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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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Zakaria ZZ, Al-Rumaihi S, Al-Absi RS, Farah H, Elamin M, Nader R, Bouabidi S, Suleiman SE, Nasr S, Al-Asmakh M. Physiological Changes and Interactions Between Microbiome and the Host During Pregnancy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:824925. [PMID: 35265534 PMCID: PMC8899668 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.824925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, it has become clear that microbiome play a variety of essential roles in human metabolism, immunity, and overall health and that the composition of these microbiome is influenced by our environment, diet, weight, hormones, and other factors. Indeed, numerous physiological and pathological conditions, including obesity and metabolic syndrome, are associated with changes in our microbiome, referred to as dysbiosis. As a result, it is not surprising that such changes occur during pregnancy, which includes substantial weight gain and significant changes in metabolism and immune defenses. The present review relates physiological changes during pregnancy to alterations in the microbial composition at various sites, including the gut, oral cavity, and vagina. Pregnancy has been linked to such microbial changes, and we believe that, in contrast to certain disease states, these microbial changes are vital for a healthy pregnancy, probably through their influence on the mother’s immunological, endocrinological, and metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Zaki Zakaria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University (QU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Shouq Al-Rumaihi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rana S. Al-Absi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Huda Farah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muram Elamin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rahaf Nader
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salma Bouabidi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Elgaili Suleiman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahd Nasr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maha Al-Asmakh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University (QU), Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Maha Al-Asmakh,
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Hung LY, Leung MT, Chan TCH, Cheung HN, Li WH, Cheung YS, Wong ASM, Shek CC, Chen SPL. Case Report: The first familial hCG syndrome in a Chinese family. F1000Res 2021; 10:458. [PMID: 34249343 PMCID: PMC8240598 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.53636.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hCG syndrome is a rare and benign cause of elevated serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). We present here a case of familial hCG syndrome diagnosed in a Hong Kong Chinese family, which we believe to be the first reported in Chinese. A 38-year-old woman presented with incidental finding of persistently elevated hCG, analytically confirmed both in urine and blood. Extensive radiological and biochemical work-up were performed but were negative for pregnancy and malignancy. Testing of another asymptomatic family member revealed unexplained elevation of serum hCG, confirming the diagnosis of familial hCG syndrome. Knowledge and awareness of this entity among clinicians are important to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment in affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yin Hung
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Mei-Tik Leung
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Toby Chun-Hei Chan
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hoi-Ning Cheung
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Hon Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yui-Shing Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Assumpta Sze-Man Wong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Chung Shek
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sammy Pak-Lam Chen
- Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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