negative correlation was also sustained when only patients ≥35 years were studied. The mean LF concentration in cervical fluid was significantly lower among patients with normal IVF rates than in those with values 50% or less. Using a LF cutoff value of 0.83 ng/μg of total proteins, the study revealed a significant association between the LF levels below 0.83 ng/µg of total proteins and IVF rates above 50%. LF levels in cervical mucus could potentially be used as a marker of fertilization outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Massa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fabián Pelusa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lo Celso
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María José Madariaga
- Area of Morphology, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luciana Filocco
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos Morente
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ghersevich
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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81
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Kell DB, Heyden EL, Pretorius E. The Biology of Lactoferrin, an Iron-Binding Protein That Can Help Defend Against Viruses and Bacteria. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1221. [PMID: 32574271 PMCID: PMC7271924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a nutrient classically found in mammalian milk. It binds iron and is transferred via a variety of receptors into and between cells, serum, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid. It has important immunological properties, and is both antibacterial and antiviral. In particular, there is evidence that it can bind to at least some of the receptors used by coronaviruses and thereby block their entry. Of importance are Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as based on other activities lactoferrin might prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from attaching to the host cells. Lactoferrin (and more specifically enteric-coated LF because of increased bioavailability) may consequently be of preventive and therapeutic value during the present COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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82
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Li Y, Yu T, Yan H, Li D, Yu T, Yuan T, Rahaman A, Ali S, Abbas F, Dian Z, Wu X, Baloch Z. Vaginal Microbiota and HPV Infection: Novel Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:1213-1220. [PMID: 32431522 PMCID: PMC7198448 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s210615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a global public health concern. The complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors is critical for the progress of cervical cancer. Growing evidence suggests that microbes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the immune system interact closely with each other to govern homeostasis of the vaginal environment and the health of the lower genital tract of females. Certain vaginal microbial strains may play either a protective or a pathogenic role in carcinogenesis of the cervix after HPV persistent infection. Probiotics can therefore present a putative therapeutic approach for cervical cancer. However, work in this field remains limited. Recent technological developments have allowed us to identify microbes and their products using culture-independent molecular detection techniques. In this review, we discuss the composition of the vaginal bacterial community, its commensal flora and the protective impact this has on the health of the female genital tract. This review will also describe critical immune factors in lower genital tract health and summarize the role of the vaginal microbiota in cervical carcinogenesis. Knowledge in this field has provided researchers with the clues and tools to propose the use of probiotics as a potential line of treatment for cervical cancer and has provided valuable insights into host–pathogen interaction dynamics within the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyue Li
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Yan
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanduan Li
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Tang Yu
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdul Rahaman
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shahid Ali
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Farhat Abbas
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqin Dian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Wu
- Department of Gynaecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730030, People's Republic of China
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83
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Kumar A, Naik PK, Pradhan D, Ghosh G, Rath G. Mucoadhesive formulations: innovations, merits, drawbacks, and future outlook. Pharm Dev Technol 2020; 25:797-814. [DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1753771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amresh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.S.F. College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | | | - Deepak Pradhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Goutam Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Goutam Rath
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Viral Hepatitis and Iron Dysregulation: Molecular Pathways and the Role of Lactoferrin. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081997. [PMID: 32344579 PMCID: PMC7221917 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a frontline immune site specifically designed to check and detect potential pathogens from the bloodstream to maintain a general state of immune hyporesponsiveness. One of the main functions of the liver is the regulation of iron homeostasis. The liver detects changes in systemic iron requirements and can regulate its concentration. Pathological states lead to the dysregulation of iron homeostasis which, in turn, can promote infectious and inflammatory processes. In this context, hepatic viruses deviate hepatocytes' iron metabolism in order to better replicate. Indeed, some viruses are able to alter the expression of iron-related proteins or exploit host receptors to enter inside host cells. Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to the innate immunity, is endowed with potent antiviral activity, mainly related to its ability to block viral entry into host cells by interacting with viral and/or cell surface receptors. Moreover, Lf can act as an iron scavenger by both direct iron-chelation or the modulation of the main iron-related proteins. In this review, the complex interplay between viral hepatitis, iron homeostasis, and inflammation as well as the role of Lf are outlined.
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Patras KA, Coady A, Babu P, Shing SR, Ha AD, Rooholfada E, Brandt SL, Geriak M, Gallo RL, Nizet V. Host Cathelicidin Exacerbates Group B Streptococcus Urinary Tract Infection. mSphere 2020; 5:e00932-19. [PMID: 32321824 PMCID: PMC7178553 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00932-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes frequent urinary tract infection (UTI) in susceptible populations, including individuals with type 2 diabetes and pregnant women; however, specific host factors responsible for increased GBS susceptibility in these populations are not well characterized. Here, we investigate cathelicidin, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, known to be critical for defense during UTI with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). We observed a loss of antimicrobial activity of human and mouse cathelicidins against GBS and UPEC in synthetic urine and no evidence for increased cathelicidin resistance in GBS urinary isolates. Furthermore, we found that GBS degrades cathelicidin in a protease-dependent manner. Surprisingly, in a UTI model, cathelicidin-deficient (Camp-/-) mice showed decreased GBS burdens and mast cell recruitment in the bladder compared to levels in wild-type (WT) mice. Pharmacologic inhibition of mast cells reduced GBS burdens and histamine release in WT but not Camp-/- mice. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice had increased bladder cathelicidin production and mast cell recruitment at 24 h postinfection with GBS compared to levels in nondiabetic controls. We propose that cathelicidin is an important immune regulator but ineffective antimicrobial peptide against GBS in urine. Combined, our findings may in part explain the increased frequency of GBS UTI in diabetic and pregnant individuals.IMPORTANCE Certain populations such as diabetic individuals are at increased risk for developing urinary tract infections (UTI), although the underlying reasons for this susceptibility are not fully known. Additionally, diabetics are more likely to become infected with certain types of bacteria, such as group B Streptococcus (GBS). In this study, we find that an antimicrobial peptide called cathelicidin, which is thought to protect the bladder from infection, is ineffective in controlling GBS and alters the type of immune cells that migrate to the bladder during infection. Using a mouse model of diabetes, we observe that diabetic mice are more susceptible to GBS infection even though they also have more infiltrating immune cells and increased production of cathelicidin. Taken together, our findings identify this antimicrobial peptide as a potential contributor to increased susceptibility of diabetic individuals to GBS UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alison Coady
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Priyanka Babu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Samuel R Shing
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Albert D Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Emma Rooholfada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brandt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Richard L Gallo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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86
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Martinez S, Garcia JG, Williams R, Elmassry M, West A, Hamood A, Hurtado D, Gudenkauf B, Ventolini G, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N. Lactobacilli spp.: real-time evaluation of biofilm growth. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:64. [PMID: 32209050 PMCID: PMC7092459 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01753-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilm is a fundamental bacterial survival mode which proceeds through three main generalized phases: adhesion, maturation, and dispersion. Lactobacilli spp. (LB) are critical components of gut and reproductive health and are widely used probiotics. Evaluation of time-dependent mechanisms of biofilm formation is important for understanding of host-microbial interaction and development of therapeutic interventions. Time-dependent LB biofilm growth was studied in two systems: large biofilm output in continuous flow system (microfermenter (M), Institute Pasteur, France) and electrical impedance-based real time label-free cell analyzer (C) (xCELLigence, ACEA Bioscience Inc., San Diego, CA). L. plantarum biofilm growth in M system was video-recorded, followed by analyses using IMARIS software (Bitplane, Oxford Instrument Company, Concord, MA, USA). Additionally, whole genome expression and analyses of attached (A) and dispersed (D) biofilm phases at 24 and 48 h were performed. RESULTS The dynamic of biofilm growth of L. plantarum was similar in both systems except for D phases. Comparison of the transcriptome of A and D phases revealed, that 121 transcripts differ between two phases at 24 h. and 35 transcripts - at 48 h. of M growth. The main pathways, down-regulated in A compared to D phases after 24 h. were transcriptional regulation, purine nucleotide biosynthesis, and L-aspartate biosynthesis, and the upregulated pathways were fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism as well as ABC transporters and purine nucleotide biosynthesis. Four LB species differed in the duration and amplitude of attachment phases, while growth phases were similar. CONCLUSION LB spp. biofilm growth and propagation area dynamic, time-dependent processes with species-specific and time specific characteristics. The dynamic of LB biofilm growth agrees with published pathophysiological data and points out that real time evaluation is an important tool in understanding growth of microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Martinez
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA
| | - Jonathan Gomez Garcia
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA.,University of Texas at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Roy Williams
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA.,University of Texas at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Moamen Elmassry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Andrew West
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA
| | - Abdul Hamood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Brent Gudenkauf
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA.
| | - Natalia Schlabritz-Loutsevitch
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin, 701 W. 5th Street, Odessa, TX, 79763, USA. .,Department of Neurobiology and Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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87
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Cutone A, Rosa L, Ianiro G, Lepanto MS, Bonaccorsi di Patti MC, Valenti P, Musci G. Lactoferrin's Anti-Cancer Properties: Safety, Selectivity, and Wide Range of Action. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030456. [PMID: 32183434 PMCID: PMC7175311 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, current treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, although beneficial, present attendant side effects and long-term sequelae, usually more or less affecting quality of life of the patients. Indeed, except for most of the immunotherapeutic agents, the complete lack of selectivity between normal and cancer cells for radio- and chemotherapy can make them potential antagonists of the host anti-cancer self-defense over time. Recently, the use of nutraceuticals as natural compounds corroborating anti-cancer standard therapy is emerging as a promising tool for their relative abundance, bioavailability, safety, low-cost effectiveness, and immuno-compatibility with the host. In this review, we outlined the anti-cancer properties of Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein of the innate immune defense. Lf shows high bioavailability after oral administration, high selectivity toward cancer cells, and a wide range of molecular targets controlling tumor proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and metastasization. Of note, Lf is able to promote or inhibit cell proliferation and migration depending on whether it acts upon normal or cancerous cells, respectively. Importantly, Lf administration is highly tolerated and does not present significant adverse effects. Moreover, Lf can prevent development or inhibit cancer growth by boosting adaptive immune response. Finally, Lf was recently found to be an ideal carrier for chemotherapeutics, even for the treatment of brain tumors due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus globally appearing as a promising tool for cancer prevention and treatment, especially in combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.S.L.); (P.V.)
| | - Giusi Ianiro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.S.L.); (P.V.)
| | | | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.S.L.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (G.M.)
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Wang T, Sha L, Li Y, Zhu L, Wang Z, Li K, Lu H, Bao T, Guo L, Zhang X, Wang H. Dietary α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Flaxseed Oil Exerts Beneficial Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Through Sex Steroid Hormones-Microbiota-Inflammation Axis in Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:284. [PMID: 32670195 PMCID: PMC7326049 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents a common endocrine-metabolic disorder disease with chronic low-grade inflammation and alteration of intestinal flora. Serving as functional food, flaxseed oil (FO), which is rich in plant-derived α-linolenic acid of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been proven to benefit for chronic metabolic diseases. However, the exact role of dietary FO on PCOS remains largely unclear. In the present study, 6-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats/group), including (a) pair-fed (PF) control (CON) group (PF/CON), (b) FO-fed CON group (FO/CON), (c) PF with letrozole-induced PCOS model (MOD) group (PF/MOD), and (d) FO-fed MOD group (FO/MOD). All rats were fed a standard diet. After 3 weeks of modeling and subsequent 8 weeks of treatment, the rats in diverse groups were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. The results showed that dietary FO ameliorated the disorder of estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. In parallel, dietary FO improved the sex steroid hormone disturbance (luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone), body weights, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Moreover, FO treatment improved plasma and ovary inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Additionally, FO intervention significantly modulated the composition of gut microbiota and vaginal microbiota by increasing the abundances of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, Butyrivibrio, Desulfovibrio, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides as well as decreasing the abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Streptococcus, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. A decrease in plasma lipopolysaccharide level and an increase in short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid, were determined after dietary FO supplementation. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships among sex steroid hormones, inflammation, and gut/vaginal microbiota. Collectively, this study demonstrated that dietary FO ameliorated PCOS through the sex steroid hormones-microbiota-inflammation axis in rats, which may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis and potentially serve as an inexpensive intervention in the control of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Medical Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Liping Sha
- Endocrinology Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Medical Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Medical Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Endocrinology Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ke Li
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
- Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ting Bao
- Endocrinology Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoxia Zhang
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Medical Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Hao Wang
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Ramírez-Lozada T, Espinosa-Hernández VM, Frías-De-León MG, Martínez-Herrera E. Update of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Patients. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-019-00357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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90
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Lepanto MS, Rosa L, Cutone A, Scotti MJ, Conte AL, Marazzato M, Zagaglia C, Longhi C, Berlutti F, Musci G, Valenti P, Conte MP. Bovine Lactoferrin Pre-Treatment Induces Intracellular Killing of AIEC LF82 and Reduces Bacteria-Induced DNA Damage in Differentiated Human Enterocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225666. [PMID: 31726759 PMCID: PMC6888356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
LF82, a prototype of adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC), is able to adhere to, invade, survive and replicate into intestinal epithelial cells. LF82 is able to enhance either its adhesion and invasion by up-regulating carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM-6), the main cell surface molecule for bacterial adhesion, and its intracellular survival by inducing host DNA damage, thus blocking the cellular cycle. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional cationic glycoprotein of natural immunity, exerting an anti-invasive activity against LF82 when added to Caco-2 cells at the moment of infection. Here, the infection of 12 h Lf pre-treated Caco-2 cells was carried out at a time of 0 or 3 or 10 h after Lf removal from culture medium. The effect of Lf pre-treatment on LF82 invasiveness, survival, cell DNA damage, CEACAM-6 expression, apoptosis induction, as well as on Lf subcellular localization, has been evaluated. Lf, even if removed from culture medium, reduced LF82 invasion and survival as well as bacteria-induced DNA damage in Caco-2 cells independently from induction of apoptosis, modulation of CEACAM-6 expression and Lf sub-cellular localization. At our knowledge, this is the first study showing that the sole Lf pre-treatment can activate protective intracellular pathways, reducing LF82 invasiveness, intracellular survival and cell-DNA damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Mellani Jinnett Scotti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Antonietta Lucia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Massimiliano Marazzato
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Carlo Zagaglia
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Francesca Berlutti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (M.J.S.); (A.L.C.); (M.M.); (C.Z.); (C.L.); (F.B.); (P.V.)
- Correspondence:
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91
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Cutone A, Colella B, Pagliaro A, Rosa L, Lepanto MS, Bonaccorsi di Patti MC, Valenti P, Di Bartolomeo S, Musci G. Native and iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin differently hinder migration in a model of human glioblastoma by reverting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process and inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 axis. Cell Signal 2019; 65:109461. [PMID: 31678680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most lethal form of brain cancer, is characterized by fast growth, migration and invasion of the surrounding parenchyma, with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like process being mostly responsible for tumour spreading and dissemination. A number of actors, including cadherins, vimentin, transcriptional factors such as SNAIL, play critical roles in the EMT process. The interleukin (IL)-6/STAT3 axis has been related to enhanced glioblastoma's migration and invasion abilities as well. Here, we present data on the differential effects of native and iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin (bLf), an iron-chelating glycoprotein of the innate immune response, in inhibiting migration in a human glioblastoma cell line. Through a wound healing assay, we found that bLf was able to partially or completely hinder cell migration, depending on its iron saturation rate. At a molecular level, bLf down-regulated both SNAIL and vimentin expression, while inducing a notable increase in cadherins' levels and inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 axis. Again, these effects positively correlated to bLf iron-saturation state, with the Holo-form resulting more efficient than the native one. Overall, our data suggest that bLf could represent a novel and efficient adjuvant treatment for glioblastoma's standard therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Barbara Colella
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Andrea Pagliaro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy.
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Protective Effect of Probiotic Bacteria and Estrogen in Preventing HIV-1-Mediated Impairment of Epithelial Barrier Integrity in Female Genital Tract. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101120. [PMID: 31546582 PMCID: PMC6829272 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 40% of global HIV-1 transmission occurs in the female genital tract (FGT) through heterosexual transmission. Epithelial cells lining the FGT provide the first barrier to HIV-1 entry. Previous studies have suggested that certain hormonal contraceptives or a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota can enhance HIV-1 acquisition in the FGT. We examined the effects of lactobacilli and female sex hormones on the barrier functions and innate immune responses of primary endometrial genital epithelial cells (GECs). Two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GR-1, were tested, as were sex hormones estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), and the hormonal contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Our results demonstrate that probiotic lactobacilli enhance barrier function without affecting cytokines. Treatment of GECs with MPA resulted in reduced barrier function. In contrast, E2 treatment enhanced barrier function and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines. Comparison of hormones plus lactobacilli as a pre-treatment prior to HIV exposure revealed a dominant effect of lactobacilli in preventing loss of barrier function by GECs. In summary, the combination of E2 and lactobacilli had the best protective effect against HIV-1 seen by enhancement of barrier function and reduction in proinflammatory cytokines. These studies provide insights into how probiotic lactobacilli in the female genital microenvironment can alter HIV-1-mediated barrier disruption and how the combination of E2 and lactobacilli may decrease susceptibility to primary HIV infection.
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93
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Pekmezovic M, Mogavero S, Naglik JR, Hube B. Host-Pathogen Interactions during Female Genital Tract Infections. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:982-996. [PMID: 31451347 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dysbiosis in the female genital tract (FGT) is characterized by the overgrowth of pathogenic bacterial, fungal, or protozoan members of the microbiota, leading to symptomatic or asymptomatic infections. In this review, we discuss recent advances in studies dealing with molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity factors of Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Candida spp., as well as their interactions with the host and microbiota in the various niches of the FGT. Taking a holistic approach to identifying fundamental commonalities and differences during these infections could help us to better understand reproductive tract health and improve current prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pekmezovic
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany. @leibniz-hki.de
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94
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Roberts SA, Brabin L, Diallo S, Gies S, Nelson A, Stewart C, Swinkels DW, Geurts-Moespot AJ, Kazienga A, Ouedraogo S, D'Alessandro U, Tinto H, Brabin BJ. Mucosal lactoferrin response to genital tract infections is associated with iron and nutritional biomarkers in young Burkinabé women. Eur J Clin Nutr 2019; 73:1464-1472. [PMID: 31168085 PMCID: PMC6842079 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-019-0444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The iron-binding affinity of vaginal lactoferrin (Lf) reduces iron available to genital pathogens. We describe host reproductive, nutritional, infection and iron biomarker profiles affecting vaginal Lf concentration in young nulliparous and primigravid women in Burkina Faso. SUBJECTS/METHODS Vaginal eluates from women who had participated in a randomized, controlled periconceptional iron supplementation trial were used to measure Lf using a competitive double-sandwich ELISA. For this analysis samples from both trial arms were combined and pregnant and non-pregnant cohorts compared. Following randomization Lf was measured after 18 months (end assessment) for women remaining non-pregnant, and at two antenatal visits for those becoming pregnant. Associations between log Lf levels and demographic, anthropometric, infection and iron biomarker variables were assessed using linear mixed models. RESULTS Lf samples were available for 712 non-pregnant women at end assessment and for 303 women seen at an antenatal visit. Lf concentrations of pregnant women were comparable to those of non-pregnant, sexually active women. Lf concentration increased with mid-upper-arm circumference, (P = 0.047), body mass index (P = 0.018), Trichomonas vaginalis (P < 0.001) infection, bacterial vaginosis (P < 0.001), serum C-reactive protein (P = 0.048) and microbiota community state types III/IV. Adjusted Lf concentration was positively associated with serum hepcidin (P = 0.047), serum ferritin (P = 0.018) and total body iron stores (P = 0.042). There was evidence that some women maintained persistently high or low Lf concentrations from before, and through, pregnancy. CONCLUSION Lf concentrations increased with genital infection, higher BMI, MUAC, body iron stores and hepcidin, suggesting nutritional and iron status influence homeostatic mechanisms controlling vaginal Lf responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Roberts
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - L Brabin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - S Diallo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (URCN/IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - S Gies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium and Medical Mission Institute, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A Nelson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Northumbria, Northumberland Building, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - C Stewart
- Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D W Swinkels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (TLM 830), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Hepcidinanalysis.com., Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A J Geurts-Moespot
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (TLM 830), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Kazienga
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (URCN/IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - S Ouedraogo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (URCN/IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - U D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit (MRC), Fajara, The Gambia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - H Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (URCN/IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - B J Brabin
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. .,Global Child Health Group, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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95
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Selected Immunological Mediators and Cervical Microbial Signatures in Women with Chlamydia trachomatis Infection. mSystems 2019; 4:4/4/e00094-19. [PMID: 31164450 PMCID: PMC6550367 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00094-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the female genital ecosystem, the complex interplay between the host immune system and the resident microflora protects against urogenital pathogens, like Chlamydia trachomatis C. trachomatis is responsible for urethritis and cervicitis; however, most chlamydial infections are asymptomatic and, thus, not treated, potentially leading to severe reproductive sequelae. Here we investigated the interaction between the levels of selected immune mediators and the community state types of the cervical microbiota in C. trachomatis-infected women. Cervical samples from 42 C. trachomatis-positive women and 103 matched healthy controls were analyzed through the metagenomic analysis of the hypervariable region v4 of the 16S rRNA gene and the determination of lactoferrin, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-6, alpha interferon (IFN-α), IFN-β, and IFN-γ by ELISA. Overall, C. trachomatis infection was significantly associated with a microbiota dominated by anaerobic bacteria (P = 0.000002). In addition, a network of Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella amnii, Prevotella buccalis, Prevotella timonensis, Aerococcus christensenii, and Variovorax guangxiensis has been identified as a potential biomarker of C. trachomatis infection through multiple statistical approaches. Again, chlamydial infection was significantly correlated with an increased production of lactoferrin, IL-6, IL-1α, IFN-α, and IFN-β (P < 0.05), whereas very low levels of IFN-γ were observed in C. trachomatis-infected women, levels similar to those detected in healthy women. Our findings show a distinctive signature of C. trachomatis genital infection, characterized by a specific bacterial network, constituted by anaerobes, as well as by increased levels of lactoferrin and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β), accompanied by low levels of IFN-γ.IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the association of C. trachomatis with the cervical levels of lactoferrin and selected inflammatory mediators and their correlation with the different community state types characterizing the female genital ecosystem. C. trachomatis, known as the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, continues to be an important public health problem worldwide for its increasing incidence and the risk of developing severe reproductive sequelae, like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Specifically, C. trachomatis tend to persist in the female genital tract, leading to a chronic inflammatory state characterized by increased production of immune mediators responsible for tissue damage. Therefore, our study may help to broaden the knowledge on the complex interplay between the female genital microbiota and the host immune system in response to C. trachomatis infection.
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96
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Patras KA, Ha AD, Rooholfada E, Olson J, Ramachandra Rao SP, Lin AE, Nizet V. Augmentation of Urinary Lactoferrin Enhances Host Innate Immune Clearance of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. J Innate Immun 2019; 11:481-495. [PMID: 31055580 DOI: 10.1159/000499342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prominent global health care burden. Although UTI is readily treated with antibiotics in healthy adults, complicated cases in immune-compromised individuals and the emerging antibiotic resistance of several uropathogens have accelerated the need for new treatment strategies. Here, we surveyed the composition of urinary exosomes in a mouse model of uropathgenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) UTI to identify specific urinary tract defense constituents for therapeutic development. We found an enrichment of the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin in the urinary exosomes of infected mice. In subsequent in vitro studies, we identified human bladder epithelial cells as a source of lactoferrin during UPEC infection. We further established that exogenous treatment with human lactoferrin (hLf) reduces UPEC epithelial adherence and enhances neutrophil antimicrobial functions including bacterial killing and extracellular trap production. Notably, a single intravesicular dose of hLf drastically reduced bladder bacterial burden and neutrophil infiltration in our murine UTI model. We propose that lactoferrin is an important modulator of innate immune responses in the urinary tract and has potential application in novel therapeutic design for UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Patras
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Albert D Ha
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Emma Rooholfada
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joshua Olson
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Satish P Ramachandra Rao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center for Clinical Research & Education, IAIM HealthCare Center, Yelahanka, India
| | - Ann E Lin
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA, .,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA,
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97
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Cutone A, Lepanto MS, Rosa L, Scotti MJ, Rossi A, Ranucci S, De Fino I, Bragonzi A, Valenti P, Musci G, Berlutti F. Aerosolized Bovine Lactoferrin Counteracts Infection, Inflammation and Iron Dysbalance in A Cystic Fibrosis Mouse Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Chronic Lung Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092128. [PMID: 31052156 PMCID: PMC6540064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting several organs including airways. Bacterial infection, inflammation and iron dysbalance play a major role in the chronicity and severity of the lung pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional iron-chelating glycoprotein of innate immunity, in a CF murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chronic lung infection. To induce chronic lung infection, C57BL/6 mice, either cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-deficient (Cftrtm1UNCTgN(FABPCFTR)#Jaw) or wild-type (WT), were intra-tracheally inoculated with multidrug-resistant MDR-RP73 P. aeruginosa embedded in agar beads. Treatments with aerosolized bovine Lf (bLf) or saline were started five minutes after infection and repeated daily for six days. Our results demonstrated that aerosolized bLf was effective in significantly reducing both pulmonary bacterial load and infiltrated leukocytes in infected CF mice. Furthermore, for the first time, we showed that bLf reduced pulmonary iron overload, in both WT and CF mice. In particular, at molecular level, a significant decrease of both the iron exporter ferroportin and iron storage ferritin, as well as luminal iron content was observed. Overall, bLf acts as a potent multi-targeting agent able to break the vicious cycle induced by P. aeruginosa, inflammation and iron dysbalance, thus mitigating the severity of CF-related pathology and sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy.
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Mellani Jinnett Scotti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alice Rossi
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Serena Ranucci
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ida De Fino
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Bragonzi
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy.
| | - Francesca Berlutti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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98
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Lepanto MS, Rosa L, Paesano R, Valenti P, Cutone A. Lactoferrin in Aseptic and Septic Inflammation. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071323. [PMID: 30987256 PMCID: PMC6480387 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a cationic glycoprotein able to chelate two ferric irons per molecule, is synthesized by exocrine glands and neutrophils. Since the first anti-microbial function attributed to Lf, several activities have been discovered, including the relevant anti-inflammatory one, especially associated to the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as IL-6. As high levels of IL-6 are involved in iron homeostasis disorders, Lf is emerging as a potent regulator of iron and inflammatory homeostasis. Here, the role of Lf against aseptic and septic inflammation has been reviewed. In particular, in the context of aseptic inflammation, as anemia of inflammation, preterm delivery, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes, Lf administration reduces local and/or systemic inflammation. Moreover, Lf oral administration, by decreasing serum IL-6, reverts iron homeostasis disorders. Regarding septic inflammation occurring in Chlamydia trachomatis infection, cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease, Lf, besides the anti-inflammatory activity, exerts a significant activity against bacterial adhesion, invasion and colonization. Lastly, a critical analysis of literature in vitro data reporting contradictory results on the Lf role in inflammatory processes, ranging from pro- to anti-inflammatory activity, highlighted that they depend on cell models, cell metabolic status, stimulatory or infecting agents as well as on Lf iron saturation degree, integrity and purity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy.
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99
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Pokorzynski ND, Brinkworth AJ, Carabeo R. A bipartite iron-dependent transcriptional regulation of the tryptophan salvage pathway in Chlamydia trachomatis. eLife 2019; 8:e42295. [PMID: 30938288 PMCID: PMC6504234 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection, pathogens are starved of essential nutrients such as iron and tryptophan by host immune effectors. Without conserved global stress response regulators, how the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis arrives at a physiologically similar 'persistent' state in response to starvation of either nutrient remains unclear. Here, we report on the iron-dependent regulation of the trpRBA tryptophan salvage pathway in C. trachomatis. Iron starvation specifically induces trpBA expression from a novel promoter element within an intergenic region flanked by trpR and trpB. YtgR, the only known iron-dependent regulator in Chlamydia, can bind to the trpRBA intergenic region upstream of the alternative trpBA promoter to repress transcription. Simultaneously, YtgR binding promotes the termination of transcripts from the primary promoter upstream of trpR. This is the first description of an iron-dependent mechanism regulating prokaryotic tryptophan biosynthesis that may indicate the existence of novel approaches to gene regulation and stress response in Chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick D Pokorzynski
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary MedicineWashington State UniversityPullmanUnited States
| | - Amanda J Brinkworth
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary MedicineWashington State UniversityPullmanUnited States
| | - Rey Carabeo
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary MedicineWashington State UniversityPullmanUnited States
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100
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Russo R, Superti F, Karadja E, De Seta F. Randomised clinical trial in women with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Efficacy of probiotics and lactoferrin as maintenance treatment. Mycoses 2019; 62:328-335. [PMID: 30565745 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a recurrent vaginal condition in childbearing women. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an oral formulation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA-14, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and bovine lactoferrin on symptoms and recurrence of VVC as adjuvant therapy to topical clotrimazole. PATIENTS/METHODS Forty-eight women positive for C. albicans, symptoms of VVC and documented history of recurrences were randomised into 2 groups receiving verum or placebo (2 capsules/day for 5 days followed by 1 capsule/day for additional 10 days) as adjuvant treatment to clotrimazole (induction phase) followed by a maintenance cycle of 6 months (1 capsule/day verum or placebo for 10 consecutive days each month). Symptoms, overall cure rate and recurrence rate were assessed. RESULTS After clotrimazole therapy, a significant improvement of symptoms was shown in both groups. However, only women treated with probiotics and lactoferrin showed a significant improvement of itching and discharge at 3 and 6 months. During the six-month follow-up, recurrences were significantly less in the intervention group vs placebo (33.3% vs 91.7% after 3 months and 29.2% vs 100% after 6 months). CONCLUSIONS The results show that the investigated lactobacilli mixture in combination with lactoferrin represents a safe and effective adjuvant approach for reducing symptoms and recurrences of RVVC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabiana Superti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugen Karadja
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Timisoara, Romania
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Medical Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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