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Powell AM, Ali Khan FZ, Ravel J, Elovitz MA. Untangling Associations of Microbiomes of Pregnancy and Preterm Birth. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:425-439. [PMID: 38705650 PMCID: PMC11070640 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This review illuminates the complex interplay between various maternal microbiomes and their influence on preterm birth (PTB), a driving and persistent contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Here, we examine the dynamics of oral, gastrointestinal (gut), placental, and vaginal microbiomes, dissecting their roles in the pathogenesis of PTB. Importantly, focusing on the vaginal microbiome and PTB, the review highlights (1) a protective role of Lactobacillus species; (2) an increased risk with select anaerobes; and (3) the influence of social health determinants on the composition of vaginal microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maya Powell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 249, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Fouzia Zahid Ali Khan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps 249, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Genome Sciences, 670 West Baltimore Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3173, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Women's Biomedical Research Institute, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Tian Z, Zhang X, Yao G, Jin J, Zhang T, Sun C, Wang Z, Zhang Q. Intestinal flora and pregnancy complications: Current insights and future prospects. IMETA 2024; 3:e167. [PMID: 38882493 PMCID: PMC11170975 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the pivotal roles of intestinal microbiota in many physiopathological processes through complex interactions with the host. As a unique period in a woman's lifespan, pregnancy is characterized by changes in hormones, immunity, and metabolism. The gut microbiota also changes during this period and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Consequently, anomalies in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, namely, gut microbiota dysbiosis, can predispose individuals to various pregnancy complications, posing substantial risks to both maternal and neonatal health. However, there are still many controversies in this field, such as "sterile womb" versus "in utero colonization." Therefore, a thorough understanding of the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota in pregnancy and its complications is essential to safeguard the health of both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in gut microbiota during pregnancy, its abnormalities in common pregnancy complications, and potential etiological implications. It also explores the potential of gut microbiota in diagnosing and treating pregnancy complications and examines the possibility of gut-derived bacteria residing in the uterus/placenta. Our aim is to expand knowledge in maternal and infant health from the gut microbiota perspective, aiding in developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy complications based on intestinal microecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Tian
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- Department of Biology University College London London UK
| | - Guixiang Yao
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Jiajia Jin
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Tongxue Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Chunhua Sun
- Department of Health Management Center, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Geriatrics Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University Jinan China
| | - Qunye Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University Jinan China
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Yang P, Lu T, Liang X, Huang T, Wu L, He Z, Xiao X, Fan S. The influence of placenta microbiota of normal term pregnant women on immune regulation during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:171. [PMID: 38424487 PMCID: PMC10905846 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concerted regulation of placenta microbiota and the immune responses secures the occurrence and development of pregnancy, while few studies reported this correlation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the placenta microbiota and immune regulation during pregnancy. METHODS Twenty-six healthy pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Placenta and peripheral venous blood samples were collected. Microbiota in placental tissue was detected using high-throughput sequencing. Flow cytometry was used to detect immune cells in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood. ELISA and Luminex liquid chip technology were used to detect the content of cytokines in placental tissue and peripheral venous blood, respectively. RESULTS The placental microbiota has stimulating effects on the local immunity of the placenta and mainly stimulates the placental balance ratio CD56 + CD16 + /CD56 + CD16 and the placental macrophages, that is, it plays the role of immune protection and supporting nutrition. The stimulating effect of placental microbiota on maternal systemic immunity mainly induces peripheral Treg cells and B lymphocytes. CONCLUSION The placental microbiota may be an important factor mediating local immune regulation in the placenta, and placental microbiota participates in the regulatory function of the maternal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tong Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Long Hua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ting Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonglin He
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaomin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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Lee KN, Choi HJ, Shin HL, Kim HJ, Park JY, Jung YH, Oh KJ, Choi CW. Analysis of gastric fluid in preterm newborns supports the view that the amniotic cavity is sterile before the onset of parturition: a retrospective cohort study. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:143-149. [PMID: 38102892 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the frequency of Ureaplasma-positive gastric fluid (GF) cultures based on the cause and mode of delivery in preterm newborns. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included women with a singleton pregnancy who delivered prematurely (between 23+0 and 32+0 weeks of gestation, n=464) at a single university hospital in South Korea. The newborns' GF was obtained on the day of birth via nasogastric intubation. The frequency of Ureaplasma spp. in GF cultures was measured and compared according to the cause and mode of delivery. RESULTS Ureaplasma spp. was detected in 20.3 % of the GF samples. The presence of Ureaplasma spp. was significantly higher in the spontaneous preterm birth group than in the indicated preterm birth group (30.2 vs. 3.0 %; p<0.001). Additionally, Ureaplasma spp. was more frequently found in the vaginal delivery group than in the cesarean delivery group, irrespective of the cause of preterm delivery [indicated preterm birth group (22.2 vs. 1.9 %, p=0.023); spontaneous preterm birth group (37.7 vs. 24.2 %, p=0.015)]. CONCLUSIONS Ureaplasma spp. were found in 20.3 % of the GFs. However, only 1.9 % of newborns in the indicated preterm birth group with cesarean delivery had a Ureaplasma-positive GF culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong-No Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Lim Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Ji Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Yoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwa Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Joon Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Won Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Tarracchini C, Milani C, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. The infant gut microbiota as the cornerstone for future gastrointestinal health. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 126:93-119. [PMID: 38637108 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The early postnatal period represents a critical window of time for the establishment and maturation of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota undergoes dramatic developmental changes during the first year of life, being influenced by a variety of external factors, with diet being a major player. Indeed, the introduction of complementary feeding provides novel nutritive substrates and triggers a shift from milk-adapted gut microbiota toward an adult-like bacterial composition, which is characterized by an enhancement in diversity and proportions of fiber-degrading bacterial genera like Ruminococcus, Prevotella, Eubacterium, and Bacteroides genera. Inadequate gut microbiota development in early life is frequently associated with concomitant and future adverse health conditions. Thus, understanding the processes that govern initial colonization and establishment of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract is of great importance. This review summarizes the actual understanding of the assembly and development of the microbial community associated with the infant gut, emphasizing the importance of mother-to-infant vertical transmission events as a fundamental arrival route for the first colonizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Cheddadi R, Yeramilli V, Martin C. From Mother to Infant, from Placenta to Gut: Understanding Varied Microbiome Profiles in Neonates. Metabolites 2023; 13:1184. [PMID: 38132866 PMCID: PMC10745069 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13121184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of human microbiome and gut microbial diversity research has witnessed a profound transformation, driven by advances in omics technologies. These advancements have unveiled essential connections between microbiome alterations and severe conditions, prompting the development of new frameworks through epidemiological studies. Traditionally, it was believed that each individual harbored unique microbial communities acquired early in life, evolving over the course of their lifetime, with little acknowledgment of any prenatal microbial development, but recent research challenges this belief. The neonatal microbiome's onset, influenced by factors like delivery mode and maternal health, remains a subject of intense debate, hinting at potential intrauterine microbial processes. In-depth research reveals associations between microbiome profiles and specific health outcomes, ranging from obesity to neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these diverse microbiome profiles is essential for unraveling the intricate relationships between the microbiome and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh Cheddadi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA (C.M.)
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Staude B, Gschwendtner S, Frodermann T, Oehmke F, Kohl T, Kublik S, Schloter M, Ehrhardt H. Microbial signatures in amniotic fluid at preterm birth and association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Respir Res 2023; 24:248. [PMID: 37845700 PMCID: PMC10577941 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02560-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbiome dysbiosis can have long-lasting effects on our health and induce the development of various diseases. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a multifactorial disease with pre- and postnatal origins including intra-amniotic infection as main risk factor. Recently, postnatal pathologic lung microbiota colonization was associated with BPD. The objectives of this prospective observational cohort study were to describe differences in bacterial signatures in the amniotic fluid (AF) of intact pregnancies without clinical signs or risk of preterm delivery and AF samples obtained during preterm deliveries and their variations between different BPD disease severity stages. METHODS AF samples were collected under sterile conditions during fetal intervention from intact pregnancies (n = 17) or immediately before preterm delivery < 32 weeks (n = 126). Metabarcoding based approaches were used for the molecular assessment of bacterial 16S rRNA genes to describe bacterial community structure. RESULTS The absolute amount of 16S rRNA genes was significantly increased in AF of preterm deliveries and detailed profiling revealed a reduced alpha diversity and a significant change in beta diversity with a reduced relative abundance of 16S rRNA genes indicative for Lactobacillus and Acetobacter while Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas, Ureaplasma and Staphylococcus 16S rRNA gene prevailed. Although classification of BPD by disease severity revealed equivalent absolute 16S rRNA gene abundance and alpha and beta diversity in no, mild and moderate/severe BPD groups, for some 16S rRNA genes differences were observed in AF samples. Bacterial signatures of infants with moderate/severe BPD showed predominance of 16S rRNA genes belonging to the Escherichia-Shigella cluster while Ureaplasma and Enterococcus species were enriched in AF samples of infants with mild BPD. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified distinct and diverse intrauterine 16S rRNA gene patterns in preterm infants immediately before birth, differing from the 16S rRNA gene signature of intact pregnancies. The distinct 16S rRNA gene signatures at birth derive from bacteria with varying pathogenicity to the immature lung and are suited to identify preterm infants at risk. Our results emphasize the prenatal impact to the origins of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Staude
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University and Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Silvia Gschwendtner
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tina Frodermann
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University and Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Oehmke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kohl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Fetal Surgery and Minimally Invasive Therapy (DZFT), University of Mannheim (UMM), Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Kublik
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Harald Ehrhardt
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University and Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Lingasamy P, Modhukur V, Mändar R, Salumets A. Exploring Immunome and Microbiome Interplay in Reproductive Health: Current Knowledge, Challenges, and Novel Diagnostic Tools. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:172-189. [PMID: 38262441 PMCID: PMC10846929 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between the immunome and microbiome in reproductive health is a complex and rapidly advancing research field, holding tremendously vast possibilities for the development of reproductive medicine. This immunome-microbiome relationship influences the innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby affecting the onset and progression of reproductive disorders. However, the mechanisms governing these interactions remain elusive and require innovative approaches to gather more understanding. This comprehensive review examines the current knowledge on reproductive microbiomes across various parts of female reproductive tract, with special consideration of bidirectional interactions between microbiomes and the immune system. Additionally, it explores innate and adaptive immunity, focusing on immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM antibodies, their regulation, self-antigen tolerance mechanisms, and their roles in immune homeostasis. This review also highlights ongoing technological innovations in microbiota research, emphasizing the need for standardized detection and analysis methods. For instance, we evaluate the clinical utility of innovative technologies such as Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) and Microbial Flow Cytometry coupled to Next-Generation Sequencing (mFLOW-Seq). Despite ongoing advancements, we emphasize the need for further exploration in this field, as a deeper understanding of immunome-microbiome interactions holds promise for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for reproductive health, like infertility treatment and management of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Reet Mändar
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Liu W, Zhang T, Wang J, Zhao G, Hou Y. Protective Effect of Akkermansia muciniphila on the Preeclampsia-Like Mouse Model. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2623-2633. [PMID: 36920671 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01206-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is known as a metabolism-related complication of pregnancy related to gut dysbiosis including the decreased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila). However, the modulatory role of A. muciniphila as a supplement for PE remains ambiguous. This study investigated the effect of A. muciniphila administration on PE-like mice and its underlying mechanisms. A total of twenty-four C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into three groups. PE-like symptoms were induced by continuous injection of L-NAME intraperitoneally from gestational day (GD) 11 to GD18 combined with oral administration of pasteurized A. muciniphila during GD14-18 or not. Mice were sacrificed at GD19 to collect for further evaluation. Decreased A. muciniphila was observed in a successfully established PE-like model than normotensive pregnant control (NP), inversely correlated to increased systolic blood pressure blood and 24-h proteinuria. After supplementing with A. muciniphila, mice showed significantly minimized blood pressure and protein expression in urine, increased number of pups and weight of both embryos and placentas. In addition, colonies of bacteria, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and metabolic products of lipids including TC, FC, and TG were alleviated by A. muciniphila in the placentas. Among proteins linked with bowel barrier functions, diminished 2-AG and growing ZO-1 and occludin were attributable to A. muciniphila. Also, enhanced Treg/Th17 ratios were found in the intestines of mice treated with A. muciniphila. A. muciniphila facilitated alleviating PE-like symptoms and was beneficial as a novel probiotic therapeutic agent for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juanni Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuemin Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
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Dias S, Pheiffer C, Adam S. The Maternal Microbiome and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Cause and Effect. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2217. [PMID: 37764061 PMCID: PMC10535124 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern that affects many pregnancies globally. The condition is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm birth, stillbirth, and fetal growth restriction. In the long-term, mothers and children have an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence suggest that alterations in the maternal microbiome may play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review describes changes in the maternal microbiome during the physiological adaptations of pregnancy, GDM and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Findings from this review highlight the importance of understanding the link between the maternal microbiome and GDM. Furthermore, new therapeutic approaches to prevent or better manage GDM are discussed. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully realize the therapeutic potential of the maternal microbiome and translate these findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dias
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (C.P.)
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sumaiya Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Diabetes Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Menon R, Khanipov K, Radnaa E, Ganguly E, Bento GFC, Urrabaz-Garza R, Kammala AK, Yaklic J, Pyles R, Golovko G, Tantengco OAG. Amplification of microbial DNA from bacterial extracellular vesicles from human placenta. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1213234. [PMID: 37520380 PMCID: PMC10374210 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1213234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The placenta is essential for fetal growth and survival and maintaining a successful pregnancy. The sterility of the placenta has been challenged recently; however, the presence of a placental microbiome has been controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) from Gram-negative bacteria as an alternate source of microbial DNA, regardless of the existence of a microbial community in the placenta. Methods Placentae from the term, not in labor Cesareans deliveries, were used for this study, and placental specimens were sampled randomly from the fetal side. We developed a protocol for the isolation of BEVs from human tissues and this is the first study to isolate the BEVs from human tissue and characterize them. Results The median size of BEVs was 130-140 nm, and the mean concentration was 1.8-5.5 × 1010 BEVs/g of the wet placenta. BEVs are spherical and contain LPS and ompA. Western blots further confirmed ompA but not human EVs markers ALIX confirming the purity of preparations. Taxonomic abundance profiles showed BEV sequence reads above the levels of the negative controls (all reagent controls). In contrast, the sequence reads in the same placenta were substantially low, indicating nothing beyond contamination (low biomass). Alpha-diversity showed the number of detected genera was significantly higher in the BEVs than placenta, suggesting BEVs as a likely source of microbial DNA. Beta-diversity further showed significant overlap in the microbiome between BEV and the placenta, confirming that BEVs in the placenta are likely a source of microbial DNA in the placenta. Uptake studies localized BEVs in maternal (decidual) and placental cells (cytotrophoblast), confirming their ability to enter these cells. Lastly, BEVs significantly increased inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 macrophages in a high-dose group but not in the placental or decidual cells. Conclusion We conclude that the BEVs are normal constituents during pregnancy and likely reach the placenta through hematogenous spread from maternal body sites that harbor microbiome. Their presence may result in a low-grade localized inflammation to prime an antigen response in the placenta; however, insufficient to cause a fetal inflammatory response and adverse pregnancy events. This study suggests that BEVs can confound placental microbiome studies, but their low biomass in the placenta is unlikely to have any immunologic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Esha Ganguly
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Giovana Fernanda Cosi Bento
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jerome Yaklic
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Richard Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - George Golovko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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12
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Chen X, Shi Y. Determinants of microbial colonization in the premature gut. Mol Med 2023; 29:90. [PMID: 37407941 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00689-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal microbial colonization in the gut at an early stage of life affects growth, development, and health, resulting in short- and long-term adverse effects. Microbial colonization patterns of preterm infants differ from those of full-term infants in that preterm babies and their mothers have more complicated prenatal and postnatal medical conditions. Maternal complications, antibiotic exposure, delivery mode, feeding type, and the use of probiotics may significantly shape the gut microbiota of preterm infants at an early stage of life; however, these influences subside with age. Although some factors and processes are difficult to intervene in or avoid, understanding the potential factors and determinants will help in developing timely strategies for a healthy gut microbiota in preterm infants. This review discusses potential determinants of gut microbial colonization in preterm infants and their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China
| | - Yongyan Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China.
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13
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St-Pierre B, Perez Palencia JY, Samuel RS. Impact of Early Weaning on Development of the Swine Gut Microbiome. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1753. [PMID: 37512925 PMCID: PMC10385335 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that pigs are naturally weaned between 12 and 18 weeks of age, the common practice in the modern swine industry of weaning as early as between two and four weeks of age increases challenges during this transition period. Indeed, young pigs with an immature gut are suddenly separated from the sow, switched from milk to a diet consisting of only solid ingredients, and subjected to a new social hierarchy from mixing multiple litters. From the perspective of host gut development, weaning under these conditions causes a regression in histological structure as well as in digestive and barrier functions. While the gut is the main center of immunity in mature animals, the underdeveloped gut of early weaned pigs has yet to contribute to this function until seven weeks of age. The gut microbiota or microbiome, an essential contributor to the health and nutrition of their animal host, undergoes dramatic alterations during this transition, and this descriptive review aims to present a microbial ecology-based perspective on these events. Indeed, as gut microbial communities are dependent on cross-feeding relationships, the change in substrate availability triggers a cascade of succession events until a stable composition is reached. During this process, the gut microbiota is unstable and prone to dysbiosis, which can devolve into a diseased state. One potential strategy to accelerate maturation of the gut microbiome would be to identify microbial species that are critical to mature swine gut microbiomes, and develop strategies to facilitate their establishment in early post-weaning microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit St-Pierre
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Jorge Yair Perez Palencia
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Ryan S Samuel
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Animal Science Complex, Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
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14
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Upreti D, Rouzer SK, Bowring A, Labbe E, Kumar R, Miranda RC, Mahnke AH. Microbiota and nutrition as risk and resiliency factors following prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182635. [PMID: 37397440 PMCID: PMC10308314 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol exposure in adulthood can result in inflammation, malnutrition, and altered gastroenteric microbiota, which may disrupt efficient nutrient extraction. Clinical and preclinical studies have documented convincingly that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) also results in persistent inflammation and nutrition deficiencies, though research on the impact of PAE on the enteric microbiota is in its infancy. Importantly, other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, have been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. The combined evidence from alcohol exposure in adulthood and from other neurodevelopmental disorders supports the hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is likely an etiological feature that contributes to negative developmental, including neurodevelopmental, consequences of PAE and results in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Here, we highlight published data that support a role for gut microbiota in healthy development and explore the implication of these studies for the role of altered microbiota in the lifelong health consequences of PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Amanda H. Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
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15
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Stupak A, Kwaśniewski W. Evaluating Current Molecular Techniques and Evidence in Assessing Microbiome in Placenta-Related Health and Disorders in Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:911. [PMID: 37371491 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is of great interest due to its potential influence on the occurrence and treatment of some human illnesses. It may be regarded as disruptions to the delicate equilibrium that humans ordinarily maintain with their microorganisms or the microbiota in their environment. The focus of this review is on the methodologies and current understanding of the functional microbiome in pregnancy outcomes. We present how novel techniques bring new insights to the contemporary field of maternal-fetal medicine with a critical analysis. The maternal microbiome in late pregnancy has been extensively studied, although data on maternal microbial changes during the first trimester are rare. Research has demonstrated that, in healthy pregnancies, the origin of the placental microbiota is oral (gut) rather than vaginal. Implantation, placental development, and maternal adaptation to pregnancy are complex processes in which fetal and maternal cells interact. Microbiome dysbiosis or microbial metabolites are rising as potential moderators of antenatal illnesses related to the placenta, such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and others, including gestational diabetes and preterm deliveries. However, because of the presence of antimicrobial components, it is likely that the bacteria identified in placental tissue are (fragments of) bacteria that have been destroyed by the placenta's immune cells. Using genomic techniques (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics), it may be possible to predict some properties of a microorganism's genome and the biochemical (epigenetic DNA modification) and physical components of the placenta as its environment. Despite the results described in this review, this subject needs further research on some major and crucial aspects. The phases of an in utero translocation of the maternal gut microbiota to the fetus should be explored. With a predictive knowledge of the impacts of the disturbance on microbial communities that influence human health and the environment, genomics may hold the answer to the development of novel therapies for the health of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stupak
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kwaśniewski
- Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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16
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van Heule M, Monteiro HF, Bazzazan A, Scoggin K, Rolston M, El-Sheikh Ali H, Weimer BC, Ball B, Daels P, Dini P. Characterization of the equine placental microbial population in healthy pregnancies. Theriogenology 2023; 206:60-70. [PMID: 37187056 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In spite of controversy, recent studies present evidence that a microbiome is present in the human placenta. However, there is limited information about a potential equine placental microbiome. In the present study, we characterized the microbial population in the equine placenta (chorioallantois) of healthy prepartum (280 days of gestation, n = 6) and postpartum (immediately after foaling, 351 days of gestation, n = 11) mares, using 16S rDNA sequencing (rDNA-seq). In both groups, the majority of bacteria belonged to the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota. The five most abundant genera were Bradyrhizobium, an unclassified Pseudonocardiaceae, Acinetobacter, Pantoea, and an unclassified Microbacteriaceae. Alpha diversity (p < 0.05) and beta diversity (p < 0.01) were significantly different between pre- and postpartum samples. Additionally, the abundance of 7 phyla and 55 genera was significantly different between pre- and postpartum samples. These differences suggest an effect of the caudal reproductive tract microbiome on the postpartum placental microbial DNA composition, since the passage of the placenta through the cervix and vagina during normal parturition had a significant influence on the composition of the bacteria found in the placenta when using 16S rDNA-seq. These data support the hypothesis that bacterial DNA is present in healthy equine placentas and opens the possibility for further exploration of the impact of the placental microbiome on fetal development and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hugo Fernando Monteiro
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ali Bazzazan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kirsten Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Matthew Rolston
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Bart C Weimer
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, 100K Pathogen Genome Project, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Barry Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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17
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Xiao L, Zhao F. Microbial transmission, colonisation and succession: from pregnancy to infancy. Gut 2023; 72:772-786. [PMID: 36720630 PMCID: PMC10086306 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-328970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome has been proven to be associated with many diseases and has been used as a biomarker and target in disease prevention and intervention. Currently, the vital role of the microbiome in pregnant women and newborns is increasingly emphasised. In this review, we discuss the interplay of the microbiome and the corresponding immune mechanism between mothers and their offspring during the perinatal period. We aim to present a comprehensive picture of microbial transmission and potential immune imprinting before and after delivery. In addition, we discuss the possibility of in utero microbial colonisation during pregnancy, which has been highly debated in recent studies, and highlight the importance of the microbiome in infant development during the first 3 years of life. This holistic view of the role of the microbial interplay between mothers and infants will refine our current understanding of pregnancy complications as well as diseases in early life and will greatly facilitate the microbiome-based prenatal diagnosis and treatment of mother-infant-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of System Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Panzer JJ, Romero R, Greenberg JM, Winters AD, Galaz J, Gomez-Lopez N, Theis KR. Is there a placental microbiota? A critical review and re-analysis of published placental microbiota datasets. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:76. [PMID: 36934229 PMCID: PMC10024458 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of a placental microbiota is debated. The human placenta has historically been considered sterile and microbial colonization was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Yet, recent DNA sequencing investigations reported a microbiota in typical human term placentas. However, this detected microbiota could represent background DNA or delivery-associated contamination. Using fifteen publicly available 16S rRNA gene datasets, existing data were uniformly re-analyzed with DADA2 to maximize comparability. While Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) identified as Lactobacillus, a typical vaginal bacterium, were highly abundant and prevalent across studies, this prevalence disappeared after applying likely DNA contaminant removal to placentas from term cesarean deliveries. A six-study sub-analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene V4 hypervariable region demonstrated that bacterial profiles of placental samples and technical controls share principal bacterial ASVs and that placental samples clustered primarily by study origin and mode of delivery. Contemporary DNA-based evidence does not support the existence of a placental microbiota.ImportanceEarly-gestational microbial influences on human development are unclear. By applying DNA sequencing technologies to placental tissue, bacterial DNA signals were observed, leading some to conclude that a live bacterial placental microbiome exists in typical term pregnancy. However, the low-biomass nature of the proposed microbiome and high sensitivity of current DNA sequencing technologies indicate that the signal may alternatively derive from environmental or delivery-associated bacterial DNA contamination. Here we address these alternatives with a re-analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from 15 publicly available placental datasets. After identical DADA2 pipeline processing of the raw data, subanalyses were performed to control for mode of delivery and environmental DNA contamination. Both environment and mode of delivery profoundly influenced the bacterial DNA signal from term-delivered placentas. Aside from these contamination-associated signals, consistency was lacking across studies. Thus, placentas delivered at term are unlikely to be the original source of observed bacterial DNA signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Panzer
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Greenberg
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew D Winters
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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19
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Ault-Seay TB, Moorey SE, Mathew DJ, Schrick FN, Pohler KG, McLean KJ, Myer PR. Importance of the female reproductive tract microbiome and its relationship with the uterine environment for health and productivity in cattle: A review. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1111636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Once thought to be sterile, the reproductive tract microbiome has been characterized due to the transition from culture-dependent identification of bacteria to culture-independent sequencing methods. The urogenital microbiome was first identified in women through the Human Microbiome Project, which led to research in other species such as the bovine. Previous research focused on uterine bacteria associated with postpartum disease, but next generation sequencing methods identified a normal, healthy bacterial community of the reproductive tract of cows and heifers. Bacterial communities are now understood to differ between the uterus and vagina, and throughout the estrous cycle with changes in hormone dominance. In a healthy state, the bacterial communities largely interact with the uterine environment by assisting in maintaining the proper pH, providing and utilizing nutrients and metabolites, and influencing the immunological responses of the reproductive tract. If the bacterial communities become unbalanced due to an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria, the health and fertility of the host may be affected. Although the presence of a reproductive tract microbiome has become widely accepted, the existence of a placental microbiome and in utero colonization of the fetus is still a popular debate due to conflicting study results. Currently, researchers are evaluating methods to manipulate the reproductive bacterial communities, such as diet changes and utilizing probiotics, to improve reproductive outcomes. The following review discusses the current understanding of the reproductive tract microbiome, how it differs between humans and cattle, and its relationship with the uterine environment.
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20
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Sharlandjieva V, Beristain AG, Terry J. Assessment of the human placental microbiome in early pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1096262. [PMID: 36744135 PMCID: PMC9892641 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1096262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacteria derived from the maternal circulation have been suggested to seed the human placenta during development leading to an intrinsic placental microbiome. This concept has become controversial as numerous studies suggest that the apparent placental microbiome is mostly, if not completely, comprised of contaminants. If the maternal circulation seeds the placenta then there should be an increase in abundance and diversity of detectable bacteria with onset of maternal perfusion of the placenta around 10 weeks gestational age; however, if only contaminants are present then there should be no significant evolution of the placental microbiome with increasing gestational age. This pilot study addresses whether bacterial abundance and diversity increase in human placenta and whether there is an associated shift in the immunophenotype of the decidual immune cell complement before and after initiation of placental perfusion. Methods Human placental and decidual tissue from 5 to 19 weeks gestational age, handled aseptically to minimize contamination, is assessed by quantitative 16S polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 16S gene sequencing, and immunological flow cytometry studies. Results A weak positive correlation between placental bacterial abundance and gestational age is identified but is not statistically significant. No significant changes in bacterial diversity are found with increasing gestational age. The proportion of decidual activated memory T helper cells increases with gestational age but no change was observed in other lymphocyte subsets. Discussion This pilot study does not strongly support bacterial colonization of the placenta after initiation of maternal perfusion; however, the minor trends towards increases in bacterial abundance and activated memory T helper cells may represent an early stage of this process. Additional investigations in larger cohorts are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander G. Beristain
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jefferson Terry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Jefferson Terry,
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Liu X, He G, Lan Y, Guo W, Liu X, Li J, Liu A, He M, Liu X, Fan Z, Zhang Y. Virome and metagenomic analysis reveal the distinct distribution of microbiota in human fetal gut during gestation. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1079294. [PMID: 36685560 PMCID: PMC9850102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that fetal immune cell activation may result from potential exposure to microbes, although the presence of microbes in fetus has been a controversial topic. Here, we combined metagenomic and virome techniques to investigate the presence of bacteria and viruses in fetal tissues (small intestine, cecum, and rectum). We found that the fetal gut is not a sterile environment and has a low abundance but metabolically rich microbiome. Specifically, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria phyla of fetal gut. In total, 700 species viruses were detected, and Human betaherpesvirus 5 was the most abundant eukaryotic viruses. Especially, we first identified Methanobrevibacter smithii in fetal gut. Through the comparison with adults' gut microbiota we found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes gradually became the main force of gut microbiota during the process of growth and development. Interestingly, 6 antibiotic resistance genes were shared by the fetus and adults. Our results indicate the presence of microbes in the fetal gut and demonstrate the diversity of bacteria, archaea and viruses, which provide support for the studies related to early fetal immunity. This study further explores the specific composition of viruses in the fetal gut and the similarities between fetal and adults' gut microbiota, which is valuable for understanding human fetal immunity development during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guolin He
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anqing Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yaoyao Zhang, ; Zhenxin Fan,
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yaoyao Zhang, ; Zhenxin Fan,
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22
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Kennedy KM, de Goffau MC, Perez-Muñoz ME, Arrieta MC, Bäckhed F, Bork P, Braun T, Bushman FD, Dore J, de Vos WM, Earl AM, Eisen JA, Elovitz MA, Ganal-Vonarburg SC, Gänzle MG, Garrett WS, Hall LJ, Hornef MW, Huttenhower C, Konnikova L, Lebeer S, Macpherson AJ, Massey RC, McHardy AC, Koren O, Lawley TD, Ley RE, O'Mahony L, O'Toole PW, Pamer EG, Parkhill J, Raes J, Rattei T, Salonen A, Segal E, Segata N, Shanahan F, Sloboda DM, Smith GCS, Sokol H, Spector TD, Surette MG, Tannock GW, Walker AW, Yassour M, Walter J. Questioning the fetal microbiome illustrates pitfalls of low-biomass microbial studies. Nature 2023; 613:639-649. [PMID: 36697862 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Whether the human fetus and the prenatal intrauterine environment (amniotic fluid and placenta) are stably colonized by microbial communities in a healthy pregnancy remains a subject of debate. Here we evaluate recent studies that characterized microbial populations in human fetuses from the perspectives of reproductive biology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, immunology, clinical microbiology and gnotobiology, and assess possible mechanisms by which the fetus might interact with microorganisms. Our analysis indicates that the detected microbial signals are likely the result of contamination during the clinical procedures to obtain fetal samples or during DNA extraction and DNA sequencing. Furthermore, the existence of live and replicating microbial populations in healthy fetal tissues is not compatible with fundamental concepts of immunology, clinical microbiology and the derivation of germ-free mammals. These conclusions are important to our understanding of human immune development and illustrate common pitfalls in the microbial analyses of many other low-biomass environments. The pursuit of a fetal microbiome serves as a cautionary example of the challenges of sequence-based microbiome studies when biomass is low or absent, and emphasizes the need for a trans-disciplinary approach that goes beyond contamination controls by also incorporating biological, ecological and mechanistic concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcus C de Goffau
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Elisa Perez-Muñoz
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- International Microbiome Center, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fredrik Bäckhed
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peer Bork
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Yonsei Frontier Lab (YFL), Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Braun
- Department of Obstetrics and Experimental Obstetrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederic D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel Dore
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MetaGenoPolis, AgroParisTech, MICALIS, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Willem M de Vos
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ashlee M Earl
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Eisen
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie C Ganal-Vonarburg
- Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael G Gänzle
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy S Garrett
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine and Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Mathias W Hornef
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrew J Macpherson
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ruth C Massey
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alice Carolyn McHardy
- Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover Braunschweig site, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Trevor D Lawley
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth E Ley
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Liam O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul W O'Toole
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jeroen Raes
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Rattei
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Salonen
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eran Segal
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nicola Segata
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fergus Shanahan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Deborah M Sloboda
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry Sokol
- Gastroenterology Department, AP-HP, Saint Antoine Hospital, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, INSERM and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Paris Center for Microbiome Medicine (PaCeMM), Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire, Paris, France
- Micalis Institute, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Surette
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gerald W Tannock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alan W Walker
- Gut Health Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Moran Yassour
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jens Walter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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23
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Piro VC, Renard BY. Contamination detection and microbiome exploration with GRIMER. Gigascience 2022; 12:giad017. [PMID: 36994872 PMCID: PMC10061425 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contamination detection is a important step that should be carefully considered in early stages when designing and performing microbiome studies to avoid biased outcomes. Detecting and removing true contaminants is challenging, especially in low-biomass samples or in studies lacking proper controls. Interactive visualizations and analysis platforms are crucial to better guide this step, to help to identify and detect noisy patterns that could potentially be contamination. Additionally, external evidence, like aggregation of several contamination detection methods and the use of common contaminants reported in the literature, could help to discover and mitigate contamination. RESULTS We propose GRIMER, a tool that performs automated analyses and generates a portable and interactive dashboard integrating annotation, taxonomy, and metadata. It unifies several sources of evidence to help detect contamination. GRIMER is independent of quantification methods and directly analyzes contingency tables to create an interactive and offline report. Reports can be created in seconds and are accessible for nonspecialists, providing an intuitive set of charts to explore data distribution among observations and samples and its connections with external sources. Further, we compiled and used an extensive list of possible external contaminant taxa and common contaminants with 210 genera and 627 species reported in 22 published articles. CONCLUSION GRIMER enables visual data exploration and analysis, supporting contamination detection in microbiome studies. The tool and data presented are open source and available at https://gitlab.com/dacs-hpi/grimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor C Piro
- Data Analytics and Computational Statistics, Hasso Plattner Insititute, Digital Engineering Faculty, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14482, Germany
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Bernhard Y Renard
- Data Analytics and Computational Statistics, Hasso Plattner Insititute, Digital Engineering Faculty, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14482, Germany
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24
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Female reproduction and the microbiota in mammals: Where are we? Theriogenology 2022; 194:144-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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25
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Gulavi E, Mwendwa F, Atandi DO, Okiro PO, Hall M, Beiko RG, Adam RD. Vaginal microbiota in women with spontaneous preterm labor versus those with term labor in Kenya: a case control study. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:270. [DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Preterm birth is a global problem with about 12% of births in sub-Saharan Africa occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. Several studies have explored a potential association between vaginal microbiota and preterm birth, and some have found an association while others have not. We performed a study designed to determine whether there is an association with vaginal microbiota and/or placental microbiota and preterm birth in an African setting.
Methods
Women presenting to the study hospital in labor with a gestational age of 26 to 36 weeks plus six days were prospectively enrolled in a study of the microbiota in preterm labor along with controls matched for age and parity. A vaginal sample was collected at the time of presentation to the hospital in active labor. In addition, a placental sample was collected when available. Libraries were constructed using PCR primers to amplify the V6/V7/V8 variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing with an Illumina MiSeq machine and analysis using QIIME2 2022.2.
Results
Forty-nine women presenting with preterm labor and their controls were enrolled in the study of which 23 matched case–control pairs had sufficient sequence data for comparison. Lactobacillus was identified in all subjects, ranging in abundance from < 1% to > 99%, with Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus crispatus the most common species. Over half of the vaginal samples contained Gardnerella and/or Prevotella; both species were associated with preterm birth in previous studies. However, we found no significant difference in composition between mothers with preterm and those with full-term deliveries, with both groups showing roughly equal representation of different Lactobacillus species and dysbiosis-associated genera. Placental samples generally had poor DNA recovery, with a mix of probable sequencing artifacts, contamination, and bacteria acquired during passage through the birth canal. However, several placental samples showed strong evidence for the presence of Streptococcus species, which are known to infect the placenta.
Conclusions
The current study showed no association of preterm birth with composition of the vaginal community. It does provide important information on the range of sequence types in African women and supports other data suggesting that women of African ancestry have an increased frequency of non-Lactobacillus types, but without evidence of associated adverse outcomes.
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Sassin AM, Johnson GJ, Goulding AN, Aagaard KM. Crucial nuances in understanding (mis)associations between the neonatal microbiome and Cesarean delivery. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:806-822. [PMID: 36085277 PMCID: PMC9509442 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As rates of Cesarean delivery and common non-communicable disorders (NCDs), such as obesity, metabolic disease, and atopy/asthma, have concomitantly increased in recent decades, investigators have attempted to discern a causal link. One line of research has led to a hypothesis that Cesarean birth disrupts the presumed normal process of colonization of the neonatal microbiome with vaginal microbes, yielding NCDs later in life. However, a direct link between a disrupted microbiota transfer at time of delivery and acute and/or chronic illness in infants born via Cesarean has not been causally established. Microbiota seeding from maternal vaginal or stool sources has been preliminarily evaluated as an intervention designed to compensate for the lack of (or limited) exposure to such sources among Cesarean-delivered neonates. However, to date, clinical trials have yet to show a clear health benefit with neonatal 'vaginal seeding' practices. Until the long-term effects of these microbiome alterations can be fully determined, it is paramount to conduct parallel meaningful and mechanistic-minded interrogations of the impact of clinically modifiable maternal, nutritional, or environmental exposure on the functional microbiome over the duration of pregnancy and lactation to determine their role in the mitigation of childhood and adult NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa M Sassin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Grace J Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alison N Goulding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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27
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The Resemblance between Bacterial Gut Colonization in Pigs and Humans. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091831. [PMID: 36144433 PMCID: PMC9500663 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thorough understanding of the initial colonization process of human intestines is important to optimize the prevention of microbiota-associated diseases, and also to further improve the current microbial therapies. In recent years, therefore, colonization of the human gut has gained renewed interest. However, due to a lack of standardization of life events that might influence this early colonization process in humans, many generally accepted insights are based on deduction and assumption. In our review, we compare knowledge on colonization in humans with research in piglets, because the intestinal tract of pigs is remarkably similar to that of humans and the early-life events are more standardized. We assess potential similarities and challenge some concepts that have been widely accepted in human microbiota research. Bacterial colonization of the human gut is characterized by successive waves in a progressive process, to a complex gut microbiota community. After re-analyzing available data from piglets, we found that the bacterial colonization process is very similar in terms of the wave sequence and functionality of each wave. Moreover, based on the piglet data, we found that, in addition to external factors such as suckling and nutrition, the bacterial community itself appears to have a major influence on the colonization success of additional bacteria in the intestine. Thus, the colonization process in piglets might rely, at least in part, on niche dependency, an ecological principle to be considered in the intestinal colonization process in humans.
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Tantengco OAG, Richardson LS, Radnaa E, Kammala AK, Kim S, Medina PMB, Han A, Menon R. Exosomes from Ureaplasma parvum-infected ectocervical epithelial cells promote feto-maternal interface inflammation but are insufficient to cause preterm delivery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931609. [PMID: 36046342 PMCID: PMC9420848 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined if exosomes from ectocervical epithelial (ECTO) cells infected with Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) can carry bacterial antigens and cause inflammation at the feto-maternal interface using two organ-on-chip devices, one representing the vagina-cervix-decidua and another one mimicking the feto-maternal interface, and whether such inflammation can lead to preterm birth (PTB). Exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells were characterized using cryo-electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and Exoview analysis. The antigenicity of the exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells was also tested using THP-1 cells and our newly developed vagina-cervix-decidua organ-on-a-chip (VCD-OOC) having six microchannel-interconnected cell culture chambers containing cells from the vagina, ectocervical, endocervical, transformation zone epithelia, cervical stroma, and decidua. The VCD-OOC was linked to the maternal side of our previously developed feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip (FMi-OOC). Cell culture media were collected after 48 h to determine the cytokine levels from each cell line via ELISA. For physiological validation of our in vitro data, high-dose exosomes from U. parvum-infected ECTO cells were delivered to the vagina of pregnant CD-1 mice on E15. Mice were monitored for preterm birth (PTB, < E18.5 days). Exosomes from ECTO cells infected with U. parvum (UP ECTO) showed significant downregulation of exosome markers CD9, CD63, and CD81, but contained multiple banded antigen (MBA), a U. parvum virulence factor. Monoculture experiments showed that exosomes from UP ECTO cells delivered MBA from the host cell to uninfected endocervical epithelial cells (ENDO). Moreover, exposure of THP-1 cells to exosomes from UP ECTO cells resulted in increased IL-8 and TNFα and reduced IL-10. The OOC experiments showed that low and high doses of exosomes from UP ECTO cells produced a cell type-specific inflammatory response in the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC. Specifically, exosomes from UP ECTO cells increased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-8 in cervical, decidual, chorion trophoblast, and amnion mesenchymal cells. The results from our OOC models were validated in our in vivo mice model. The inflammatory response was insufficient to promote PTB. These results showed the potential use of the VCD-OOC and FMi-OOC in simulating the pathophysiological processes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Paul Mark B. Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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29
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Kennedy EA, Holtz LR. Gut virome in early life: origins and implications. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 55:101233. [PMID: 35690009 PMCID: PMC9575407 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human body is colonized by a multitude of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which play important roles in health and disease. Microbial colonization during early life is thought to be a particularly important period with lasting consequences for health. Viral populations in the gut are particularly dynamic in early life before they stabilize in adulthood. The composition of the early-life virome is increasingly recognized as a determinant of disease later in life. Here, we review the development of the virome in healthy infants, as well as the role of the early-life virome in the development of disease states including diarrhea, malnutrition, and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Kennedy
- Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lori R Holtz
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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30
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Uchida-Fukuhara Y, Hattori T, Fu S, Kondo S, Kuwahara M, Fukuhara D, Islam MM, Kataoka K, Ekuni D, Kubota S, Morita M, Iikegame M, Okamura H. Maternal Gut Microbiome Decelerates Fetal Endochondral Bone Formation by Inducing Inflammatory Reaction. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051000. [PMID: 35630443 PMCID: PMC9147398 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of the maternal gut microbiome on fetal endochondral bone formation, fetuses at embryonic day 18 were obtained from germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pregnant mothers. Skeletal preparation of the fetuses’ whole bodies did not show significant morphological alterations; however, micro-CT analysis of the tibiae showed a lower bone volume fraction in the SPF tibia. Primary cultured chondrocytes from fetal SPF rib cages showed a lower cell proliferation and lower accumulation of the extracellular matrix. RNA-sequencing analysis showed the induction of inflammation-associated genes such as the interleukin (IL) 17 receptor, IL 6, and immune-response genes in SPF chondrocytes. These data indicate that the maternal gut microbiome in SPF mice affects fetal embryonic endochondral ossification, possibly by changing the expression of genes related to inflammation and the immune response in fetal cartilage. The gut microbiome may modify endochondral ossification in the fetal chondrocytes passing through the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Uchida-Fukuhara
- Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (M.I.); (H.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-235-6632; Fax: +81-86-235-6634
| | - Takako Hattori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (T.H.); (S.F.); (S.K.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Shanqi Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (T.H.); (S.F.); (S.K.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Sei Kondo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (T.H.); (S.F.); (S.K.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Miho Kuwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (T.H.); (S.F.); (S.K.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Daiki Fukuhara
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama 700-0914, Japan;
| | - Md Monirul Islam
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.I.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (M.M.)
| | - Kota Kataoka
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.I.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (M.M.)
| | - Daisuke Ekuni
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.I.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (M.M.)
| | - Satoshi Kubota
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (T.H.); (S.F.); (S.K.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Manabu Morita
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.I.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (M.M.)
| | - Mika Iikegame
- Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (M.I.); (H.O.)
| | - Hirohiko Okamura
- Department of Oral Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan; (M.I.); (H.O.)
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Winters AD, Romero R, Greenberg JM, Galaz J, Shaffer ZD, Garcia-Flores V, Kracht DJ, Gomez-Lopez N, Theis KR. Does the Amniotic Fluid of Mice Contain a Viable Microbiota? Front Immunol 2022; 13:820366. [PMID: 35296083 PMCID: PMC8920496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.820366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of an amniotic fluid microbiota (i.e., a viable microbial community) in mammals is controversial. Its existence would require a fundamental reconsideration of fetal in utero exposure to and colonization by microorganisms and the role of intra-amniotic microorganisms in fetal immune development as well as in pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we determined whether the amniotic fluid of mice harbors a microbiota in late gestation. The profiles of the amniotic fluids of pups located proximally or distally to the cervix were characterized through quantitative real-time PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and culture (N = 21 dams). These profiles were compared to those of technical controls for bacterial and DNA contamination. The load of 16S rRNA genes in the amniotic fluid exceeded that in controls. Additionally, the 16S rRNA gene profiles of the amniotic fluid differed from those of controls, with Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum being differentially more abundant in amniotic fluid profiles; however, this bacterium was not cultured from amniotic fluid. Of the 42 attempted bacterial cultures of amniotic fluids, only one yielded bacterial growth – Lactobacillus murinus. The 16S rRNA gene of this common murine-associated bacterium was not detected in any amniotic fluid sample, suggesting it did not originate from the amniotic fluid. No differences in the 16S rRNA gene load, 16S rRNA gene profile, or bacterial culture were observed between the amniotic fluids located Proximally and distally to the cervix. Collectively, these data indicate that, although there is a modest DNA signal of bacteria in murine amniotic fluid, there is no evidence that this signal represents a viable microbiota. While this means that amniotic fluid is not a source of microorganisms for in utero colonization in mice, it may nevertheless contribute to fetal exposure to microbial components. The developmental consequences of this observation warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Winters
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Zachary D. Shaffer
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- MD/PhD Combined Degree Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - David J. Kracht
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin R. Theis, ; Nardhy Gomez-Lopez,
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin R. Theis, ; Nardhy Gomez-Lopez,
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Bihl S, de Goffau M, Podlesny D, Segata N, Shanahan F, Walter J, Fricke WF. When to suspect contamination rather than colonization - lessons from a putative fetal sheep microbiome. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2005751. [PMID: 34923897 PMCID: PMC8726709 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.2005751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing controversy around the existence of a prenatal, fetal microbiome in humans, livestock, and other animals. The 'in utero microbial colonization' hypothesis challenges the clinical paradigm of the 'sterile womb' but has been criticized for its reliance on DNA-based evidence to detect microbiomes and the failure to conciliate the routine experimental derivation of germ-free animals from surgically resected embryos with a thriving fetal microbiome. In order to avoid the propagation of misinformation in the scientific literature, a critical assessment and careful review of newly published studies, particularly those that challenge the convincing current clinical dogma of the sterile womb, is of critical importance.We read with interest a recent publication that postulated the presence of a fetal microbiome in sheep, but questioned the plausibility of the reported findings and their meaningfulness to prove "microbial colonisation of the fetal gut […] in utero". We reanalyzed the published metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequence data from the original publication and identified evidence for different types of contamination that affected all samples alike and could explain the reported findings without requiring the existence of a fetal microbiome.Our reanalysis challenges the reported findings as supportive of a prenatal fetal lamb microbiome. The shortcomings of the original analysis and data interpretation highlight common problems of low-biomass microbiome projects. We propose genomic independence of separate biological samples, i.e. distinctive profiles at the microbial strain level, as a potential new microbiome marker to increase confidence in metagenomics analyses of controversial low-biomass microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bihl
- Department of Microbiome Research and Applied Bioinformatics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marcus de Goffau
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Podlesny
- Department of Microbiome Research and Applied Bioinformatics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nicola Segata
- Department CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Fergus Shanahan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Jens Walter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - W. Florian Fricke
- Department of Microbiome Research and Applied Bioinformatics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany,Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,CONTACT W. Florian Fricke Department of Microbiome Research and Applied Bioinformatics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Bolte EE, Moorshead D, Aagaard KM. Maternal and early life exposures and their potential to influence development of the microbiome. Genome Med 2022; 14:4. [PMID: 35016706 PMCID: PMC8751292 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-01005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At the dawn of the twentieth century, the medical care of mothers and children was largely relegated to family members and informally trained birth attendants. As the industrial era progressed, early and key public health observations among women and children linked the persistence of adverse health outcomes to poverty and poor nutrition. In the time hence, numerous studies connecting genetics ("nature") to public health and epidemiologic data on the role of the environment ("nurture") have yielded insights into the importance of early life exposures in relation to the occurrence of common diseases, such as diabetes, allergic and atopic disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. As a result of these parallel efforts in science, medicine, and public health, the developing brain, immune system, and metabolic physiology are now recognized as being particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition and stressful environments from the start of pregnancy to 3 years of age. In particular, compelling evidence arising from a diverse array of studies across mammalian lineages suggest that modifications to our metagenome and/or microbiome occur following certain environmental exposures during pregnancy and lactation, which in turn render risk of childhood and adult diseases. In this review, we will consider the evidence suggesting that development of the offspring microbiome may be vulnerable to maternal exposures, including an analysis of the data regarding the presence or absence of a low-biomass intrauterine microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bolte
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - David Moorshead
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
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Rosenberg E, Zilber-Rosenberg I. Reconstitution and Transmission of Gut Microbiomes and Their Genes between Generations. Microorganisms 2021; 10:microorganisms10010070. [PMID: 35056519 PMCID: PMC8780831 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiomes are transmitted between generations by a variety of different vertical and/or horizontal modes, including vegetative reproduction (vertical), via female germ cells (vertical), coprophagy and regurgitation (vertical and horizontal), physical contact starting at birth (vertical and horizontal), breast-feeding (vertical), and via the environment (horizontal). Analyses of vertical transmission can result in false negatives (failure to detect rare microbes) and false positives (strain variants). In humans, offspring receive most of their initial gut microbiota vertically from mothers during birth, via breast-feeding and close contact. Horizontal transmission is common in marine organisms and involves selectivity in determining which environmental microbes can colonize the organism's microbiome. The following arguments are put forth concerning accurate microbial transmission: First, the transmission may be of functions, not necessarily of species; second, horizontal transmission may be as accurate as vertical transmission; third, detection techniques may fail to detect rare microbes; lastly, microbiomes develop and reach maturity with their hosts. In spite of the great variation in means of transmission discussed in this paper, microbiomes and their functions are transferred from one generation of holobionts to the next with fidelity. This provides a strong basis for each holobiont to be considered a unique biological entity and a level of selection in evolution, largely maintaining the uniqueness of the entity and conserving the species from one generation to the next.
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Zakis DR, Paulissen E, Kornete L, Kaan AMM, Nicu EA, Zaura E. The evidence for placental microbiome and its composition in healthy pregnancies: A systematic review. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 149:103455. [PMID: 34883392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the available scientific evidence regarding the placental microbial composition of a healthy pregnancy, the quality of this evidence, and the potential relation between placental and oral microbiome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data sources: MEDLINE and EMBASE up to August 1, 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Human subjects; healthy women; term deliveries; healthy normal birth weight; assessment of microorganisms (bacteria) in placental tissue; full research papers in English. The quality of the included studies was assessed by a modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. RESULTS 57 studies passed the inclusion criteria. Of these, 33 had a high risk of quality bias (e.g., insufficient infection control, lack of negative controls, poor description of the healthy cases). The remaining 24 studies had a low (N = 12) to moderate (N = 12) risk of bias and were selected for in-depth analysis. Of these 24 studies, 22 reported microorganisms in placental tissues, where Lactobacillus (11 studies), Ureaplasma (7), Fusobacterium (7), Staphylococcus (7), Prevotella (6) and Streptococcus (6) were among the most frequently identified genera. Methylobacterium (4), Propionibacterium (3), Pseudomonas (3) and Escherichia (2), among others, although frequently reported in placental samples, were often reported as contaminants in studies that used negative controls. CONCLUSIONS The results support the existence of a low biomass placental microbiota in healthy pregnancies. Some of the microbial taxa found in the placenta might have an oral origin. The high risk of quality bias for the majority of the included studies indicates that the results of individual papers should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis R Zakis
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Rīga Stradiņš University, Latvia; Department of Cariology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Paulissen
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liga Kornete
- Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University, Latvia
| | - A M Marije Kaan
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elena A Nicu
- Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Egija Zaura
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Yoffe L, Kuperman AA, Isakov O, Haguel D, Polsky AL, Farberov L, Pillar N, Gurevich V, Haviv I, Shomron N. Assessing the involvement of the placental microbiome and virome in preeclampsia using non coding RNA sequencing. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:1071-1083. [PMID: 34114389 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication. The source of preeclampsia is unknown, though the placenta is believed to have a central role in its pathogenesis. An association between maternal infection and preeclampsia has been demonstrated, yet the involvement of the placental microbiome in the etiology of preeclampsia has not been determined. In this study, we examined whether preeclampsia is associated with an imbalanced microorganism composition in the placenta. METHODS To this end, we developed a novel method for the identification of bacteria/viruses based on sequencing of small non-coding RNA, which increases the microorganism-to-host ratio, this being a major challenge in microbiome methods. We validated the method on various infected tissues and demonstrated its efficiency in detecting microorganisms in samples with extremely low bacterial/viral biomass. We then applied the method to placenta specimens from preeclamptic and healthy pregnancies. Since the placenta is a remarkably large and heterogeneous organ, we explored the bacterial and viral RNA at each of 15 distinct locations. RESULTS Bacterial RNA was detected at all locations and was consistent with previous studies of the placental microbiome, though without significant differences between the preeclampsia and control groups. Nevertheless, the bacterial RNA composition differed significantly between various areas of the placenta. Viral RNA was detected in extremely low quantities, below the threshold of significance, thus viral abundance could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the bacterial and viral abundance in the placenta may have only limited involvement in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The evidence of a heterogenic bacterial RNA composition in the various placental locations warrants further investigation to capture the true nature of the placental microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Yoffe
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir A Kuperman
- Blood Coagulation Service and Pediatric Hematology Clinic, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Ofer Isakov
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Internal Medicine "T", Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Luba Farberov
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nir Pillar
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Izhak Haviv
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Cariño R, Takayasu L, Suda W, Masuoka H, Hirayama K, Konishi S, Umezaki M. The search for aliens within us: a review of evidence and theory regarding the foetal microbiome. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:611-623. [PMID: 34788162 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1999903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The microbiome is believed to be established during the birthing process through exposure to the maternal microbiome and immediate external environment. The absence of a microbiome prior to birth is based on the sterile womb hypothesis, which was formulated at the beginning of the 20th century and is supported primarily by the culture-based approach in microbiological studies.Findings of bacterial presence in products of fertilization such as the placenta, amniotic fluid, foetal membranes, and umbilical cord blood in studies using next-generation DNA sequencing technologies began to challenge the sterile nature of the intrauterine environment during gestation. These studies have been mainly criticized by their approach to contamination and inconclusive evidence of viability. The implications of bacterial presence in utero are far reaching in medicine and basic sciences. If commensal bacteria exist in the foetus, antibiotic therapies in pregnancy particularly for asymptomatic cases will need to be re-evaluated. Experimental studies utilizing gnotobiology may also be impacted by a realignment of theory.This review of existing literature aims to provide insight into the existence of bacteria in utero, specifically the foetal microbiome through analysis of experimental evidence and theoretical concepts, and to suggest approaches that may further provide clarity into this inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Cariño
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lena Takayasu
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Microbiome Sciences, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Wataru Suda
- Laboratory for Microbiome Sciences, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Masuoka
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hirayama
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Konishi
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umezaki
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Briana DD, Papaevangelou V, Malamitsi‐Puchner A. The jury is still out on the existence of a placental microbiome. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:2958-2963. [PMID: 34319607 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The human microbiome is crucial for regulating normal development, but the exact point when it is established remains unknown. A sterile placenta was traditionally considered a prerequisite for a healthy pregnancy, but studies have revealed that the placenta harbours microbial communities, even under normal conditions. However, reports have failed to provide evidence for the consistent presence of bacteria in the normal human placenta, challenging the in utero colonisation hypothesis. This mini review examines our understanding of the potential placental microbial colonisation in normal healthy pregnancies. This may impact the metabolic and immune functions of the growing foetus and have long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina D. Briana
- Third Department of Pediatrics National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School Athens Greece
| | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- Third Department of Pediatrics National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School Athens Greece
| | - Ariadne Malamitsi‐Puchner
- Third Department of Pediatrics National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School Athens Greece
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Yao Y, Cai X, Ye Y, Wang F, Chen F, Zheng C. The Role of Microbiota in Infant Health: From Early Life to Adulthood. Front Immunol 2021; 12:708472. [PMID: 34691021 PMCID: PMC8529064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.708472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
From early life to adulthood, the microbiota play a crucial role in the health of the infant. The microbiota in early life are not only a key regulator of infant health but also associated with long-term health. Pregnancy to early life is the golden time for the establishment of the infant microbiota, which is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. Recently, there is an explosion of the studies on the role of microbiota in human diseases, but the application to disease or health is relatively limited because many aspects of human microbiota remain controversial, especially about the infant microbiota. Therefore, a critical and conclusive review is necessary to understand fully the relationship between the microbiota and the health of infant. In this article, we introduce in detail the role of microbiota in the infant from pregnancy to early life to long-term health. The main contents of this article include the relationship between the maternal microbiota and adverse pregnancy outcomes, the establishment of the neonatal microbiota during perinatal period and early life, the composition of the infant gut microbiota, the prediction of the microbiota for long-term health, and the future study directions of microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengying Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Turunen J, Tejesvi MV, Paalanne N, Hekkala J, Lindgren O, Kaakinen M, Pokka T, Kaisanlahti A, Reunanen J, Tapiainen T. Presence of distinctive microbiome in the first-pass meconium of newborn infants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19449. [PMID: 34593932 PMCID: PMC8484610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We critically evaluated the fetal microbiome concept in 44 neonates with placenta, amniotic fluid, and first-pass meconium samples. Placental histology showed no signs of inflammation. Meconium samples were more often bacterial culture positive after vaginal delivery. In next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S gene, before and after removal of extracellular and PCR contaminant DNA, the median number of reads was low in placenta (48) and amniotic fluid (46) and high in meconium samples (14,556 C-section, 24,860 vaginal). In electron microscopy, meconium samples showed extracellular vesicles. Utilizing the analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) against water, meconium samples had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia-Shigella. Our results did not support the existence of the placenta and amniotic fluid microbiota in healthy pregnancies. The first-pass meconium samples, formed in utero, appeared to harbor a microbiome that may be explained by perinatal colonization or intrauterine colonization via bacterial extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Turunen
- Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. .,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Mysore V Tejesvi
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Ecology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Niko Paalanne
- Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jenni Hekkala
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Outi Lindgren
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Tytti Pokka
- Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anna Kaisanlahti
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Justus Reunanen
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi Tapiainen
- Medical Research Center and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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41
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The reproductive tract microbiota in pregnancy. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229559. [PMID: 34397086 PMCID: PMC8421591 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20203908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive tract microbiota plays a crucial role in maintenance of normal pregnancy and influences reproductive outcomes. Microbe–host interactions in pregnancy remain poorly understood and their role in shaping immune modulation is still being uncovered. In this review, we describe the composition of vaginal microbial communities in the reproductive tract and their association with reproductive outcomes. We also consider strategies for manipulating microbiota composition by using live biotherapeutics, selective eradication of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation. Finally, future developments in this field and the need for mechanistic studies to explore the functional significance of reproductive tract microbial communities are highlighted.
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Dwivedi M, Powali S, Rastogi S, Singh A, Gupta DK. Microbial community in human gut: a therapeutic prospect and implication in health and diseases. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:553-568. [PMID: 34365651 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13549] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The interest in the working and functionality of the human gut microbiome has increased drastically over the years. Though the existence of gut microbes has long been speculated for long over the last few decades, a lot of research has sprung up in studying and understanding the role of gut microbes in the human digestive tract. The microbes present in the gut are highly instrumental in maintaining the metabolism in the body. Further research is going on in this field to understand how gut microbes can be employed as potential sources of novel therapeutics; moreover, probiotics have also elucidated their significant place in this direction. As regards the clinical perspective, microbes can be engineered to afford defence mechanisms while interacting with foreign pathogenic bodies. More investigations in this field may assist us to evaluate and understand how these cells communicate with human cells and promote immune interactions. Here we elaborate on the possible implication of human gut microbiota into the immune system as well as explore the probiotics in the various human ailments. Comprehensive information on the human gut microbiome at the same platform may contribute effectively to our understanding of the human microbiome and possible mechanisms of associated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - S Powali
- Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkatta, India
| | - S Rastogi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - A Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
| | - D K Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
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Garcia-Flores V, Romero R, Xu Y, Theis K, Arenas-Hernandez M, Miller D, Peyvandipour A, Galaz J, Levenson D, Bhatti G, Gershater M, Pusod E, Kracht D, Florova V, Leng Y, Tao L, Faucett M, Para R, Hsu CD, Zhang G, Tarca A, Pique-Regi R, Gomez-Lopez N. Maternal-Fetal Immune Responses in Pregnant Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021. [PMID: 33821263 PMCID: PMC8020997 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-362886/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are a high-risk population for severe/critical COVID-19 and mortality. However, the maternal-fetal immune responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and whether this virus is detectable in the placenta, are still under investigation. Herein, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy primarily induced specific maternal inflammatory responses in the circulation and at the maternal-fetal interface, the latter being governed by T cells and macrophages. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was also associated with a cytokine response in the fetal circulation (i.e. umbilical cord blood) without compromising the cellular immune repertoire. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection neither altered fetal cellular immune responses in the placenta nor induced elevated cord blood levels of IgM. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the placental tissues, nor was the sterility of the placenta compromised by maternal viral infection. This study provides insight into the maternal-fetal immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and further emphasizes the rarity of placental infection.
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