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Jia S, Huang S, Jimo R, AXi Y, Lu Y, Kong Z, Ma J, Li H, Luo X, Qu Y, Gou K, Zeng R, Wang X. In-situ forming carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel containing Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract for mixed infectious vaginitis treatment by reshaping the micro-biota. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 339:122255. [PMID: 38823921 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122255] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Mixed infectious vaginitis poses a serious threat to female reproductive health due to complex pathogenic factors, a long course and easy recurrence. Currently, antibiotic-based treatment methods are facing a crisis of drug resistance and secondary dysbiosis. Exploring effective drugs for the treatment of mixed vaginitis from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., a natural traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of medicinal use, is a feasible treatment strategy. P. suffruticosa Andr. leaf extract (PLE) has significant anti-bacterial effects due to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. The polyphenols in peony leaves have the potential to make carboxymethyl chitosan form in situ gel. In the current study, PLE and carboxymethyl chitosan were combined to develop another type of natural anti-bacterial anti-oxidant hydrogel for the treatment of mixed infectious vaginitis. Through a series of characterisations, CP had a three-dimensional network porous structure with good mechanical properties, high water absorption, long retention and a slow-release drug effect. The mixed infectious vaginitis mouse model induced by a mixture of pathogenic bacteria was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of CP in vivo. The appearance of the vagina, H&E colouring of the tissue and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6) confirm the good anti-vaginal effect of CP. Therefore, CP was expected to become an ideal effective strategy to improve mixed infection vaginitis due to its excellent hydrogel performance and remarkable ability to regulate flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiami Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Shengting Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Rezhemu Jimo
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Yongbu AXi
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Yuanhui Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Ziling Kong
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Jun Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China
| | - Heran Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Puhe RD77, 110122, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- ChengDu Institute for Drug Control, NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Yan Qu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Kaijun Gou
- Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610225, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China; Tibetan Plateau Ethnic Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Key Laboratory of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China, Sichuan Provincial Qiang-Yi Medicinal Resources Protection and Utilization Technology Engineering Laboratory, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610225, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu & Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine Processing and Preparation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, 610225, China.
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Amitai Komem D, Hadar R, Paulson JN, Mordechai Y, Eskandarian HA, Efroni G, Amir A, Haberman Y, Tsur A. Lubricating gel influence on vaginal microbiome sampling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18223. [PMID: 39107405 PMCID: PMC11303677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gel lubrication is routinely used during gynecological examination to prevent or reduce pain, yet its impact on microbial composition during sampling remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether lubricating gel affects the microbial composition of vaginal samples. We included 31 pregnant women presenting during their third trimester to clinics or emergency room and collected 143 unique vaginal samples for 16S amplicon microbial analysis. Vaginal samples were obtained using sterile swabs under various conditions: without gel-immediately frozen (n = 30), with gel-immediately frozen, without gel-at room temperature (RT) for 5 h before freezing, with gel-at RT for 5 h before freezing, and additional sampling after 24 h without gel-immediate freezing. We found that sample collection with gel lubrication influenced specimen quality-half of the gel samples failing to meet processing limitation compared to those without gel. The effect of gel on testing quality dissipated after 24 h. However, when samples met post-sequencing filters, gel lubrication did not alter the microbial composition, individual taxa abundance or alpha and beta diversity. We recommend sampling either before gel exposure or 24 h after. These findings underscore the importance of considering sample collection methodologies in vaginal microbiome studies to ensure high-quality microbial data for accurate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphna Amitai Komem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Rotem Hadar
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | | | - Yael Mordechai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | | | - Gilat Efroni
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amnon Amir
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yael Haberman
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Abraham Tsur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated With the Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
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3
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Broad J, Robertson RC, Evans C, Perussolo J, Lum G, Piper JD, Loucaides E, Ziruma A, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Bourke CD, Prendergast AJ. Maternal inflammatory and microbial drivers of low birthweight in low- and middle-income countries. Paediatr Int Child Health 2024; 44:79-93. [PMID: 39066726 DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2024.2380974] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low birthweight (LBW) is when an infant is born too soon or too small, and it affects one in seven infants in low- and middle-income countries. LBW has a significant impact on short-term morbidity and mortality, and it impairs long-term health and human capital. Antenatal microbial and inflammatory exposure may contribute to LBW. METHODS Ovid-Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for English-language articles evaluating inflammatory, microbial or infective causes of LBW, small-for-gestational age, intra-uterine growth restriction or prematurity. Inclusion criteria were human studies including published data; conference abstracts and grey literature were excluded. A narrative synthesis of the literature was conducted. RESULTS Local infections may drive the underlying causes of LBW: for example, vaginitis and placental infection are associated with a greater risk of prematurity. Distal infection and inflammatory pathways are also associated with LBW, with an association between periodontitis and preterm delivery and environmental enteric dysfunction and reduced intra-uterine growth. Systemic maternal infections such as malaria and HIV are associated with LBW, even when infants are exposed to HIV but not infected. This latter association may be driven by chronic inflammation, co-infections and socio-economic confounders. Antimicrobial prophylaxis against other bacteria in pregnancy has shown minimal impact in most trials, though positive effects on birthweight have been found in some settings with a high infectious disease burden. CONCLUSION Maternal inflammatory and infective processes underlie LBW, and provide treatable pathways for interventions. However, an improved understanding of the mechanisms and pathways underlying LBW is needed, given the impact of LBW on life-course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Broad
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Paediatrics Department, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ruairi C Robertson
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ceri Evans
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeniffer Perussolo
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gina Lum
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Joe D Piper
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eva Loucaides
- Paediatrics Department, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Asaph Ziruma
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Bernard Chasekwa
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Claire D Bourke
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Maternal and Child Health Research Department, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Nasr MA, Aldous A, Daniels J, Joy C, Capozzi E, Yang M, Moriarty P, Emmanuel-Baker V, Malcolm S, Green SJ, Gomez-Lobo V, Ghosh M. Effect of progestin-based contraceptives on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306237. [PMID: 39008499 PMCID: PMC11249223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescent girls bear a disproportionate burden of both the HIV epidemic and unintended pregnancies; yet important questions remain unanswered regarding the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the vaginal immune microenvironment, which can impact HIV susceptibility in this group. Multiple studies report genital immune alterations associated with the progestin-based contraceptive Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in adult women, but there is little available data in adolescents. The objective of this longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate the effects of short-term use of three progestin-based contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel (ETNG), and injectable DMPA, on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls. Fifty-nine sexually active, HIV-uninfected girls aged 15-19, were recruited from the Washington DC metro area and self-selected into Control (condoms only), combined oral contraceptive pills, LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA groups. Vaginal swabs were collected at baseline prior to contraceptive use and at 3-month follow-up visit. Vaginal secretions were tested for pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-3α, IP-10, RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β) and anti-inflammatory/anti-HIV (Serpin-A1, Elafin, Beta-Defensin-2, SLPI) immune biomarkers using ELISA and for anti-HIV activity using TZM-bl assay. Vaginal microbiome was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data were analyzed using SAS Version 9. Among the 34 participants who completed both visits, no significant changes in median biomarker concentrations, HIV inhibition and microbiome composition were observed between baseline and follow-up visits for any of the contraceptive groups. IL-8 (p<0.01), MIP-3α (0.02), Elafin (p = 0.03) and RANTES (p<0.01) differed significantly by race whereas IL-6 was significantly different by age (p = 0.03). We conclude that 3-month use of LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA have minimal effects on adolescent vaginal immune microenvironment, and therefore unlikely to impact HIV risk. Future studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are recommended to continue to evaluate effects of contraceptives on the lower genital tract immunity and susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélodie A. Nasr
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Annette Aldous
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jason Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Christopher Joy
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Eleanor Capozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Michelle Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Patricia Moriarty
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Sharyn Malcolm
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Genomics and Microbiome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Mimi Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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5
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Kulshrestha S, Narad P, Singh B, Pai SS, Vijayaraghavan P, Tandon A, Gupta P, Modi D, Sengupta A. Biomarker Identification for Preterm Birth Susceptibility: Vaginal Microbiome Meta-Analysis Using Systems Biology and Machine Learning Approaches. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13905. [PMID: 39033501 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13905] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The vaginal microbiome has a substantial role in the occurrence of preterm birth (PTB), which contributes substantially to neonatal mortality worldwide. However, current bioinformatics approaches mostly concentrate on the taxonomic classification and functional profiling of the microbiome, limiting their abilities to elucidate the complex factors that contribute to PTB. METHOD OF STUDY A total of 3757 vaginal microbiome 16S rRNA samples were obtained from five publicly available datasets. The samples were divided into two categories based on pregnancy outcome: preterm birth (PTB) (N = 966) and term birth (N = 2791). Additionally, the samples were further categorized based on the participants' race and trimester. The 16S rRNA reads were subjected to taxonomic classification and functional profiling using the Parallel-META 3 software in Ubuntu environment. The obtained abundances were analyzed using an integrated systems biology and machine learning approach to determine the key microbes, pathways, and genes that contribute to PTB. The resulting features were further subjected to statistical analysis to identify the top nine features with the greatest effect sizes. RESULTS We identified nine significant features, namely Shuttleworthia, Megasphaera, Sneathia, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation pathway, systemic lupus erythematosus pathway, transcription machinery pathway, lepA gene, pepX gene, and rpoD gene. Their abundance variations were observed through the trimesters. CONCLUSIONS Vaginal infections caused by Shuttleworthia, Megasphaera, and Sneathia and altered small metabolite biosynthesis pathways such as lipopolysaccharide folate and retinal may increase the susceptibility to PTB. The identified organisms, genes, pathways, and their networks may be specifically targeted for the treatment of bacterial infections that increase PTB risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeepti Kulshrestha
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Priyanka Narad
- Division of Biomedical Informatics (BMI), Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Brojen Singh
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Somnath S Pai
- Amity Institute of Virology & Immunology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pooja Vijayaraghavan
- Anti-mycotic Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ansh Tandon
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Payal Gupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhishek Sengupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ozcan G, Vatansever C, Paerhati E, Turgal M, Gursoy T, Cekic SG, Unal C, Ozek MA, Gürsoy A, Keskin Ö, Can F, Celik E. The vaginal microbiome composition during pregnancy in a region compromising different ethnic origins. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:369-375. [PMID: 38771532 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07560-9] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiota plays a significant role in pregnancy outcomes and newborn health. Indeed, the composition and diversity of the vaginal microbiota can vary among different ethnic groups. Our study aimed to investigate the composition of the vaginal microbiome throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy and to identify any potential variations or patterns in the Turkish population compromising mixed ethnicities. METHOD We conducted a longitudinal study to characterize the vaginal microbiota of pregnant women. The study included a total of 25 participants, and the samples were collected at each trimester: 11-13 weeks, 20-24 weeks and 28-34 weeks gestation. RESULTS Lactobacillus species were consistently found to be dominant in the vaginal microbiota throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Among Lactobacillus species, L. crispatus had the highest abundance in all trimesters (40.6%, 40.8% and 44.4%, respectively). L. iners was the second most prevalent species (28.5%, 31% and 25.04, respectively). Our findings reveal that the dominant composition of the vaginal microbiota aligns with the CST-type I, commonly observed in the European population. CONCLUSIONS This suggests that there are shared mechanisms influencing the microbial communities in the vagina, which are likely influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and cultural behaviors rather than ethnicity alone. The complex interplay of these factors contributes to the establishment and maintenance of the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and their impact on vaginal health across diverse populations is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes. The study was approved by the Koc University Ethical Committee (no:2019.093.IRB2.030) and registered at the clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulin Ozcan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for İnfectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cansel Vatansever
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for İnfectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Mert Turgal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tugba Gursoy
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebile Güler Cekic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Unal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Aykut Ozek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Attila Gürsoy
- College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Keskin
- College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fusun Can
- Koç University İşBank Research Center for İnfectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Gerede A, Nikolettos K, Vavoulidis E, Margioula-Siarkou C, Petousis S, Giourga M, Fotinopoulos P, Salagianni M, Stavros S, Dinas K, Nikolettos N, Domali E. Vaginal Microbiome and Pregnancy Complications: A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3875. [PMID: 38999442 PMCID: PMC11242209 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133875] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There are indications that the microbial composition of the maternal mucosal surfaces is associated with adverse events during pregnancy. The aim of this review is to investigate the link between vaginal microbiome alterations and gestational complication risk. Methods: This comprehensive literature review was performed using Medline and Scopus databases. The following search algorithm was used, "Pregnancy Complications" [Mesh] AND (Vagin*), and after the literature screening, 44 studies were included in the final review. Results: The studies that were included investigated the association between vaginal microbial composition and preterm birth, miscarriage, preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, and preterm premature rupture of membranes. In most of the studies, it was well established that increased microbial diversity is associated with these conditions. Also, the depletion of Lactobacillus species is linked to most of the gestational complications, while the increased relative abundance and especially Lactobacillus crispatus may exert a protective effect in favor of the pregnant woman. Several pathogenic taxa including Gardnerella, Prevotella, Sneathia, Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Bacteria-2, Atopobium, and Megasphera seem to be correlated to higher maternal morbidity. Conclusions: Vaginal microbiome aberrations seem to have an association with pregnancy-related adverse events, but more high-quality homogenous studies are necessary to reliably verify this link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Gerede
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Vavoulidis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Margioula-Siarkou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Petousis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Giourga
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Fotinopoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Salagianni
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dinas
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolettos
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Domali
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
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8
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Berman HL, Goltsman DSA, Anderson M, Relman DA, Callahan BJ. Gardnerella diversity and ecology in pregnancy and preterm birth. mSystems 2024; 9:e0133923. [PMID: 38752784 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01339-23] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome has been linked to negative health outcomes including preterm birth. Specific taxa, including Gardnerella spp., have been identified as risk factors for these conditions. Historically, microbiome analysis methods have treated all Gardnerella spp. as one species, but the broad diversity of Gardnerella has become more apparent. We explore the diversity of Gardnerella clades and genomic species in the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women and their associations with microbiome composition and preterm birth. Relative abundance of Gardnerella clades and genomic species and other taxa was quantified in shotgun metagenomic sequencing data from three distinct cohorts of pregnant women. We also assessed the diversity and abundance of Gardnerella variants in 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data from seven previously conducted studies in differing populations. Individual microbiomes often contained multiple Gardnerella variants, and the number of clades was associated with increased microbial load, or the ratio of non-human reads to human reads. Taxon co-occurrence patterns were largely consistent across Gardnerella clades and among cohorts. Some variants previously described as rare were prevalent in other cohorts, highlighting the importance of surveying a diverse set of populations to fully capture the diversity of Gardnerella. The diversity of Gardnerella both across populations and within individual vaginal microbiomes has long been unappreciated, as has been the intra-species diversity of many other members of the vaginal microbiome. The broad genomic diversity of Gardnerella has led to its reclassification as multiple species; here we demonstrate the diversity of Gardnerella found within and between vaginal microbiomes.IMPORTANCEThe present study shows that single microbiomes can contain all currently known species of Gardnerella and that multiple similar species can exist within the same environment. Furthermore, surveys of demographically distinct populations suggest that some species appear more commonly in certain populations. Further studies in broad and diverse populations will be necessary to fully understand the ecological roles of each Gardnerella sp., how they can co-exist, and their distinct impacts on microbial communities, preterm birth, and other health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna L Berman
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniela S Aliaga Goltsman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Megan Anderson
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Benjamin J Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Li H, Han M, Xu J, Li N, Cui H. The vaginal microbial signatures of preterm birth woman. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:428. [PMID: 38877389 PMCID: PMC11177453 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06573-1] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the differences of vaginal microbes in women with preterm birth (PTB), and to construct prediction model. We searched for articles related to vaginal microbiology in preterm women and obtained four 16S rRNA-sequence datasets. We analyzed that for species diversity and differences, and constructed a random forest model with 20 differential genera. We introduce an independent whole genome-sequencing (WGS) data for validation. In addition, we collected vaginal and cervical swabs from 33 pregnant women who delivered spontaneously full-term and preterm infants, performed WGS in our lab to further validate the model. Compared to term birth (TB) samples, PTB women vagina were characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, and an increase in diversity accompanied by the colonization of pathogenic bacteria such as Gardnerella, Atopobium and Prevotella. Twenty genus markers, including Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Gardnerella performed well in predicting PTB, with study-to-study transfer validation and LODO validation, different gestation validation showing good results, and in two independent cohorts (external WGS cohorts and woman samples WGS cohorts) in which the accuracy was maintained. PTB women have unique vaginal microbiota characteristics. A predictive model of PTB was constructed and its value validated from multiple perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Mengzhen Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Junnan Xu
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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10
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Megli CJ, DePuyt AE, Goff JP, Munyoki SK, Hooven TA, Jašarević E. Diet influences community dynamics following vaginal group B streptococcus colonization. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0362323. [PMID: 38722155 PMCID: PMC11237455 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03623-23] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota plays a pivotal role in reproductive, sexual, and perinatal health and disease. Unlike the well-established connections between diet, metabolism, and the intestinal microbiota, parallel mechanisms influencing the vaginal microbiota and pathogen colonization remain overlooked. In this study, we combine a mouse model of Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1 [group B Streptococcus (GBS)] vaginal colonization with a mouse model of pubertal-onset obesity to assess diet as a determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its role in colonization resistance. We leveraged culture-dependent assessment of GBS clearance and culture-independent, sequencing-based reconstruction of the vaginal microbiota in relation to diet, obesity, glucose tolerance, and microbial dynamics across time scales. Our findings demonstrate that excessive body weight gain and glucose intolerance are not associated with vaginal GBS density or timing of clearance. Diets high in fat and low in soluble fiber are associated with vaginal GBS persistence, and changes in vaginal microbiota structure and composition due to diet contribute to GBS clearance patterns in nonpregnant mice. These findings underscore a critical need for studies on diet as a key determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its relevance to reproductive and perinatal outcomes.IMPORTANCEThis work sheds light on diet as a key determinant influencing the composition of vaginal microbiota and its involvement in group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in a mouse model. This study shows that mice fed diets with different nutritional composition display differences in GBS density and timing of clearance in the female reproductive tract. These findings are particularly significant given clear links between GBS and adverse reproductive and neonatal outcomes, advancing our understanding by identifying critical connections between dietary components, factors originating from the intestinal tract, vaginal microbiota, and reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J. Megli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Reproductive Infectious Disease, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison E. DePuyt
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julie P. Goff
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah K. Munyoki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas A. Hooven
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eldin Jašarević
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Stevenson DK, Winn VD, Shaw GM, England SK, Wong RJ. Solving the Puzzle of Preterm Birth. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:291-300. [PMID: 38705641 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.001] [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: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Solving the puzzle of preterm birth has been challenging and will require novel integrative solutions as preterm birth likely arises from many etiologies. It has been demonstrated that many sociodemographic and psychological determinants of preterm birth relate to its complex biology. It is this understanding that has enabled the development of a novel preventative strategy, which integrates the omics profile (genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, microbiome) with sociodemographic, environmental, and psychological determinants of individual pregnant people to solve the puzzle of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Biomedical Innovations Building (BMI), 240 Pasteur Drive, Room 2652, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Virginia D Winn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive, Stem Cell and Perinatal Biology, Stanford University of School of Medicine, Biomedical Innovations Building (BMI), 240 Pasteur Drive, Module 2700, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Biomedical Innovations Building (BMI), 240 Pasteur Drive, Room 2652, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Biomedical Innovations Building (BMI), 240 Pasteur Drive, Room 2652, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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12
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Elovitz M, Anton L, Cristancho A, Ferguson B, Joseph A, Ravel J. Vaginal microbes alter epithelial transcriptome and induce epigenomic modifications providing insight into mechanisms for susceptibility to adverse reproductive outcomes. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4385224. [PMID: 38854063 PMCID: PMC11160883 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4385224/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The cervicovaginal microbiome is highly associated with women's health, with microbial communities dominated by Lactobacillus species considered optimal. Conversely, a lack of lactobacilli and a high abundance of strict and facultative anaerobes, including Gardnerella vaginalis, have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. However, how host-microbial interactions alter specific molecular pathways and impact cervical and vaginal epithelial function remains unclear. Using RNA-sequencing, we characterized the in vitro cervicovaginal epithelial transcriptional response to different vaginal bacteria and their culture supernatants. We showed that G. vaginalis upregulates genes associated with an activated innate immune response. Unexpectedly, G. vaginalis specifically induced inflammasome pathways through activation of NLRP3-mediated increases in caspase-1, IL-1β and cell death, while live L. crispatus had minimal transcriptomic changes on epithelial cells. L. crispatus culture supernatants resulted in a shift in the epigenomic landscape of cervical epithelial cells that was confirmed by ATAC-sequencing showing reduced chromatin accessibility. This study reveals new insights into host-microbe interactions in the lower reproductive tract and suggests potential therapeutic strategies leveraging the vaginal microbiome to improve reproductive health.
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13
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Schuster HJ, Bos AM, Himschoot L, van Eekelen R, Matamoros SP, de Boer MA, Oudijk MA, Ris-Stalpers C, Cools P, Savelkoul PH, Painter RC, van Houdt R. Vaginal microbiota and spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women at high risk of recurrence. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30685. [PMID: 38803950 PMCID: PMC11128838 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe vaginal microbiota, including Gardnerella species and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), during pregnancy and their associations with recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). We performed a prospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre in the Netherlands, among pregnant women with previous sPTB <34 weeks' gestation. Participants collected three vaginal swabs in the first and second trimester. Vaginal microbiota was profiled with 16S rDNA sequencing. Gardnerella species and STI's were tested with qPCR. Standard care was provided according to local protocol, including screening and treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV), routine progesterone administration and screening for cervical length shortening. Of 154 participants, 26 (16.9 %) experienced recurrent sPTB <37 weeks' gestation. Microbiota composition was not associated with sPTB. During pregnancy, the share of Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbiota increased at the expense of diverse microbiota between the first and second trimester. This change coincided with treatment for BV, demonstrating a similar change in microbiota composition after treatment. In this cohort of high-risk women, we did not find an association between vaginal microbiota composition and recurrent sPTB. This should be interpreted with care, as these women were offered additional preventive therapies to reduce sPTB according to national guidelines including progesterone and BV treatment. The increase observed in L. iners dominated microbiota and the decrease in diverse microbiota mid-gestation was most likely mediated by BV treatment. Our findings suggest that in recurrent sPTB occurring despite several preventive therapies, the microbe-related etiologic contribution might be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen J. Schuster
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk M. Bos
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Himschoot
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik van Eekelen
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sébastien P.F. Matamoros
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon A. de Boer
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A. Oudijk
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piet Cools
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul H.M. Savelkoul
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Medical Microbiology Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca C. Painter
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin van Houdt
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Schuster HJ, Breedveld AC, Matamoros SPF, van Eekelen R, Painter RC, Kok M, Hajenius PJ, Savelkoul PHM, van Egmond M, van Houdt R. The interrelation between microbial immunoglobulin coating, vaginal microbiota, ethnicity, and preterm birth. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:99. [PMID: 38802950 PMCID: PMC11131309 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), depending on ethnicity. Host-microbiota interactions are thought to play an important underlying role in this association between ethnicity, vaginal microbiota and sPTB. METHODS In a prospective cohort of nulliparous pregnant women, we assessed vaginal microbiota composition, vaginal immunoglobulins (Igs), and local inflammatory markers. We performed a nested case-control study with 19 sPTB cases, matched based on ethnicity and midwifery practice to 19 term controls. RESULTS Of the 294 included participants, 23 pregnancies ended in sPTB. We demonstrated that Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbiota, diverse microbiota, and ethnicity were all independently associated with sPTB. Microbial Ig coating was associated with both microbiota composition and ethnicity, but a direct association with sPTB was lacking. Microbial IgA and IgG coating were lowest in diverse microbiota, especially in women of any ethnic minority. When correcting for microbiota composition, increased microbial Ig coating correlated with increased inflammation. CONCLUSION In these nulliparous pregnant women, vaginal microbiota composition is strongly associated with sPTB. Our results support that vaginal mucosal Igs might play a pivotal role in microbiota composition, microbiota-related inflammation, and vaginal community disparity within and between ethnicities. This study provides insight in host-microbe interaction, suggesting that vaginal mucosal Igs play an immunomodulatory role similar to that in the intestinal tract. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Schuster
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A C Breedveld
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Boeleaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S P F Matamoros
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R van Eekelen
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Epidemiology and Data Science, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R C Painter
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Kok
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P J Hajenius
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P H M Savelkoul
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center+, Medical Microbiology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M van Egmond
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Boeleaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Surgery, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R van Houdt
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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McKee K, Bassis CM, Golob J, Palazzolo B, Sen A, Comstock SS, Rosas-Salazar C, Stanford JB, O'Connor T, Gern JE, Paneth N, Dunlop AL. Host factors are associated with vaginal microbiome structure in pregnancy in the ECHO Cohort Consortium. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11798. [PMID: 38782975 PMCID: PMC11116393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62537-7] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Using pooled vaginal microbiota data from pregnancy cohorts (N = 683 participants) in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, we analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences to identify clinical and demographic host factors that associate with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy both within and across diverse cohorts. Using PERMANOVA models, we assessed factors associated with vaginal community structure in pregnancy, examined whether host factors were conserved across populations, and tested the independent and combined effects of host factors on vaginal community state types (CSTs) using multinomial logistic regression models. Demographic and social factors explained a larger amount of variation in the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy than clinical factors. After adjustment, lower education, rather than self-identified race, remained a robust predictor of L. iners dominant (CST III) and diverse (CST IV) (OR = 8.44, 95% CI = 4.06-17.6 and OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.88-9.26, respectively). In random forest models, we identified specific taxonomic features of host factors, particularly urogenital pathogens associated with pregnancy complications (Aerococcus christensenii and Gardnerella spp.) among other facultative anaerobes and key markers of community instability (L. iners). Sociodemographic factors were robustly associated with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy and should be considered as sources of variation in human microbiome studies.
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Grants
- U24OD023382 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- U2C OD023375 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023271 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023282 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023282 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023287 NIH HHS
- U24 OD023319 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023305 NIH HHS
- K01 AI153558 NIAID NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023288 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023249 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- U24OD023319 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023349 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023337 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023328 NIH HHS
- U24 OD023382 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023313 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023289 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023249 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023389 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023290 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023251 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023285 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023275 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023318 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023248 NIH HHS
- U2COD023375 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023253 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023272 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023347 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023318 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023251 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023279 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023285 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023244 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023320 NIH HHS
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly McKee
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA.
| | - Christine M Bassis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan Golob
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Beatrice Palazzolo
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Ananda Sen
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Sarah S Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Joseph B Stanford
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thomas O'Connor
- Departments of Neuroscience and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nigel Paneth
- Departments of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Cheng K, Aitken EH, Hasang W, Meagher N, Price DJ, Madanitsa M, Mwapasa V, Phiri KS, Dodd J, ter Kuile FO, Rogerson SJ. Intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine but not dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine modulates the relationship between inflammatory markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003198. [PMID: 38753813 PMCID: PMC11098340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Women in malaria-endemic areas receive sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) to reduce malaria. While dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) has superior antimalarial properties as IPTp, SP is associated with superior fetal growth. As maternal inflammation influences fetal growth, we investigated whether SP alters the relationship between inflammation and birth outcomes. We measured C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) at enrollment (16-28 gestation weeks (gw)), visit 3 (24-36 gw) and delivery in 1319 Malawian women randomized to receive monthly SP, DP, or DP and single-dose azithromycin (AZ) in the IMPROVE trial (NCT03208179). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between adverse outcomes, inflammation, and treatment arm. Elevated AGP at enrollment was associated with adverse birth outcome (aRR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.70), with similar associations observed across treatment arms, exceptions being that elevated AGP was associated with low maternal weight gain in SP recipients (aRR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.76) and with small for gestational age in DP+AZ recepients (aRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.02, 2.17). At visit 3 there were few associations between inflammation andoutcomes. At delivery, women with elevated AGP receiving either DP or DP+AZ had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes (aRR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.00), including low birth weight, pre-term birth and foetal loss, this was not seen in women receiving SP (aRR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.26). The risk of an association between elevated AGP and adverse birth outcome was higher in those receiving DP or DP+AZ compared to those receiving SP (aRR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.13). No clear associations between CRP and adverse outcomes were observed. AGP identified women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. SP modifies the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and adverse outcomes. Our findings provide insights into potential mechanisms by which SP may improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylene Cheng
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth H. Aitken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Niamh Meagher
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J. Price
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mwayiwawo Madanitsa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kamija S. Phiri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - James Dodd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Rogerson
- Department of Medicine (RMH), The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Xiao L, Zhou T, Zuo Z, Sun N, Zhao F. Spatiotemporal patterns of the pregnancy microbiome and links to reproductive disorders. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1275-1285. [PMID: 38388298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.02.001] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome of females undergoes extensive remodeling during pregnancy, which is likely to have an impact on the health of both mothers and offspring. Nevertheless, large-scale integrated investigations characterizing microbiome dynamics across key body habitats are lacking. Here, we performed an extensive meta-analysis that compiles and analyzes microbiome profiles from >10,000 samples across the gut, vagina, and oral cavity of pregnant women from diverse geographical regions. We have unveiled unexpected variations in the taxonomic, functional, and ecological characteristics of microbial communities throughout the course of pregnancy. The gut microbiota showed distinct trajectories between Western and non-Western populations. The vagina microbiota exhibited fluctuating transitions at the genus level across gestation, while the oral microbiota remained relatively stable. We also identified distinctive microbial signatures associated with prevalent pregnancy-related disorders, including opposite variations in the oral and gut microbiota of patients with gestational diabetes and disrupted microbial networks in preterm birth. This study establishes a comprehensive atlas of the pregnancy microbiome by integrating multidimensional datasets and offers foundational insights into the intricate interplay between microbes and host factors that underlie reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ningxia Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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18
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Tang ID, Mallia D, Yan Q, Pe'er I, Raja A, Salleb-Aouissi A, Wapner R. A Scoping Review of Preterm Birth Risk Factors. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2804-e2817. [PMID: 37748506 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, but its etiology and risk factors are poorly understood. We undertook a scoping review to illustrate the breadth of risk factors for preterm birth that have been reported in the literature. We conducted a search in the PubMed database for articles published in the previous 5 years. We determined eligibility for this scoping review by screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review. We extracted odds ratios and other measures of association for each identified risk factor in the articles. A total of 2,509 unique articles were identified from the search, of which 314 were eligible for inclusion in our final analyses. We summarized risk factors and their relative impacts in the following categories: Activity, Psychological, Medical History, Toxicology, Genetics, and Vaginal Microbiome. Many risk factors for preterm birth have been reported. It is challenging to synthesize findings given the multitude of isolated risk factors that have been studied, inconsistent definitions of risk factors and outcomes, and use of different covariates in analyses. Novel methods of analyzing large datasets may promote a more comprehensive understanding of the etiology of preterm birth and ability to predict the outcome. KEY POINTS: · Preterm birth is difficult to predict.. · Preterm birth has many diverse risk factors.. · Holistic approaches may yield new insights..
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene D Tang
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Mallia
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Itsik Pe'er
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Anita Raja
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, New York, New York
| | | | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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19
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Foessleitner P, Pjevac P, Granser S, Wisgrill L, Pummer L, Eckel F, Seki D, Berry D, Hausmann B, Farr A. The maternal microbiome in pregnancy, delivery, and early-stage development of neonatal microbiome after cesarean section: A prospective longitudinal study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:832-841. [PMID: 38268221 PMCID: PMC11019516 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14773] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Changes within the maternal microbiome during the last trimester of pregnancy and the determinants of the subsequent neonatal microbiome establishment after delivery by elective cesarean section are described. MATERIAL AND METHODS Maternal vaginal and rectal microbiome samples were collected in the last trimester and before cesarean section; intrauterine cavity, placenta, neonatal buccal mucosa, skin, and meconium samples were obtained at birth; neonatal sample collection was repeated 2-3 days postnatally. Microbial community composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Relative abundance measurements of amplicon sequencing variants and sum counts at higher taxonomic levels were compared to test for significant overlap or differences in microbial community compositions. CLINICALTRIALS gov ID: NCT04489056. RESULTS A total of 30 mothers and their neonates were included with available microbiome samples for all maternal, intrauterine cavity and placenta samples, as well as for 18 of 30 neonates. The composition of maternal vaginal and rectal microbiomes during the last trimester of healthy pregnancies did not significantly change (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA], p > 0.05). No robust microbial signature was detected in the intrauterine cavity, placenta, neonatal buccal mucosa, skin swabs, or meconium samples collected at birth. After birth, the neonatal microbiome was rapidly established, and significantly different microbial communities were detectable 2-3 days postnatally in neonate buccal mucosa and stool samples (PERMANOVA, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Maternal vaginal and rectal microbiomes in healthy pregnancies remain stable during the third trimester. No microbial colonization of the neonate was observed before birth in healthy pregnancies. Neonatal microbiomes in infants delivered by cesarean section displayed a taxonomic composition distinct from maternal vaginal and rectal microbiomes at birth, indicating that postnatal exposure to the extrauterine environment is the driving source of initial neonatal microbiome development in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Foessleitner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of Vienna, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Petra Pjevac
- Joint Microbiome FacilityMedical University of Vienna and University of ViennaViennaAustria
- University of ViennaCenter for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem ScienceViennaAustria
| | - Sonja Granser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of Vienna, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Lukas Wisgrill
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care Medicine, and Neuropediatrics, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Lisa Pummer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care Medicine, and Neuropediatrics, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Fanny Eckel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of Vienna, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - David Seki
- University of ViennaCenter for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem ScienceViennaAustria
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - David Berry
- Joint Microbiome FacilityMedical University of Vienna and University of ViennaViennaAustria
- University of ViennaCenter for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem ScienceViennaAustria
| | - Bela Hausmann
- Joint Microbiome FacilityMedical University of Vienna and University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Alex Farr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of Vienna, and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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20
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Blumenfeld YJ, Marić I, Stevenson DK, Gibbs RS, Shaw GM. Persistent Bacterial Vaginosis and Risk for Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2081-e2088. [PMID: 37379861 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the association between persistent bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnancy and risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective data from IBM MarketScan Commercial Database were analyzed. Women aged between 12 and 55 years with singleton gestations were included and linked to an outpatient medications database and medications prescribed during the pregnancy were analyzed. BV in pregnancy was determined based on both a diagnosis of BV and treatment with metronidazole and/or clindamycin, and persistent treatment of BV was defined as BV in more than one trimester or BV requiring more than one antibiotic prescription. Odds ratios were calculated comparing sPTB frequencies in those with BV, or persistent BV, to women without BV in pregnancy. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves for the gestational age at delivery was also performed. RESULTS Among a cohort of 2,538,606 women, 216,611 had an associated International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision or 10th Revision code for diagnosis of BV alone, and 63,817 had both a diagnosis of BV and were treated with metronidazole and/or clindamycin. Overall, the frequency of sPTB among women treated with BV was 7.5% compared with 5.7% for women without BV who did not receive antibiotics. Relative to those without BV in pregnancy, odds ratios for sPTB were highest in those treated for BV in both the first and second trimester (1.66 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52, 1.81]) or those with three or more prescriptions in pregnancy (1.48 [95% CI: 1.35, 1.63]. CONCLUSION Persistent BV may have a higher risk for sPTB than a single episode of BV in pregnancy. KEY POINTS · Persistent BV beyond one trimester may increase the risk for sPTB.. · Persistent BV requiring more than one prescription may increase the risk for sPTB.. · Almost half of antibiotic prescriptions treating BV in pregnancy are filled after 20 weeks gestation..
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair J Blumenfeld
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ivana Marić
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Stanford, California
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Stanford, California
| | - Ronald S Gibbs
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center, Stanford, California
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21
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Oliveira KAD, Castro CTD, Pereira M, Cordeiro RC, Ribeiro DDA, Rivemales MDCC, Araújo EMD, Santos DBD. Racial and ethnic disparities in premature births among pregnant women in the NISAMI cohort, Brazil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e11862023. [PMID: 38451655 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.11862023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of premature birth has increased worldwide, unequally distributed by race/ethnicity. Racism generates economic inequalities, educational disparities, and differential access to health care, which increases the risk of preterm birth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with preterm birth and racial and ethnic disparities in premature birth among pregnant women attending prenatal care at the Brazilian Unified Health System health units in the urban area of Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil. This study used data from 938 pregnant women aged between 18 to 45 years within the NISAMI prospective cohort. Premature birth prevalence was 11.8%, with a higher prevalence among black than non-black women (12.9% versus 6.0%, respectively). Maternal age between 18 and 24 years was the only factor associated with premature birth. A higher risk of premature birth was found among black women than non-black women (RR 3.22; 95%CI 1.42-7.32). These results reveal the existence of racial and social inequalities in the occurrence of premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Albuquerque de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Av. Transnordestina s/n, Novo Horizonte. 44036-900 Feira de Santana BA Brasil.
| | | | - Marcos Pereira
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador BA Brasil
| | - Rosa Cândida Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Santo Antônio de Jesus BA Brasil
| | - Denize de Almeida Ribeiro
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Santo Antônio de Jesus BA Brasil
| | | | - Edna Maria de Araújo
- Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Av. Transnordestina s/n, Novo Horizonte. 44036-900 Feira de Santana BA Brasil.
| | - Djanilson Barbosa Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Av. Transnordestina s/n, Novo Horizonte. 44036-900 Feira de Santana BA Brasil.
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. Santo Antônio de Jesus BA Brasil
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22
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Prodan-Barbulescu C, Bratosin F, Folescu R, Boeriu E, Popa ZL, Citu C, Ratiu A, Rosca O, Ilie AC. Analysis of Vaginal Microbiota Variations in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Their Correlation with Preterm Birth: A Case-Control Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:417. [PMID: 38399821 PMCID: PMC10892439 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020417] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study conducted a detailed analysis of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women to explore its correlation with preterm birth (PTB) outcomes. The primary objective was to identify microbial variations associated with increased PTB risk. Secondary objectives included investigating how changes in microbial composition relate to the local immune environment and PTB. Utilizing a retrospective case-control design, the study involved pregnant women with liveborn infants between 2019 and 2023. In total, 89 women who delivered preterm and 106 term deliveries were included. Data collection focused on third-trimester vaginal cultures. Statistically significant differences were observed between the preterm and full-term groups in several areas. The median white blood cell count (10.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 7.6 × 103/mm3, p = 0.009) and neutrophil count (7.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 5.1 × 103/mm3, p < 0.001) were higher in the preterm group. Vaginal pH was also elevated in preterm births (5.6 vs. 4.4, p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (29.2% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.001) as indicated by the Nugent Score. The study noted a significant association of PTB with the presence of Candida spp. (OR = 1.84, p = 0.018), Gardnerella vaginalis (OR = 2.29, p = 0.003), Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 1.97, p = 0.007), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (OR = 2.43, p = 0.001). Conversely, a reduction in Lactobacillus spp. correlated with a decreased PTB risk (OR = 0.46, p = 0.001). The study provides compelling evidence that specific vaginal microbiota components, particularly certain pathogenic bacteria and an altered Lactobacillus profile, are significantly associated with PTB risk. These findings highlight the potential of targeting microbial factors in strategies aimed at reducing PTB rates. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interplay between microbial dynamics, host immunity, and PTB outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Prodan-Barbulescu
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- IInd Surgery Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department I, Discipline of Anatomy and Embriology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Folescu
- Department of Family Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Estera Boeriu
- Department of Pediatrics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Adrian Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Cosmin Ilie
- Department III Functional Sciences, Division of Public Health and Management, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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23
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Austin GI, Kav AB, Park H, Biermann J, Uhlemann AC, Korem T. Processing-bias correction with DEBIAS-M improves cross-study generalization of microbiome-based prediction models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579716. [PMID: 38405914 PMCID: PMC10888995 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Every step in common microbiome profiling protocols has variable efficiency for each microbe. For example, different DNA extraction kits may have different efficiency for Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. These variable efficiencies, combined with technical variation, create strong processing biases, which impede the identification of signals that are reproducible across studies and the development of generalizable and biologically interpretable prediction models. "Batch-correction" methods have been used to alleviate these issues computationally with some success. However, many make strong parametric assumptions which do not necessarily apply to microbiome data or processing biases, or require the use of an outcome variable, which risks overfitting. Lastly and importantly, existing transformations used to correct microbiome data are largely non-interpretable, and could, for example, introduce values to features that were initially mostly zeros. Altogether, processing bias currently compromises our ability to glean robust and generalizable biological insights from microbiome data. Here, we present DEBIAS-M (Domain adaptation with phenotype Estimation and Batch Integration Across Studies of the Microbiome), an interpretable framework for inference and correction of processing bias, which facilitates domain adaptation in microbiome studies. DEBIAS-M learns bias-correction factors for each microbe in each batch that simultaneously minimize batch effects and maximize cross-study associations with phenotypes. Using benchmarks of HIV and colorectal cancer classification from gut microbiome data, and cervical neoplasia prediction from cervical microbiome data, we demonstrate that DEBIAS-M outperforms batch-correction methods commonly used in the field. Notably, we show that the inferred bias-correction factors are stable, interpretable, and strongly associated with specific experimental protocols. Overall, we show that DEBIAS-M allows for better modeling of microbiome data and identification of interpretable signals that are reproducible across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George I. Austin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aya Brown Kav
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heekuk Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jana Biermann
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne-Catrin Uhlemann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tal Korem
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Zhou Q, Yu Y, Zhou J, Liu J, Gao J. Relationship of Lactobacillus Vaginal Microbiota Changes and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:228-238. [PMID: 38064523 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0393] [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: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: With a global incidence of more than 10%, preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant concern. The vaginal microbiome strongly influences the well-being of the female reproductive tract. This study examines the correlation between changes in Lactobacillus vaginal microbiota and the PTB risk. Materials and Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted to locate studies that examined the association between changes in Lactobacillus vaginal microbiota and the risk of PTB from January 1, 2010, to January 30, 2023. The risk of PTB was determined by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In our analysis, there were 11 studies with 1577 pregnant women. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between higher Lactobacillus abundance and the PTB risk (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29-0.84, p = 0.009 < 0.05). Similarly, the four individual dominant species, Lactobacillus crispatus (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.67, p = 0.003 < 0.05), Lactobacillus gasseri (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69, p = 0.003 < 0.05), Lactobacillus iners (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.93, p = 0.016 < 0.05), and Lactobacillus jensenii (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21-0.89, p = 0.024 < 0.05), were also negatively associated with the PTB risk. The risk of Lactobacillus for PTB was significant in both America (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50-0.92) and Asia (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09-0.47), whereas no significant risk was found in Europe (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.11-2.15). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the abundance of Lactobacillus and the four dominant individual species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. iners, and L. gasseri) were significantly and negatively associated with the PTB risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetric & Gynecologic Diseases, Beijing, China
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Styczynski A, Amin MB, Hoque KI, Parveen S, Md Pervez AF, Zeba D, Akhter A, Pitchik H, Islam MA, Hossain MI, Saha SR, Gurley ES, Luby S. Perinatal colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: a hospital-based cohort study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:13. [PMID: 38281974 PMCID: PMC10823664 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01366-9] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat that contributes to substantial neonatal mortality. Bangladesh has reported some of the highest rates of AMR among bacteria causing neonatal sepsis. As AMR colonization among newborns can predispose to infection with these bacteria, we aimed to characterize the frequency of and risk factors for colonization of mothers and newborns during hospitalization for delivery. METHODS We enrolled pregnant women presenting for delivery to a tertiary care hospital in Faridpur, Bangladesh. We collected vaginal and rectal swabs from mothers pre- and post-delivery, rectal swabs from newborns, and swabs from the hospital environment. Swabs were plated on agars selective for extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL-PB) and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB). We performed logistic regression to determine factors associated with ESBL-PB/CRB colonization. RESULTS We enrolled 177 women and their newborns during February-October 2020. Prior to delivery, 77% of mothers were colonized with ESBL-PB and 15% with CRB. 79% of women underwent cesarean deliveries (C-section). 98% of women received antibiotics. Following delivery, 98% of mothers and 89% of newborns were colonized with ESBL-PB and 89% of mothers and 72% of newborns with CRB. Of 290 environmental samples, 77% were positive for ESBL-PB and 69% for CRB. Maternal pre-delivery colonization was associated with hospitalization during pregnancy (RR for ESBL-PB 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40; CRB 2.46, 95% CI 1.39-4.37). Maternal post-delivery and newborn colonization were associated with C-section (RR for maternal CRB 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.59; newborn ESBL-PB 1.34, 95% CI 1.09-1.64; newborn CRB 1.73, 95% CI 1.20-2.47). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed high rates of colonization with ESBL-PB/CRB among mothers and newborns, with pre-delivery colonization linked to prior healthcare exposure. Our results demonstrate this trend may be driven by intense use of antibiotics, frequent C-sections, and a contaminated hospital environment. These findings highlight that greater attention should be given to the use of perinatal antibiotics, improved surgical stewardship for C-sections, and infection prevention practices in healthcare settings to reduce the high prevalence of colonization with AMR organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Styczynski
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Mohammed Badrul Amin
- Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Injamamul Hoque
- Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahana Parveen
- Programme on Emerging Infections, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Faisal Md Pervez
- Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College, Faridpur, Bangladesh
| | - Dilruba Zeba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College, Faridpur, Bangladesh
| | - Akhi Akhter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College, Faridpur, Bangladesh
| | - Helen Pitchik
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Muhammed Iqbal Hossain
- Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sumita Rani Saha
- Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emily S Gurley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Luby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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26
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Golob JL, Oskotsky TT, Tang AS, Roldan A, Chung V, Ha CWY, Wong RJ, Flynn KJ, Parraga-Leo A, Wibrand C, Minot SS, Oskotsky B, Andreoletti G, Kosti I, Bletz J, Nelson A, Gao J, Wei Z, Chen G, Tang ZZ, Novielli P, Romano D, Pantaleo E, Amoroso N, Monaco A, Vacca M, De Angelis M, Bellotti R, Tangaro S, Kuntzleman A, Bigcraft I, Techtmann S, Bae D, Kim E, Jeon J, Joe S, Theis KR, Ng S, Lee YS, Diaz-Gimeno P, Bennett PR, MacIntyre DA, Stolovitzky G, Lynch SV, Albrecht J, Gomez-Lopez N, Romero R, Stevenson DK, Aghaeepour N, Tarca AL, Costello JC, Sirota M. Microbiome preterm birth DREAM challenge: Crowdsourcing machine learning approaches to advance preterm birth research. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101350. [PMID: 38134931 PMCID: PMC10829755 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101350] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Every year, 11% of infants are born preterm with significant health consequences, with the vaginal microbiome a risk factor for preterm birth. We crowdsource models to predict (1) preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks) or (2) early preterm birth (ePTB; <32 weeks) from 9 vaginal microbiome studies representing 3,578 samples from 1,268 pregnant individuals, aggregated from public raw data via phylogenetic harmonization. The predictive models are validated on two independent unpublished datasets representing 331 samples from 148 pregnant individuals. The top-performing models (among 148 and 121 submissions from 318 teams) achieve area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve scores of 0.69 and 0.87 predicting PTB and ePTB, respectively. Alpha diversity, VALENCIA community state types, and composition are important features in the top-performing models, most of which are tree-based methods. This work is a model for translation of microbiome data into clinically relevant predictive models and to better understand preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Golob
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Tomiko T Oskotsky
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alice S Tang
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alennie Roldan
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Connie W Y Ha
- Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Antonio Parraga-Leo
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Camilla Wibrand
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samuel S Minot
- Data Core, Shared Resources, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Boris Oskotsky
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gaia Andreoletti
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Idit Kosti
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jifan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zhoujingpeng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Guanhua Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zheng-Zheng Tang
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Pierfrancesco Novielli
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Romano
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ester Pantaleo
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy; Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica "M, Merlin", Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Amoroso
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy; Dipartimento di Farmacia - Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfonso Monaco
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy; Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica "M, Merlin", Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mirco Vacca
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Bellotti
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy; Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica "M, Merlin", Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabina Tangaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Abigail Kuntzleman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Isaac Bigcraft
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Stephen Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Daehun Bae
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongbum Jeon
- Korea Bioinformation Center (KOBIC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobok Joe
- Korea Bioinformation Center (KOBIC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sherrianne Ng
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Division of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yun S Lee
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Division of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Patricia Diaz-Gimeno
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Division of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Division of the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gustavo Stolovitzky
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Thomas J. Watson Research Center, IBM, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA; Sema4, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Susan V Lynch
- Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; 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, US Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - 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, US Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Academic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adi L Tarca
- 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, US Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - James C Costello
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marina Sirota
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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27
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Daybog I, Kolodny O. A computational framework for resolving the microbiome diversity conundrum. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7977. [PMID: 38042865 PMCID: PMC10693575 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42768-4] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent empirical studies offer conflicting findings regarding the relation between host fitness and the composition of its microbiome, a conflict which we term 'the microbial β- diversity conundrum'. The microbiome is crucial for host wellbeing and survival. Surprisingly, different healthy individuals' microbiome compositions, even in the same population, often differ dramatically, contrary to the notion that a vital trait should be highly conserved. Moreover, gnotobiotic individuals exhibit highly deleterious phenotypes, supporting the view that the microbiome is paramount to host fitness. However, the introduction of almost arbitrarily selected microbiota into the system often achieves a significant rescue effect of the deleterious phenotypes. This is true even for microbiota from soil or phylogenetically distant host species, highlighting an apparent paradox. We suggest several solutions to the paradox using a computational framework, simulating the population dynamics of hosts and their microbiomes over multiple generations. The answers invoke factors such as host population size, the specific mode of microbial contribution to host fitness, and typical microbiome richness, offering solutions to the conundrum by highlighting scenarios where even when a host's fitness is determined in full by its microbiome composition, this composition has little effect on the natural selection dynamics of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Daybog
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The A. Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
| | - Oren Kolodny
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The A. Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
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28
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Giovannini N, Lattuada D, Danusso R, Ferrazzi E. From pandemic to syndemic: microbiota, pregnancy, and environment at a crossroad. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183738. [PMID: 36977591 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183738] [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: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Aim: SARS-CoV2 is the latest pandemic that have plagued the socio-health system as an epiphenomenon resulting from planetary resources abuse, crucial for biodiversity. The Anthropocene best defines the present epoch in which human activity irreversibly manipulates intricate and delicate geological and biological balances established over eons. The devastating ecological and socio-economic implications of COVID-19, underline the importance of updating the present pandemic framework to a syndemic. This paper stems from the need to suggest to scientists, doctors, and patients a mission that integrates responsibility from individual to collective health, from present to trans-generational, from human to the entire biotic network. Today's choices are crucial for the perspective on all levels: political, economic, and health as well as cultural.Methods: Research on PubMed and other specific web-sites journal was performed on the topic "Microbiota", "Covid-19", "Pandemic", "Zoonosis", "SARS-CoV-2", "Environmental Pollutants", "Epigenetics", "Fetal Programming", "Human Extinction". Data collected were analysed for an integrative model of interconnection between environment, pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and microbiota. Moreover, systematic literature review allowed to summarise in a table information about the worst pandemics that afflicted the human species recently.Results: This paper offers a broad view of the current pandemic starting with pregnancy, the moment when a new life begins and the health trajectories of the unborn child are defined, which will inevitably have repercussions on his well-being. The fundamental role of the biodiversity-rich microbiota in avoiding the development of severe infectious diseases, is therefore highlighted. It is imperative to adjust the current reductionist paradigm based on mostly immediate symptom management towards a broader understanding of the spatial interconnection of ecological niches with human health and the impacts of today's choices on the future. Health and healthcare are elitist rather than egalitarian, therefore focusing on environmental health forces us to make a concerted and systemic effort that challenges political and economic barriers, which are biologically senseless. A healthy microbiota is essential to well-being, both by preventing chronic degenerative conditions, the infectiousness and pathogenicity of bacterial and viral diseases. SARS-CoV-2 should not be an exception. The human microbiota, forged by the first 1,000 days of life, is fundamental in shaping the health-disease trajectories, and by the everlasting exposome that is dramatically affected by the ecological disaster. Individual health is one world health whereas single and global well-being are interdependent in a space-time perspective.Conclusions: Is it not a convenient reductionism not to consider the COVID-19 emergency as a bio-social epiphenomenon of a far more devastating and multi-faceted crisis whose common denominator is the global biotic network loss of which humans are still part?
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Giovannini
- Department of women-child-newborn Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Debora Lattuada
- Department of women-child-newborn Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Danusso
- Department of women-child-newborn Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Department of women-child-newborn Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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29
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Agarwal K, Choudhury B, Robinson LS, Morrill SR, Bouchibiti Y, Chilin-Fuentes D, Rosenthal SB, Fisch KM, Peipert JF, Lebrilla CB, Allsworth JE, Lewis AL, Lewis WG. Resident microbes shape the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabp9599. [PMID: 38019934 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells are covered in carbohydrates (glycans). This glycan coat or "glycocalyx" interfaces directly with microbes, providing a protective barrier against potential pathogens. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition associated with adverse health outcomes in which bacteria reside in direct proximity to the vaginal epithelium. Some of these bacteria, including Gardnerella, produce glycosyl hydrolase enzymes. However, glycans of the human vaginal epithelial surface have not been studied in detail. Here, we elucidate key characteristics of the "normal" vaginal epithelial glycan landscape and analyze the impact of resident microbes on the surface glycocalyx. In human BV, glycocalyx staining was visibly diminished in electron micrographs compared to controls. Biochemical and mass spectrometric analysis showed that, compared to normal vaginal epithelial cells, BV cells were depleted of sialylated N- and O-glycans, with underlying galactose residues exposed on the surface. Treatment of primary epithelial cells from BV-negative women with recombinant Gardnerella sialidases generated BV-like glycan phenotypes. Exposure of cultured VK2 vaginal epithelial cells to recombinant Gardnerella sialidase led to desialylation of glycans and induction of pathways regulating cell death, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. These data provide evidence that vaginal epithelial cells exhibit an altered glycan landscape in BV and suggest that BV-associated glycosidic enzymes may lead to changes in epithelial gene transcription that promote cell turnover and regulate responses toward the resident microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lloyd S Robinson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sydney R Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yasmine Bouchibiti
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Daisy Chilin-Fuentes
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sara B Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeffrey F Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Carlito B Lebrilla
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jenifer E Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Symul L, Jeganathan P, Costello EK, France M, Bloom SM, Kwon DS, Ravel J, Relman DA, Holmes S. Sub-communities of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231461. [PMID: 38018105 PMCID: PMC10685114 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1461] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse and non-Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbial communities are associated with adverse health outcomes such as preterm birth and the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Despite the importance of recognizing and understanding the key risk-associated features of these communities, their heterogeneous structure and properties remain ill-defined. Clustering approaches are commonly used to characterize vaginal communities, but they lack sensitivity and robustness in resolving substructures and revealing transitions between potential sub-communities. Here, we address this need with an approach based on mixed membership topic models. Using longitudinal data from cohorts of pregnant and non-pregnant study participants, we show that topic models more accurately describe sample composition, longitudinal changes, and better predict the loss of Lactobacillus dominance. We identify several non-Lactobacillus-dominated sub-communities common to both cohorts and independent of reproductive status. In non-pregnant individuals, we find that the menstrual cycle modulates transitions between and within sub-communities, as well as the concentrations of half of the cytokines and 18% of metabolites. Overall, our analyses based on mixed membership models reveal substructures of vaginal ecosystems which may have important clinical and biological associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Symul
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, 390 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pratheepa Jeganathan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street, West Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
| | - Elizabeth K. Costello
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael France
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF-I Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Seth M. Bloom
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Douglas S. Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF-I Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - David A. Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 299 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Susan Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, 390 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Elovitz M, Anton L, Cristancho A, Ferguson B, Joseph A, Ravel J. Vaginal microbes alter epithelial transcriptomic and epigenomic modifications providing insight into the molecular mechanisms for susceptibility to adverse reproductive outcomes. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3580132. [PMID: 38014044 PMCID: PMC10680926 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3580132/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The cervicovaginal microbiome is highly associated with women's health with microbial communities dominated by Lactobacillus spp. being considered optimal. Conversely, a lack of lactobacilli and a high abundance of strict and facultative anaerobes including Gardnerella vaginalis , have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. However, the molecular pathways modulated by microbe interactions with the cervicovaginal epithelia remain unclear. Using RNA-sequencing, we characterize the in vitro cervicovaginal epithelial transcriptional response to different vaginal bacteria and their culture supernatants. We showed that G. vaginalis upregulated genes were associated with an activated innate immune response including anti-microbial peptides and inflammasome pathways, represented by NLRP3-mediated increases in caspase-1, IL-1β and cell death. Cervicovaginal epithelial cells exposed to L. crispatus showed limited transcriptomic changes, while exposure to L. crispatus culture supernatants resulted in a shift in the epigenomic landscape of cervical epithelial cells. ATAC-sequencing confirmed epigenetic changes with reduced chromatin accessibility. This study reveals new insight into host-microbe interactions in the lower reproductive tract and suggest potential therapeutic strategies leveraging the vaginal microbiome to improve reproductive health.
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32
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Nori SRC, McGuire TK, Lawton EM, McAuliffe FM, Sinderen DV, Walsh CJ, Cotter PD, Feehily C. Profiling of vaginal Lactobacillus jensenii isolated from preterm and full-term pregnancies reveals strain-specific factors relating to host interaction. Microb Genom 2023; 9. [PMID: 38010361 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001137] [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: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, 15 million infants are born preterm (<37 weeks gestation), representing the leading cause of mortality for children under the age of five. Whilst there is no single cause, factors such as maternal genetics, environmental interactions, and the vaginal microbiome have been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Previous studies show that a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus is, in contrast to communities containing a mixture of genera, associated with full-term birth. However, this binary principle does not fully consider more nuanced interactions between bacterial strains and the host. Here, through a combination of analyses involving genome-sequenced isolates and strain-resolved metagenomics, we identify that L. jensenii strains from preterm pregnancies are phylogenetically distinct from strains from full-term pregnancies. Detailed analysis reveals several genetic signatures that distinguish preterm birth strains, including genes predicted to be involved in cell wall synthesis, and lactate and acetate metabolism. Notably, we identify a distinct gene cluster involved in cell surface protein synthesis in our preterm strains, and profiling the prevalence of this gene cluster in publicly available genomes revealed it to be predominantly present in the preterm-associated clade. This study contributes to the ongoing search for molecular biomarkers linked to preterm birth and opens up new avenues for exploring strain-level variations and mechanisms that may contribute to preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Ravi Chandra Nori
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science, School of Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Fionnuala M McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Douwe Van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Calum J Walsh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul D Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Conor Feehily
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Fukuyama J, Sankaran K, Symul L. Multiscale analysis of count data through topic alignment. Biostatistics 2023; 24:1045-1065. [PMID: 35657012 DOI: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxac018] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Topic modeling is a popular method used to describe biological count data. With topic models, the user must specify the number of topics $K$. Since there is no definitive way to choose $K$ and since a true value might not exist, we develop a method, which we call topic alignment, to study the relationships across models with different $K$. In addition, we present three diagnostics based on the alignment. These techniques can show how many topics are consistently present across different models, if a topic is only transiently present, or if a topic splits into more topics when $K$ increases. This strategy gives more insight into the process of generating the data than choosing a single value of $K$ would. We design a visual representation of these cross-model relationships, show the effectiveness of these tools for interpreting the topics on simulated and real data, and release an accompanying R package, alto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fukuyama
- Department of Statistics, Indiana University Bloomington, 919 E 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA
| | - Kris Sankaran
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Laura Symul
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, 390 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Chapuis MP, Benoit L, Galan M. Evaluation of 96-well high-throughput DNA extraction methods for 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Mol Ecol Resour 2023; 23:1509-1525. [PMID: 37254809 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13812] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gaining meaningful insights into bacterial communities associated with animal hosts requires the provision of high-quality nucleic acids. Although many studies have compared DNA extraction methods for samples with low bacterial biomass (e.g. water) or specific PCR inhibitors (e.g. plants), DNA extraction bias in samples without inherent technical constraint (e.g. animal samples) has received little attention. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to identify a DNA extraction methods in a high-throughput format that decreases the cost and time for processing large numbers of samples. We here evaluated five DNA extraction protocols, using silica membrane-based spin columns and a 96-well microplate format and based on either mechanical or enzymatic lysis or a combination of both, using three bacterial mock communities and Illumina sequencing of the V4 region of the 16SrRNA gene. Our results showed that none of the DNA extraction methods fully eliminated bias associated with unequal lysis efficiencies. However, we identified a DNA extraction method with a lower bias for each mock community standard. Of these methods, those including an enzymatic lysis showed biases specific to some bacteria. Altogether, these results again demonstrate the importance of DNA extraction standardization to be able to compare the microbiome results of different samples. In this attempt, we advise for the use of the 96-well DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit (Qiagen) with a zirconia bead-beating procedure, which optimizes altogether the cost, handling time and bacteria-specific effects associated with enzymatic lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Chapuis
- CBGP, CIRAD, Montpellier SupAgro, INRAE, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, CBGP, Montpellier, France
| | - Laure Benoit
- CBGP, CIRAD, Montpellier SupAgro, INRAE, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, CBGP, Montpellier, France
| | - Maxime Galan
- CBGP, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, INRAE, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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35
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Huang C, Gin C, Fettweis J, Foxman B, Gelaye B, MacIntyre DA, Subramaniam A, Fraser W, Tabatabaei N, Callahan B. Meta-analysis reveals the vaginal microbiome is a better predictor of earlier than later preterm birth. BMC Biol 2023; 21:199. [PMID: 37743497 PMCID: PMC10518966 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01702-2] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-throughput sequencing measurements of the vaginal microbiome have yielded intriguing potential relationships between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth (PTB; live birth prior to 37 weeks of gestation). However, results across studies have been inconsistent. RESULTS Here, we perform an integrated analysis of previously published datasets from 12 cohorts of pregnant women whose vaginal microbiomes were measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Of 2039 women included in our analysis, 586 went on to deliver prematurely. Substantial variation between these datasets existed in their definition of preterm birth, characteristics of the study populations, and sequencing methodology. Nevertheless, a small group of taxa comprised a vast majority of the measured microbiome in all cohorts. We trained machine learning (ML) models to predict PTB from the composition of the vaginal microbiome, finding low to modest predictive accuracy (0.28-0.79). Predictive accuracy was typically lower when ML models trained in one dataset predicted PTB in another dataset. Earlier preterm birth (< 32 weeks, < 34 weeks) was more predictable from the vaginal microbiome than late preterm birth (34-37 weeks), both within and across datasets. Integrated differential abundance analysis revealed a highly significant negative association between L. crispatus and PTB that was consistent across almost all studies. The presence of the majority (18 out of 25) of genera was associated with a higher risk of PTB, with L. iners, Prevotella, and Gardnerella showing particularly consistent and significant associations. Some example discrepancies between studies could be attributed to specific methodological differences but not most study-to-study variations in the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS We believe future studies of the vaginal microbiome and PTB will benefit from a focus on earlier preterm births and improved reporting of specific patient metadata shown to influence the vaginal microbiome and/or birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caizhi Huang
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27606, USA
| | - Craig Gin
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27607, USA
| | - Jennifer Fettweis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23284, USA
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Thomas Francis School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Raleigh, 27606, USA
| | - Bizu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - David A MacIntyre
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, USA
| | - Akila Subramaniam
- Obstetrics & Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, 35294, USA
| | - William Fraser
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, J1K 2R1, USA
| | - Negar Tabatabaei
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, J1K 2R1, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, 60612, USA
| | - Benjamin Callahan
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27606, USA.
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27607, USA.
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Gryaznova M, Kozarenko O, Smirnova Y, Burakova I, Syromyatnikov M, Maslov A, Lebedeva O. Cervical and Vaginal Microbiomes in Early Miscarriages and Ongoing Pregnancy with and without Dydrogesterone Usage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13836. [PMID: 37762139 PMCID: PMC10531357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813836] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the reproductive tract microbiota is a key modulator of local inflammatory and immune pathways throughout pregnancy and may subsequently impact pregnancy outcomes. In this study, our objective was to analyze the cervical and vaginal microbiomes during early pregnancy among three groups: women with healthy ongoing pregnancies, women undergoing dydrogesterone treatment, and those who experienced miscarriages. The experiment involved 51 women at 8-11 weeks of gestation. The microbiome was examined using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. Across all groups, Lactobacillus iners was predominant, suggesting that the vaginal community type CST III is common among the majority of participants. Notably, our data highlighted the significant roles of Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma girerdii in the pathogenesis of early miscarriage. Conversely, L. iners and Bifidobacterium longum have a protective effect in early pregnancy. Moreover, dydrogesterone intake appeared to influence notable differences between the cervical and vaginal microbiomes. Overall, our study enhanced our understanding of the cervical and vaginal microbiome composition in the eastern European population during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Gryaznova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Olesya Kozarenko
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Antenatal Care Department, Yakovlevo Central District Hospital, 309070 Stroitel, Russia
| | - Yuliya Smirnova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Inna Burakova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Mikhail Syromyatnikov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Genetics, Cytology and Bioengineering, Voronezh State University, 394018 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Alexander Maslov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Olga Lebedeva
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belgorod State National University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
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37
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Anthoulaki X, Oikonomou E, Bothou A, Papanikolopoulou S, Nikolettos K, Damaskos C, Garbis N, Kyriakou D, Nalbanti T, Iatrakis G, Nikolettos N, Tsikouras P. Comparison of Gut Microbiome in Neonates Born by Caesarean Section and Vaginal Seeding with Gut Microbiomes of Neonates Born by Caesarean Section Without Vaginal Seeding and Neonates Born by Vaginal Delivery. Mater Sociomed 2023; 35:234-243. [PMID: 37795168 PMCID: PMC10545928 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2023.35.234-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy is an admirable biological process, resulting in significant changes in many of the body's normal systems so that they can support the development of the fetus. These changes involve hormonal changes, weight gain, immune system regulation, and others that need to be synchronized to maintain both maternal and fetal health. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare gut microbiome in neonates born by caesarean section and vaginal seeding with gut microbiomes of neonates born by caesarean section without vaginal seeding and neonates born by vaginal delivery. Methods In Democritus University of Thrace, from 2019 to 2022, gut microbiomes were compared for three groups of neonates. Group A included 110 neonates born by CS who underwent vaginal seeding, group B included 85 neonates born by CS without vaginal seeding and group C included 95 neonates born by vaginal delivery. Results Vaginal seeding in neonates born with CS resulted in gut microbiome which was similar to the gut microbiome of neonates born by vaginal delivery (including lactobacillus species and bacteroides). On the contrary, gut microbiome of neonates born by CS without vaginal seeding was "limited". Conclusion According to our findings, vaginal seeding alters the gut microbiome of the neonates born with CS. However, there is a need for further investigation to prove its efficacy and its safety for the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xanthi Anthoulaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | - Efthimios Oikonomou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | - Anastasia Bothou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | | | | | - Christos Damaskos
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece and Renal Transplantation Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garbis
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kyriakou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Iatrakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsikouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
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38
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Zhang M, Zou Y, Xiao S, Hou J. Environmental DNA metabarcoding serves as a promising method for aquatic species monitoring and management: A review focused on its workflow, applications, challenges and prospects. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115430. [PMID: 37647798 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Marine and freshwater biodiversity is under threat from both natural and manmade causes. Biological monitoring is currently a top priority for biodiversity protection. Given present limitations, traditional biological monitoring methods may not achieve the proposed monitoring aims. Environmental DNA metabarcoding technology reflects species information by capturing and extracting DNA from environmental samples, using molecular biology techniques to sequence and analyze the DNA, and comparing the obtained information with existing reference libraries to obtain species identification. However, its practical application has highlighted several limitations. This paper summarizes the main steps in the environmental application of eDNA metabarcoding technology in aquatic ecosystems, including the discovery of unknown species, the detection of invasive species, and evaluations of biodiversity. At present, with the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence, certain advanced technologies and devices can be combined with environmental DNA metabarcoding technology to promote further development of aquatic species monitoring and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolian Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yingtong Zou
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shan Xiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jing Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
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39
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Romero R, Theis KR, Gomez-Lopez N, Winters AD, Panzer JJ, Lin H, Galaz J, Greenberg JM, Shaffer Z, Kracht DJ, Chaiworapongsa T, Jung E, Gotsch F, Ravel J, Peddada SD, Tarca AL. The Vaginal Microbiota of Pregnant Women Varies with Gestational Age, Maternal Age, and Parity. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0342922. [PMID: 37486223 PMCID: PMC10434204 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03429-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of the vaginal microbiota is heavily influenced by pregnancy and may factor into pregnancy complications, including spontaneous preterm birth. However, results among studies have been inconsistent due, in part, to variation in sample sizes and ethnicity. Thus, an association between the vaginal microbiota and preterm labor continues to be debated. Yet, before assessing associations between the composition of the vaginal microbiota and preterm labor, a robust and in-depth characterization of the vaginal microbiota throughout pregnancy in the specific study population under investigation is required. Here, we report a large longitudinal study (n = 474 women, 1,862 vaginal samples) of a predominantly African-American cohort-a population that experiences a relatively high rate of pregnancy complications-evaluating associations between individual identity, gestational age, and other maternal characteristics with the composition of the vaginal microbiota throughout gestation resulting in term delivery. The principal factors influencing the composition of the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy are individual identity and gestational age at sampling. Other factors are maternal age, parity, obesity, and self-reported Cannabis use. The general pattern across gestation is for the vaginal microbiota to remain or transition to a state of Lactobacillus dominance. This pattern can be modified by maternal parity and obesity. Regardless, network analyses reveal dynamic associations among specific bacterial taxa within the vaginal ecosystem, which shift throughout the course of pregnancy. This study provides a robust foundational understanding of the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy and sets the stage for further investigation of this microbiota in obstetrical disease. IMPORTANCE There is debate regarding links between the vaginal microbiota and pregnancy complications, especially spontaneous preterm birth. Inconsistencies in results among studies are likely due to differences in sample sizes and cohort ethnicity. Ethnicity is a complicating factor because, although all bacterial taxa commonly inhabiting the vagina are present among all ethnicities, the frequencies of these taxa vary among ethnicities. Therefore, an in-depth characterization of the vaginal microbiota throughout pregnancy in the specific study population under investigation is required prior to evaluating associations between the vaginal microbiota and obstetrical disease. This initial investigation is a large longitudinal study of the vaginal microbiota throughout gestation resulting in a term delivery in a predominantly African-American cohort, a population that experiences disproportionally negative maternal-fetal health outcomes. It establishes the magnitude of associations between maternal characteristics, such as age, parity, body mass index, and self-reported Cannabis use, on the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, 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
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Huang Lin
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, 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, Bethesda, Maryland, 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
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zachary Shaffer
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - David J. Kracht
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyamal D. Peddada
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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40
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Liao J, Shenhav L, Urban JA, Serrano M, Zhu B, Buck GA, Korem T. Microdiversity of the vaginal microbiome is associated with preterm birth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4997. [PMID: 37591872 PMCID: PMC10435516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40719-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The vaginal microbiome has been associated with PTB, yet the mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. Understanding microbial genetic adaptations to selective pressures, especially those related to the host, may yield insights into these associations. Here, we analyze metagenomic data from 705 vaginal samples collected during pregnancy from 40 women who delivered preterm spontaneously and 135 term controls from the Multi-Omic Microbiome Study-Pregnancy Initiative. We find that the vaginal microbiome of pregnancies that ended preterm exhibited unique genetic profiles. It was more genetically diverse at the species level, a result which we validate in an additional cohort, and harbored a higher richness and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes, likely promoted by transduction. Interestingly, we find that Gardnerella species drove this higher genetic diversity, particularly during the first half of the pregnancy. We further present evidence that Gardnerella spp. underwent more frequent recombination and stronger purifying selection in genes involved in lipid metabolism. Overall, our population genetics analyses reveal associations between the vaginal microbiome and PTB and suggest that evolutionary processes acting on vaginal microbes may play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqiu Liao
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Liat Shenhav
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia A Urban
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myrna Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tal Korem
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program, CIFAR, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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41
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Yang HJ, Seo SI, Lee J, Huh CW, Kim JS, Park JC, Kim H, Shin H, Shin CM, Park CH, Lee SK. Sample Collection Methods in Upper Gastrointestinal Research. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e255. [PMID: 37582502 PMCID: PMC10427214 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e255] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant translational research advances have been made in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) research field. Endoscopic evaluation is a reasonable option for acquiring upper GI tissue for research purposes because it has minimal risk and can be applied to unresectable gastric cancer. The optimal number of biopsy samples and sample storage is crucial and might influence results. Furthermore, the methods for sample acquisition can be applied differently according to the research purpose; however, there have been few reports on methods for sample collection from endoscopic biopsies. In this review, we suggested a protocol for collecting study samples for upper GI research, including microbiome, DNA, RNA, protein, single-cell RNA sequencing, and organoid culture, through a comprehensive literature review. For microbiome analysis, one or two pieces of biopsied material obtained using standard endoscopic forceps may be sufficient. Additionally, 5 mL of gastric fluid and 3-4 mL of saliva is recommended for microbiome analyses. At least one gastric biopsy tissue is necessary for most DNA or RNA analyses, while proteomics analysis may require at least 2-3 biopsy tissues. Single cell-RNA sequencing requires at least 3-5 tissues and additional 1-2 tissues, if possible. For successful organoid culture, multiple sampling is necessary to improve the quality of specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Joon Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung In Seo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Cheal Wung Huh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Korea
| | - Joon Sung Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jun Chul Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyunki Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hakdong Shin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheol Min Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Chan Hyuk Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea.
| | - Sang Kil Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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42
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Joseph A, Lewis EL, Ferguson B, Guan Y, Anton L, Elovitz MA. Intrauterine colonization with Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris induces maternal inflammation but not preterm birth in a mouse model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13749. [PMID: 37491927 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of childhood mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that the risk of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) is increased in individuals with Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbial communities. One proposed mechanism is that vaginal microbes ascend through the cervix, colonize the uterus, and activate inflammatory pathways leading to sPTB. This study assessed whether intrauterine colonization with either Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris alone is sufficient to induce maternal-fetal inflammation and induce sPTB. METHOD OF STUDY C56/B6J mice, on embryonic day 15, received intrauterine inoculation of saline or 108 colony-forming units of G. vaginalis (n = 30), M. mulieris (n = 17), or Lactobacillus crispatus (n = 16). Dams were either monitored for maternal morbidity and sPTB or sacrificed 6 h post-infusion for analysis of bacterial growth and cytokine/chemokine expression in maternal and fetal tissues. RESULTS Six hours following intrauterine inoculation with G. vaginalis, M. mulieris, or L. crispatus, live bacteria were observed in both blood and amniotic fluid, and a potent immune response was identified in the uterus and maternal serum. In contrast, only a limited immune response was identified in the amniotic fluid and the fetus after intrauterine inoculation. High bacterial load (108 CFU/animal) of G. vaginalis was associated with maternal morbidity and mortality but not sPTB. Intrauterine infusion with L. crispatus or M. mulieris at 108 CFU/animal did not induce sPTB, alter pup viability, litter size, or maternal mortality. CONCLUSIONS Despite inducing an immune response, intrauterine infusion of live G. vaginalis or M. mulieris is not sufficient to induce sPTB in our mouse model. These results suggest that ascension of common vaginal microbes into the uterine cavity alone is not causative for sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emma L Lewis
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Briana Ferguson
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuxia Guan
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren Anton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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43
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Masson L, Wilson J, Amir Hamzah AS, Tachedjian G, Payne M. Advances in mass spectrometry technologies to characterize cervicovaginal microbiome functions that impact spontaneous preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13750. [PMID: 37491925 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13750] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Infection is a major cause of this adverse outcome, particularly in PTBs characterised by spontaneous rupture of membranes, referred to as spontaneous (s)PTB. However, the aetiology of sPTB is not well defined and specific bacteria associated with sPTB differ between studies and at the individual level. This may be due to many factors including a lack of understanding of strain-level differences in bacteria that influence how they function and interact with each other and the host. Metaproteomics and metabolomics are mass spectrometry-based methods that enable the collection of detailed microbial and host functional information. Technological advances in this field have dramatically increased the resolution of these approaches, enabling the simultaneous detection of thousands of proteins or metabolites. These data can be used for taxonomic analysis of vaginal bacteria and other microbes, to understand microbiome-host interactions, and identify diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Although these methods have been used to assess host proteins and metabolites, few have characterized the microbial compartment in the context of pregnancy. The utilisation of metaproteomic and metabolomic-based approaches has the potential to vastly improve our understanding of the mechanisms leading to sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindi Masson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenna Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aleya Sarah Amir Hamzah
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gilda Tachedjian
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Payne
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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44
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Costello EK, DiGiulio DB, Robaczewska A, Symul L, Wong RJ, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Holmes SP, Kwon DS, Relman DA. Abrupt perturbation and delayed recovery of the vaginal ecosystem following childbirth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4141. [PMID: 37438386 PMCID: PMC10338445 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal ecosystem is closely tied to human health and reproductive outcomes, yet its dynamics in the wake of childbirth remain poorly characterized. Here, we profile the vaginal microbiota and cytokine milieu of participants sampled longitudinally throughout pregnancy and for at least one year postpartum. We show that delivery, regardless of mode, is associated with a vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokine response and the loss of Lactobacillus dominance. By contrast, neither the progression of gestation nor the approach of labor strongly altered the vaginal ecosystem. At 9.5-months postpartum-the latest timepoint at which cytokines were assessed-elevated inflammation coincided with vaginal bacterial communities that had remained perturbed (highly diverse) from the time of delivery. Time-to-event analysis indicated a one-year postpartum probability of transitioning to Lactobacillus dominance of 49.4%. As diversity and inflammation declined during the postpartum period, dominance by L. crispatus, the quintessential health-associated commensal, failed to return: its prevalence before, immediately after, and one year after delivery was 41%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. Revisiting our pre-delivery data, we found that a prior live birth was associated with a lower odds of L. crispatus dominance in pregnant participants-an outcome modestly tempered by a longer ( > 18-month) interpregnancy interval. Our results suggest that reproductive history and childbirth in particular remodel the vaginal ecosystem and that the timing and degree of recovery from delivery may help determine the subsequent health of the woman and of future pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Costello
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Daniel B DiGiulio
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anna Robaczewska
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Laura Symul
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Susan P Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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45
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Lund JM, Hladik F, Prlic M. Advances and challenges in studying the tissue-resident T cell compartment in the human female reproductive tract. Immunol Rev 2023; 316:52-62. [PMID: 37140024 PMCID: PMC10524394 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM ) are considered to be central to maintaining mucosal barrier immunity and tissue homeostasis. Most of this knowledge stems from murine studies, which provide access to all organs. These studies also allow for a thorough assessment of the TRM compartment for each tissue and across tissues with well-defined experimental and environmental variables. Assessing the functional characteristics of the human TRM compartment is substantially more difficult; thus, notably, there is a paucity of studies profiling the TRM compartment in the human female reproductive tract (FRT). The FRT is a mucosal barrier tissue that is naturally exposed to a wide range of commensal and pathogenic microbes, including several sexually transmitted infections of global health significance. We provide an overview of studies describing T cells within the lower FRT tissues and highlight the challenges of studying TRM cells in the FRT: different sampling methods of the FRT greatly affect immune cell recovery, especially of TRM cells. Furthermore, menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy affect FRT immunity, but little is known about changes in the TRM compartment. Finally, we discuss the potential functional plasticity of the TRM compartment during inflammatory episodes in the human FRT to maintain protection and tissue homeostasis, which are required to ensure reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lund
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Florian Hladik
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
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46
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Liao J, Shenhav L, Urban JA, Serrano M, Zhu B, Buck GA, Korem T. Microdiversity of the Vaginal Microbiome is Associated with Preterm Birth. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.13.523991. [PMID: 36711990 PMCID: PMC9882146 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.13.523991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The vaginal microbiome has been associated with PTB, yet the mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. Understanding microbial genetic adaptations to selective pressures, especially those related to the host, may yield new insights into these associations. To this end, we analyzed metagenomic data from 705 vaginal samples collected longitudinally during pregnancy from 40 women who delivered preterm spontaneously and 135 term controls from the Multi-Omic Microbiome Study-Pregnancy Initiative (MOMS-PI). We find that the vaginal microbiome of pregnancies that ended preterm exhibits unique genetic profiles. It is more genetically diverse at the species level, a result which we validate in an additional cohort, and harbors a higher richness and diversity of antimicrobial resistance genes, likely promoted by transduction. Interestingly, we find that Gardnerella species, a group of central vaginal pathobionts, are driving this higher genetic diversity, particularly during the first half of the pregnancy. We further present evidence that Gardnerella spp. undergoes more frequent recombination and stronger purifying selection in genes involved in lipid metabolism. Overall, our results reveal novel associations between the vaginal microbiome and PTB using population genetics analyses, and suggest that evolutionary processes acting on the vaginal microbiome may play a vital role in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqiu Liao
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Liat Shenhav
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia A. Urban
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myrna Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gregory A. Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tal Korem
- Program for Mathematical Genomics, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada
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47
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Singh P, Elhaj DAI, Ibrahim I, Abdullahi H, Al Khodor S. Maternal microbiota and gestational diabetes: impact on infant health. J Transl Med 2023; 21:364. [PMID: 37280680 PMCID: PMC10246335 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04230-3] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy that has been associated with an increased risk of obesity and diabetes in the offspring. Pregnancy is accompanied by tightly regulated changes in the endocrine, metabolic, immune, and microbial systems, and deviations from these changes can alter the mother's metabolism resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes and a negative impact on the health of her infant. Maternal microbiomes are significant drivers of mother and child health outcomes, and many microbial metabolites are likely to influence the host health. This review discusses the current understanding of how the microbiota and microbial metabolites may contribute to the development of GDM and how GDM-associated changes in the maternal microbiome can affect infant's health. We also describe microbiota-based interventions that aim to improve metabolic health and outline future directions for precision medicine research in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Singh
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ibrahim Ibrahim
- Women's Department, Sidra Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hala Abdullahi
- Women's Department, Sidra Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Souhaila Al Khodor
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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48
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Correia GD, Marchesi JR, MacIntyre DA. Moving beyond DNA: towards functional analysis of the vaginal microbiome by non-sequencing-based methods. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 73:102292. [PMID: 36931094 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, sequencing-based methods have revolutionised our understanding of niche-specific microbial complexity. In the lower female reproductive tract, these approaches have enabled identification of bacterial compositional structures associated with health and disease. Application of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics strategies have provided insight into the putative function of these communities but it is increasingly clear that direct measures of microbial and host cell function are required to understand the contribution of microbe-host interactions to pathophysiology. Here we explore and discuss current methods and approaches, many of which rely upon mass-spectrometry, being used to capture functional insight into the vaginal mucosal interface. In addition to improving mechanistic understanding, these methods offer innovative solutions for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies designed to improve women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Ds Correia
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julian R Marchesi
- March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centre at Imperial College London, London, UK.
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49
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Wei G, Liu Q, Wang X, Zhou Z, Zhao X, Zhou W, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu S, Zhu C, Wei H. A probiotic nanozyme hydrogel regulates vaginal microenvironment for Candida vaginitis therapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0949. [PMID: 37196095 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Molecular therapeutics are limited for Candida vaginitis because they damage normal cells and tissues of vagina, aggravating the imbalance of vaginal microbiota and increasing the recurrence. To tackle this limitation, through the combination of peroxidase-like rGO@FeS2 nanozymes [reduced graphene oxide (rGO)] with Lactobacillus-produced lactic acid and H2O2, a responsive hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel rGO@FeS2/Lactobacillus@HA (FeLab) is developed. FeLab has simultaneous anti-Candida albicans and vaginal microbiota-modulating activities. In particular, the hydroxyl radical produced from rGO@FeS2 nanozymes and Lactobacillus kills C. albicans isolated from clinical specimens without affecting Lactobacillus. In mice with Candida vaginitis, FeLab has obvious anti-C. albicans activity but hardly damages vaginal mucosa cells, which is beneficial to vaginal mucosa repair. Moreover, a higher proportion of Firmicutes (especially Lactobacillus) and a decrease in Proteobacteria reshape a healthy vaginal microbiota to reduce the recurrence. These results provide a combined therapeutic of nanozymes and probiotics with translational promise for Candida vaginitis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Quanyi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xiaozhi Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Wanqing Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Wanling Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yihong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Shujie Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Chenxin Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing National Laboratory of Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
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Silvano A, Meriggi N, Renzi S, Seravalli V, Torcia MG, Cavalieri D, Di Tommaso M. Vaginal Microbiome in Pregnant Women with and without Short Cervix. Nutrients 2023; 15:2173. [PMID: 37432374 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical shortening is a recognised risk factor for pre-term birth. The vaginal microbiome plays an essential role in pregnancy and in maternal and foetal outcomes. We studied the vaginal microbiome in 68 women with singleton gestation and a cervical length ≤25 mm and in 29 pregnant women with a cervix >25 mm in the second or early third trimester. Illumina protocol 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Library Preparation was used to detail amplified 16SrRNA gene. Statistical analyses were performed in R environment. Firmicutes was the phylum most represented in all pregnant women. The mean relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota was higher in women with a short cervix. Bacterial abundance was higher in women with a normal length cervix compared to the group of women with a short cervix. Nonetheless, a significant enrichment in bacterial taxa poorly represented in vaginal microbiome was observed in the group of women with a short cervix. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, taxa usually found in aerobic vaginitis, were more common in women with a short cervix compared with the control group, while Lactobacillus iners and Bifidobacterium were associated with a normal cervical length. Lactobacillus jensenii and Gardenerella vaginalis were associated with a short cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Meriggi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Renzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Torcia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Duccio Cavalieri
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
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