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Balaouras G, Kostoulas P, Mikos T, Balaouras D, Chitzios D. The Study of Microbiome of the Female Genital Area in Relation to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Int Urogynecol J 2024:10.1007/s00192-024-05821-4. [PMID: 38861007 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05821-4] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The aim of this article is to present a systematic literature review focused on microbiome diversity in women experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction. METHODS Utilizing PubMed/MedLine and Scopus, 25 pertinent studies were meticulously selected for this review. RESULTS A key theme identified is the potential of microbiomes as diagnostic tools. The findings consistently highlight Lactobacillus as recurrent microbiota. Additionally, Gardnerella, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Aerococcus, Staphylococcus, Proteus, and Bifidobacterium species were frequently observed. This suggests the influential role of these microorganisms in shaping female urological and reproductive health. A deeper understanding of these predominant bacterial genera could offer invaluable insights into healthy physiological states and various disorders. The complex relationship between microbial compositions and diverse health conditions paves the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. As we further explore the complexities of microbiomes, their role becomes increasingly crucial in transforming women's health care. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the need for personalized care, integrating the microbiome into a comprehensive health assessment and treatment framework. This review lays the groundwork for future medical strategies where the microbiome is a pivotal element in both preventive and therapeutic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Balaouras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Themistoklis Mikos
- 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Balaouras
- Midwifery Department, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Sindos, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chitzios
- Midwifery Department, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Sindos, Greece
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Jones J, Murphy CP, Sleator RD, Culligan EP. An exploratory in silico analysis of bacteriocin gene clusters in the urobiome. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2024; 3:24. [PMID: 38846023 PMCID: PMC11153084 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Background: The role of the urobiome in health and disease remains an understudied area compared to the rest of the human microbiome. Enhanced culturing techniques and next-generation sequencing technologies have identified the urobiome as an untapped source of potentially novel antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to screen the urobiome for genes encoding bacteriocin production. Methods: The genomes of 181 bacterial urobiome isolates were screened in silico for the presence of bacteriocin gene clusters using the bacteriocin mining tool BAGEL4 and secondary metabolite screening tool antiSMASH7. Results: From these isolates, an initial 263 areas of interest were identified, manually annotated, and evaluated for potential bacteriocin gene clusters. This resulted in 32 isolates containing 80 potential bacteriocin gene clusters, of which 72% were identified as class II, 13.75% as class III, 8.75% as class I, and 5% as unclassified bacteriocins. Conclusion: Overall, 53 novel variants were discovered, including nisin, gassericin, ubericin, and colicins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eamonn P. Culligan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork T12 P928, Ireland
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Jirillo E, Palmirotta R, Colella M, Santacroce L. A Bird's-Eye View of the Pathophysiologic Role of the Human Urobiota in Health and Disease: Can We Modulate It? PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2024; 31:52-67. [PMID: 38390942 PMCID: PMC10885084 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
For a long time, urine has been considered sterile in physiological conditions, thanks to the particular structure of the urinary tract and the production of uromodulin or Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) by it. More recently, thanks to the development and use of new technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and expanded urine culture, the identification of a microbial community in the urine, the so-called urobiota, became possible. Major phyla detected in the urine are represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Particularly, the female urobiota is largely represented by Lactobacillus spp., which are very active against urinary pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli (UPEC) strains via the generation of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gut dysbiosis accounts for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), so-called gut-bladder axis syndrome with the formation of intracellular bacterial communities in the course of acute cystitis. However, other chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial strains of intestinal derivation. Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections account for the outcome of acute and chronic UTIs, even including prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. E. coli isolates have been shown to be more invasive and resistant to antibiotics. Probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and immune-mediated therapies, even including vaccines for the treatment of UTIs, will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Jirillo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marica Colella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
- Doctoral School, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
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Kim DS, Lee JW. Urinary Tract Infection and Microbiome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111921. [PMID: 37296773 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111921] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections and can cause major burdens, not only to individuals but also to an entire society. Current knowledge of the microbial communities in the urinary tract has increased exponentially due to next-generation sequencing and expanded quantitative urine culture. We now acknowledge a dynamic urinary tract microbiome that we once thought was sterile. Taxonomic studies have identified the normal core microbiota of the urinary tract, and studies on the changes in microbiome due to sexuality and age have set the foundation for microbiome studies in pathologic states. Urinary tract infection is not only caused by invading uropathogenic bacteria but also by changes to the uromicrobiome milieu, and interactions with other microbial communities can also contribute. Recent studies have provided insights into the pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infections and antimicrobial resistance. New therapeutic options for urinary tract infections also show promise; however, further research is needed to fully understand the implications of the urinary microbiome in urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Soo Kim
- Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Woo Lee
- Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Colceriu MC, Aldea PL, Răchișan AL, Clichici S, Sevastre-Berghian A, Mocan T. Vesicoureteral Reflux and Innate Immune System: Physiology, Physiopathology, and Clinical Aspects. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062380. [PMID: 36983379 PMCID: PMC10058356 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicoureteral reflux represents one of the most concerning topics in pediatric nephrology due to its frequency, clinical expression with the potential to evolve into chronic kidney disease, and last but not least, its socio-economic implications. The presence of vesicoureteral reflux, the occurrence of urinary tract infections, and the development of reflux nephropathy, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and finally, end-stage renal disease represent a progressive spectrum of a single physiopathological condition. For the proper management of these patients with the best clinical outcomes, and in an attempt to prevent the spread of uropathogens' resistance to antibacterial therapy, we must better understand the physiopathology of urinary tract infections in patients with vesicoureteral reflux, and at the same time, we should acknowledge the implication and response of the innate immune system in this progressive pathological condition. The present paper focuses on theoretical aspects regarding the physiopathology of vesicoureteral reflux and the interconditionality between urinary tract infections and the innate immune system. In addition, we detailed aspects regarding cytokines, interleukins, antimicrobial peptides, and proteins involved in the innate immune response as well as their implications in the physiopathology of reflux nephropathy. New directions of study should focus on using these innate immune system effectors as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in renal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius-Cosmin Colceriu
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Luchian Aldea
- Department of Community Medicine, Discipline of Public Health and Management, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea-Liana Răchișan
- Department of Mother and Child, Discipline of Pediatrics II, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Sevastre-Berghian
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Mocan
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400158 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Gilbert NM, O’Brien VP, Waller C, Batourina E, Mendelsohn CL, Lewis AL. Gardnerella Exposures Alter Bladder Gene Expression and Augment Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:909799. [PMID: 35782131 PMCID: PMC9245024 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.909799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaerobic actinobacterium Gardnerella was first isolated from the bladder by suprapubic aspiration more than 50 years ago. Since then, Gardnerella has been increasingly recognized as a common and often abundant member of the female urinary microbiome (urobiome). Some studies even suggest that the presence of Gardnerella is associated with urological disorders in women. We recently reported that inoculation of Gardnerella into the bladders of mice results in urothelial exfoliation. Here, we performed whole bladder RNA-seq in our mouse model to identify additional host pathways involved in the response to Gardnerella bladder exposure. The transcriptional response to Gardnerella reflected the urothelial turnover that is a consequence of exfoliation while also illustrating the activation of pathways involved in inflammation and immunity. Additional timed exposure experiments in mice provided further evidence of a potentially clinically relevant consequence of bladder exposure to Gardnerella-increased susceptibility to subsequent UTI caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Together, these data provide a broader picture of the bladder's response to Gardnerella and lay the groundwork for future studies examining the impact of Gardnerella on bladder health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Nicole M. Gilbert,
| | - Valerie P. O’Brien
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chevaughn Waller
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ekatherina Batourina
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cathy Lee Mendelsohn
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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