1
|
Rourke-Funderburg AS, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Locke AK. Characterization of vaginal Lactobacillus in biologically relevant fluid using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2024. [PMID: 39158008 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00854e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The native vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and disruption can have significant consequences for women during their lifetime. While the composition of the vaginal microbiome is important, current methods for monitoring this community are lacking. Clinically used techniques routinely rely on subjective analysis of vaginal fluid characteristics or time-consuming microorganism culturing. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can aid in filling this gap in timely detection of alterations in the vaginal microbiome as it can discriminate between bacterial species in complex solutions including bacterial mixtures and biofluids. SERS has not previously been applied to study variations in vaginal Lactobacillus, the most common species found in the vaginal microbiome, in complex solutions. Herein, the SERS spectra of Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) and Lactobacillus iners (L. iners), two of the most common vaginal bacteria, was characterized at physiologically relevant concentrations. Subsequently, the ability of SERS to detect L. crispatus and L. iners in both pure mixtures and when mixed with a synthetic vaginal fluid mimicking solution was determined. In both pure and complex solutions, SERS coupled with partial least squares regression predicted the ratiometric bacterial content with less than 10% error and strong goodness of prediction (Q2 > 0.9). This developed method highlights the applicability of SERS to predict the dominant Lactobacillus in the vaginal micro-environment toward the monitoring of this community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Rourke-Funderburg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea K Locke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reuben RC, Torres C. Bacteriocins: potentials and prospects in health and agrifood systems. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:233. [PMID: 38662051 PMCID: PMC11045635 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03948-y] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are highly diverse, abundant, and heterogeneous antimicrobial peptides that are ribosomally synthesized by bacteria and archaea. Since their discovery about a century ago, there has been a growing interest in bacteriocin research and applications. This is mainly due to their high antimicrobial properties, narrow or broad spectrum of activity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and stability. Though initially used to improve food quality and safety, bacteriocins are now globally exploited for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins have the potential to beneficially modulate microbiota, providing viable microbiome-based solutions for the treatment, management, and non-invasive bio-diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in the modulation of food microbiomes, antimicrobial food packaging, bio-sanitizers and antibiofilm, pre/post-harvest biocontrol, functional food, growth promotion, and sustainable aquaculture. This can undoubtedly improve food security, safety, and quality globally. This review highlights the current trends in bacteriocin research, especially the increasing research outputs and funding, which we believe may proportionate the soaring global interest in bacteriocins. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as bioengineering, can further enhance the exploitation of bacteriocins for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rine Christopher Reuben
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Carmen Torres
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campisciano G, Sorz A, Cason C, Zanotta N, Gionechetti F, Piazza M, Carli P, Uliana FM, Ballaminut L, Ricci G, De Seta F, Maso G, Comar M. Genital Dysbiosis and Different Systemic Immune Responses Based on the Trimester of Pregnancy in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4298. [PMID: 38673883 PMCID: PMC11050260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084298] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections are common in pregnancy with conflicting evidence supporting their association with neonatal congenital anomalies, especially during the first trimester. We profiled cytokine and chemokine systemic responses in 242 pregnant women and their newborns after SARS-CoV-2 infection, acquired in different trimesters. Also, we tested transplacental IgG passage and maternal vaginal-rectal microbiomes. IgG transplacental passage was evident, especially with infection acquired in the first trimester. G-CSF concentration-involved in immune cell recruitment-decreased in infected women compared to uninfected ones: a beneficial event for the reduction of inflammation but detrimental to ability to fight infections at birth. The later the infection was acquired, the higher the systemic concentration of IL-8, IP-10, and MCP-1, associated with COVID-19 disease severity. All infected women showed dysbiosis of vaginal and rectal microbiomes, compared to uninfected ones. Two newborns tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within the first 48 h of life. Notably, their mothers had acute infection at delivery. Although respiratory infections in pregnancy are reported to affect babies' health, with SARS-CoV-2 acquired early during gestation this risk seems low because of the maternal immune response. The observed vaginal and rectal dysbiosis could be relevant for neonatal microbiome establishment, although in our series immediate neonatal outcomes were reassuring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Campisciano
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Alice Sorz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (G.R.); (F.D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Carolina Cason
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Nunzia Zanotta
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabrizia Gionechetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Maria Piazza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (G.R.); (F.D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Petra Carli
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesca Maria Uliana
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Lisa Ballaminut
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (G.R.); (F.D.S.); (G.M.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (G.R.); (F.D.S.); (G.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Maso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (G.R.); (F.D.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Manola Comar
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (N.Z.); (P.C.); (F.M.U.); (L.B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ziv E, Keller N, Erlich T. Vaginal microflora following the use of a disposable home-use vaginal device and a commercially available ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse management: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:571-579. [PMID: 37882871 PMCID: PMC10808192 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether ProVate, a novel, disposable, self-inserted vaginal device for pelvic organ prolapse management, clinically affects the vaginal microflora, as compared with a commercially available ring pessary, to assess its microbiological safety. METHODS This interventional, prospective, multi-center, open-label, randomized, controlled, statistically powered (noninferiority), home-use, crossover study was conducted at seven sites. Participants were randomized into either group A (using ProVate and then a new reusable commercially available ring pessary [control]) or B (using control device and then ProVate) with a 1:1 ratio. Noninferiority of ProVate over the control was evaluated for the primary endpoint, which was based on meeting one of the failure criteria: significant change in Lactobacillus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida morphotypes, or Staphylococcus aureus levels compared to the baseline (significant change: Nugent score ≥ 7 or > 1 scale unit increase in S. aureus or Candida morphotype), bothersome vaginal infection symptoms, or symptoms requiring treatment for infection. RESULTS The study included 58 participants (mean age: 64.5 years, 91.4% postmenopausal). There were no significant microfloral changes in terms of the four microorganisms mentioned above, the rate of Nugent score ≥ 7 after use was low and comparable between the two devices, and the rate of patients with a > 1 unit-scale change (increase or decrease) from the baseline to the end-of-use phase in any studied microorganism was comparable between the devices. The failure rate was 15.5% for ProVate and 15.5% for control while using 383 ProVate devices over 1647 days or one control device throughout the study. Two patients had bothersome vaginal complaints and one had overt vaginal infection in the control group, but no such cases were observed in the ProVate group. CONCLUSION The primary endpoint of possible vaginal microbial changes, bothersome vaginal symptoms, or treatment-requiring vaginal complaints while using ProVate was successfully met. Our findings show that the vaginal microflora is comparable when using either ProVate or commercially available ring pessary (control) with a relatively low rate of vaginal infections. Trial registration details: ClinicalTrials.gov; URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT03345121?term=NCT03345121&draw=2&rank=1 ; No. NCT03345121; Registration date, November 17, 2017; initial enrollment started on August 20, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elan Ziv
- ConTIPI Medical Ltd, 2 Alon Ha' Tavor St, Southern Industrial Park, 3088900, Caesarea, Israel.
| | - Nathan Keller
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tsvia Erlich
- ConTIPI Medical Ltd, 2 Alon Ha' Tavor St, Southern Industrial Park, 3088900, Caesarea, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Das S, Konwar BK. Prophylactic application of vaginal lactic acid bacteria against urogenital pathogens and its prospective use in sanitary suppositories. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:179-202. [PMID: 37258658 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00376-8] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Beneficial and pathogenic microbes coexist in the vaginal canal, where a diminishing population of lactic acid bacteria may cause recurring urogenital infections. Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus vaginalis, and pathogenic microbes Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella sp., Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia fergusonii were isolated from vaginal swabs. Lactobacillus sp. and their probiotic culture free supernatant (PCFS) inhibited the growth of the above-mentioned urogenital pathogens. L. crispatus produced both lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, exhibiting the best antimicrobial potential against the studied pathogens. Lyophilized L. crispatus had a shelf life of 12 months and the lyophilized PCFS also retained its antibacterial property with a minimum inhibition concentration of 1 μg/μL. Carboxy-methyl cellulose-alginate, a green alternative to super-absorbent polymers, was encapsulated with L. crispatus cells. The probiotic in its encapsulated state retained its viability for 21 days, and the bead showed 30% solvent absorptive capacity. PCFS-laced non-woven fabric displayed antibacterial property with no change in its physicochemical properties. These probiotic and postbiotic formulations have excellent prophylactic potential for urogenital infections. Such formulations can be exploited as additives in sanitary suppositories to enhance vaginal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Das
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam-784028, Assam, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ioannou P, Ziogou A, Giannakodimos I, Giannakodimos A, Baliou S, Samonis G. Infective Endocarditis by Lactobacillus Species-A Narrative Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:53. [PMID: 38247612 PMCID: PMC10812763 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010053] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are microaerophilic or aerotolerant anaerobic Gram-positive non-spore-forming rods. They are considered essential members of the human gut microbiome; however, recent studies have revealed that these microorganisms are less predominant in the gut microbiome than initially thought. Lactobacillus spp. is mainly known for its use as a probiotic in foods and supplements to prevent and treat specific issues such as infectious diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. However, Lactobacillus spp. may occasionally cause infections such as bacteremia or infective endocarditis (IE). The present study aimed to review all cases of IE by Lactobacillus spp. and describe the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of this infection by collecting relevant data from studies existing in Pubmed and Scopus until 28 September 2023. A total of 77 studies containing data for 82 patients were included. The median age was 56 years, and 69.6% were male. A prosthetic valve was present in 16% of patients, and 17.3% had previously been on probiotics. The aortic valve was the most commonly involved intracardiac site, followed by the mitral valve. Fever, embolic phenomena, sepsis, and heart failure were the most common clinical presentations. Aminoglycosides and penicillin were the most commonly used antimicrobials for definitive treatment. Surgery was performed in 53.7% of patients. Overall mortality was 17.1%. IE in prosthetic valves and presentation with shock were independently associated with overall mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petros Ioannou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Afroditi Ziogou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (I.G.)
| | - Ilias Giannakodimos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (I.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakodimos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (I.G.)
| | - Stella Baliou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Samonis
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan Hospital of Neon Faliron, 18547 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Fowler SW, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37985659 PMCID: PMC10661851 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00454-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbial composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection against infection, the lack of in vivo models resembling the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of C57BL/6J female mice, we found that vaginal microbial composition varies within and between colonies across three vivaria. Noting vaginal microbial plasticity in conventional mice, we assessed the vaginal microbiome of humanized microbiota mice (HMbmice). Like the community structure in conventional mice, HMbmice vaginal microbiota clustered into community state types but, uniquely, HMbmice communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacillus or Enterobacteriaceae. Compared to conventional mice, HMbmice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia. Although Escherichia and Lactobacillus both correlated with the absence of uterine GBS, vaginal pre-inoculation with exogenous HMbmouse-derived E. coli, but not Ligilactobacillus murinus, reduced vaginal GBS burden. Overall, HMbmice serve as a useful model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Korinna Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie W Fowler
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Frąszczak K, Barczyński B, Siwiec R, Kondracka A, Malm A, Kotarski J, Witt E, Korona-Głowniak I. The analysis of Lactobacillus spp. distribution in the vaginal microbiota of Polish women with abnormal Pap smear result. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1257587. [PMID: 38029074 PMCID: PMC10666048 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1257587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A healthy vaginal microbiota is represented mainly by Lactobacillus spp. and plays a vital role in maintaining the functional balance in the vaginal environment. Scientists have drawn attention to possible correlations between the vaginal microbiome and gynecological neoplasms. Several recent studies have shown a potential link between the vaginal microbiome and the risk of developing cervical cancer from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and abundance of various lactic acid bacteria species (LABs) in vaginal swabs from healthy controls and patients with abnormal Pap smear results. Methods The study included 100 women (79 patients with abnormal cervical Pap smear results and 21 controls) from whom vaginal swabs were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine seven lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species and their quantities. Results Most patients were colonized by two Lactobacillus species, primarily Lactobacillus gasseri (93%) and L. crispatus (83%). Patient age and place of residence were associated with the diversity of LAB in the vaginal microbiota. The abundance of L. delbrueckii in the vaginal microbiota increased, whereas the abundance of L. gasseri abundance decreased, with patient age. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were significantly more often detected in patients living in rural versus urban areas. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences in LAB between groups of patients with various changes on smear tests. Discussion The degree of dysplastic changes in the endothelium or the presence of a group of atypical cervical stratified epithelial cells was not associated with significant changes in the studied vaginal bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Frąszczak
- I Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Barczyński
- I Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Siwiec
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrianna Kondracka
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Malm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Witt
- Frauenklinik, Marienhospital Witten, Witten, Germany
| | - Izabela Korona-Głowniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tanha FD, Rahmani Z, Rezaei Z, Asbagh FA, Ebrahimi M, Quchani SH, Feizabad E, Shahraki Z. The effect of normalizing vaginal microbiome using Lactovag in improving pregnancy outcomes in frozen embryo transfer cycles: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1587-1592. [PMID: 37596466 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07147-w] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FTET) depends on multiple factors among which the woman's vaginal microbiota has recently been considered important. Using probiotic products, such as Lactovag in infertile women, the vaginal microbiome can become close to the healthy status. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactovag on normalizing vaginal microbiome, as well as its role in improving pregnancy outcomes in FTET cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS This randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted on 103 patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment at a tertiary university-based hospital between January and August of 2019. In the experiment group, the vaginal suppository Lactavag was prescribed, whereas in the control group, patients did not receive any microbiome supplements. Then, the pregnancy rate was compared in the two groups. RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two study groups (p > 0.05). Positive B hCG was present in 28% (n = 26) of women, clinical pregnancy was achieved in 23.4% (n = 22) of them and fetal heart rate was detected in 21.3% (n = 20). These proportions were higher in the Lactovag group, although these differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Results showed that although transferring fetuses with grade A increased the odds of pregnancy with 1.53 (p = 0.001) folds, this ratio would be improved using Lactovag;1.68 (P value = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS It seems that the vaginal microbiota critically interplays with women's health and reproduction. A probiotic agent such as Lactovag can be useful in normalizing this environment and improving pregnancy outcomes in infertile women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davari Tanha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of OBS & GYN & Reproductive Endocrinology, Vali-asr Health Research Center, Vali-asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Rahmani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firouzeh Akbari Asbagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahbod Ebrahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elham Feizabad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shahraki
- Zabol Medicinal Plants Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Navarro S, Abla H, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN. Under conditions closely mimicking vaginal fluid, Lactobacillus jensenii strain 62B produces a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance that targets and eliminates Gardnerella species. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 37909284 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the vaginal ecosystem, lactobacilli and Gardnerella spp. likely interact and influence each other's growth, yet the details of this interaction are not clearly defined. Using medium simulating vaginal fluid and a two-chamber co-culturing system to prevent cell-to-cell contact between the bacteria, we examined the possibility that Lactobacillus jensenii 62B (Lj 62B) and/or G. piotii (Gp) JCP8151B produce extracellular factors through which they influence each other's viability. By 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) in the co-culture system and under conditions similar to the vaginal environment - pH 5.0, 37 °C, and 5% CO2, Lj 62B viability was not affected but Gp JCP8151B had been eliminated. Cell-free supernatant harvested from Lj 62B cultures (Lj-CFS) at 20 hpi, but not 16 hpi, also eliminated Gp JCP8151B growth. Neither lactic acid nor H2O2 production by Lj 62B was responsible for this effect. The Lj-CFS did not affect viability of three species of lactobacilli or eight species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative uropathogens but eliminated viability of eight different strains of Gardnerella spp. Activity of the inhibitory factor within Lj-CFS was abolished by protease treatment and reduced by heat treatment suggesting it is most likely a bacteriocin-like protein; fractionation revealed that the factor has a molecular weight within the 10-30 kDa range. These results suggest that, in medium mimicking vaginal fluid and growth conditions similar to the vaginal environment, Lj 62B produces a potential bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (Lj-BLIS) that clearly targets Gardnerella spp. strains. Once fully characterized, Lj-BLIS may be a potential treatment for Gardnerella-related BV that does not alter the vaginal microflora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephany Navarro
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Habib Abla
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jane A Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Abdul N Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Das S, Bhattacharjee MJ, Mukherjee AK, Khan MR. Recent advances in understanding of multifaceted changes in the vaginal microenvironment: implications in vaginal health and therapeutics. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:256-282. [PMID: 35312419 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2049696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The vagina endures multifaceted changes from neonatal to menopausal phases due to hormonal flux, metabolite deposition, and microbial colonization. These features have important implications in women's health. Several pre-factors show dynamic characteristics according to the phases that shift the vaginal microbiota from anaerobes to aerobes which is a hallmark of healthy vaginal environment. These factors include oestrogen levels, glycogen deposition, and vaginal microstructure. In the adult phase, Lactobacillus is highly dominant and regulates pH, adherence, aggregation, immune modulation, synthesis of bacteriocins, and biosurfactants (BSs) which are antagonistic to pathogens. Maternal factors are protective by favouring the colonization of lactobacilli in the vagina in the neonatal phase, which diminishes with age. The dominance of lactobacilli and dysbiosis in the adult phase depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors in women, which vary between ethnicities. Recent developments in probiotics used against vaginal microbiome dysbiosis have shown great promise in restoring the normal microbiota including preventing the loss of beneficial bacteria. However, further in-depth studies are warranted to ensure long-term protection by probiotics. This review highlights various aspects of the vaginal microenvironment in different phases of growth and diverse ethnicities. Furthermore, it discusses future trends for formulating more effective population-specific probiotics and implications of paraprobiotics and postbiotics as effective therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Das
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India
| | | | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Mojibur Rohman Khan
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.09.527909. [PMID: 36798217 PMCID: PMC9934685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although vaginal Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection through acidification, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation, lack of an in vivo model system that closely resembles the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of wildtype C57BL/6J mice, commonly used to study pathogen colonization, and found that the vaginal microbiome composition varies highly both within and between colonies from three distinct vivaria. Because of the strong influence of environmental exposure on vaginal microbiome composition, we assessed whether a humanized microbiota mouse ( HMb mice) would model a more human-like vaginal microbiota. Similar to humans and conventional mice, HMb mice vaginal microbiota clustered into five community state types ( h mCST). Uniquely, HMb mice vaginal communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacilli or Enterobacteriaceae . Compared to genetically-matched conventional mice, HMb mice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia , but no differences were observed with uropathogenic E. coli . Specifically, vaginal Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were associated with the absence of uterine GBS. Anti-GBS activity of HMb mice vaginal E. coli and L. murinus isolates, representing Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus respectively, were characterized in vitro and in vivo . Although L. murinus reduced GBS growth in vitro , vaginal pre-inoculation with HMb mouse-derived E. coli , but not L. murinus , conferred protection against vaginal GBS burden. Overall, the HMb mice are an improved model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens. IMPORTANCE An altered vaginal microbiota, typically with little to no levels of Lactobacillus , is associated with increased susceptibility to urogenital infections, although mechanisms driving this vulnerability are not fully understood. Despite known inhibitory properties of Lactobacillus against urogenital pathogens, clinical studies with Lactobacillus probiotics have shown mixed success. In this study, we characterize the impact of the vaginal microbiota on urogenital pathogen colonization using a humanized microbiota mouse model that more closely mimics the human vaginal microbiota. We found several vaginal bacterial taxa that correlated with reduced pathogen levels but showed discordant effects in pathogen inhibition between in vitro and in vivo assays. We propose that this humanized microbiota mouse platform is an improved model to describe the role of the vaginal microbiota in protection against urogenital pathogens. Furthermore, this model will be useful in testing efficacy of new probiotic strategies in the complex vaginal environment.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gholiof M, Adamson-De Luca E, Wessels JM. The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:963752. [PMID: 36303679 PMCID: PMC9580710 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.963752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interactions between the host cells, bacteria, and immune components that reside in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are essential in maintaining reproductive tract homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge surrounding the FRT microbiota relates to the vaginal microbiota, where ‘health’ has long been associated with low bacterial diversity and Lactobacillus dominance. This concept has recently been challenged as women can have a diverse vaginal microbial composition in the absence of symptomatic disease. The structures of the upper FRT (the endocervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries) have distinct, lower biomass microbiotas than the vagina; however, the existence of permanent microbiotas at these sites is disputed. During homeostasis, a balance exists between the FRT bacteria and the immune system that maintains immune quiescence. Alterations in the bacteria, immune system, or local environment may result in perturbances to the FRT microbiota, defined as dysbiosis. The inflammatory signature of a perturbed or “dysbiotic” FRT microbiota is characterized by elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cervical and vaginal fluid. It appears that vaginal homeostasis can be disrupted by two different mechanisms: first, a shift toward increased bacterial diversity can trigger vaginal inflammation, and second, local immunity is altered in some manner, which disrupts the microbiota in response to an environmental change. FRT dysbiosis can have negative effects on reproductive health. This review will examine the increasing evidence for the involvement of the FRT microbiotas and inflammation in gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial and ovarian cancer; however, the precise mechanisms by which bacteria are involved in these conditions remains speculative at present. While only in their infancy, the use of antibiotics and probiotics to therapeutically alter the FRT microbiota is being studied and is discussed herein. Our current understanding of the intimate relationship between immunity and the FRT microbiota is in its early days, and more research is needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this relationship and to assess how our present knowledge can be harnessed to assist in diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholiof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Adamson-De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jocelyn M. Wessels
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Balakrishnan SN, Yamang H, Lorenz MC, Chew SY, Than LTL. Role of Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Microbiota in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060618. [PMID: 35745472 PMCID: PMC9230866 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent gynaecological disease characterised by vaginal wall inflammation that is caused by Candida species. VVC impacts almost three-quarters of all women throughout their reproductive years. As the vaginal mucosa is the first point of contact with microbes, vaginal epithelial cells are the first line of defence against opportunistic Candida infection by providing a physical barrier and mounting immunological responses. The mechanisms of defence against this infection are displayed through the rapid shedding of epithelial cells, the presence of pattern recognition receptors, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. The bacterial microbiota within the mucosal layer presents another form of defence mechanism within the vagina through acidic pH regulation, the release of antifungal peptides and physiological control against dysbiosis. The significant role of the microbiota in maintaining vaginal health promotes its application as one of the potential treatment modalities against VVC with the hope of alleviating the burden of VVC, especially the recurrent disease. This review discusses and summarises current progress in understanding the role of vaginal mucosa and host immunity upon infection, together with the function of vaginal microbiota in VVC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subatrra Nair Balakrishnan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haizat Yamang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
| | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.C.); (L.T.L.T.)
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.N.B.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.C.); (L.T.L.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kaelin EA, Skidmore PT, Łaniewski P, Holland LA, Chase DM, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Lim ES. Cervicovaginal DNA Virome Alterations Are Associated with Genital Inflammation and Microbiota Composition. mSystems 2022; 7:e0006422. [PMID: 35343798 PMCID: PMC9040584 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00064-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the link between the cervicovaginal bacterial microbiome, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and cervical cancer is recognized (P. Łaniewski, D. Barnes, A. Goulder, H. Cui, et al., Sci. Rep. 8:7593, 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-25879-7; A. Mitra, D. A. MacIntyre, Y. S. Lee, A. Smith, et al., Sci. Rep. 5:16865, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep16865; A. Mitra, D. A. MacIntyre, J. R. Marchesi, Y. S. Lee, et al., Microbiome 4:58, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40168-016-0203-0; J. Norenhag, J. Du, M. Olovsson, H. Verstraelen, et al., BJOG, 127:171-180, 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.15854; E. O. Dareng, B. Ma, A. O. Famooto, S. N. Adebamowo, et al., Epidemiol. Infect. 144:123-137, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0950268815000965; A. Audirac-Chalifour, K. Torres-Poveda, M. Bahena-Roman, J. Tellez-Sosa et al., PLoS One 11:e0153274, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0153274; M. Di Paola, C. Sani, A. M. Clemente, A. Iossa, et al., Sci. Rep. 7:10200, 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09842-6), the role of the cervicovaginal virome remains poorly understood. In this pilot study, we conducted metagenomic next-generation sequencing of cervicovaginal lavage specimens to investigate the relationship between the cervicovaginal DNA virome, bacterial microbiome, genital inflammation, and HPV infection. Specific virome alterations were associated with features of the local microenvironment related to HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer. Cervicovaginal viromes clustered distinctly by genital inflammation state. Genital inflammation was associated with decreased virome richness and alpha diversity and an increased abundance of Anelloviridae species from the genus Alphatorquevirus. Lactobacillus bacteriophages were closely associated with increased Lactobacillus abundance, consistent with phage-host relationships. Interestingly, bacteria-bacteriophage transkingdom interactions were linked to genital inflammation and showed specific interactions with bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria, including Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Sneathia. Taken together, our results reveal prominent virome interactions with features of the cervicovaginal microenvironment that are associated with HPV and cervical cancer. These findings expand our understanding of the cervicovaginal host-microbiome interactions in women's health. IMPORTANCE HPV infection is an established risk factor for cervical cancer. However, more broadly, the role of the cervicovaginal virome in cervical cancer progression is not well understood. Here, we identified cervicovaginal DNA virome alterations associated with local microenvironment factors (vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation) that influence HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer. These findings indicate that the cervicovaginal virome plays an important role in women's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Kaelin
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Peter T. Skidmore
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Paweł Łaniewski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine—Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - LaRinda A. Holland
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Dana M. Chase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine—Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Efrem S. Lim
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mora RM, Mehta P, Ziltzer R, Samplaski MK. Systematic Review: The Neovaginal Microbiome. Urology 2022; 167:3-12. [PMID: 35276200 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. METHODS A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in concordance with PRISMA guidelines through October 2021. RESULTS Thirteen articles were included, totaling 458 patients. Neovaginal constructions were most commonly performed with penile and scrotal skin grafts, sigmoid segments, and peritoneal grafts. The neovaginal microflora identified were generally polymicrobial and shared similarities with the native tissue. Nine studies identified Lactobacillus: 5/6 for penile skin, 1/3 for sigmoid, 1/1 for peritoneum, and 2/3 for other graft types, suggesting that the neovagina may support Lactobacillus either innately, via rectal migration or oral probiotic supplementation. A polymicrobial, bacterial vaginosis-like environment was found in nine studies. Inflammatory markers were also described: 2/6 for penile skin, 2/3 for sigmoid, 0/1 for peritoneum, and 1/3 for other graft types. Scant data were available on the impact of postsurgical duration, oral hormones, dilating, sexual practices, or douching on the neovaginal microbiome. CONCLUSION Understanding and optimizing the polymicrobial neovaginal microenvironment may improve surgical outcomes, specifically inflammatory, pain, and infectious. Future research should focus on standardizing testing and classification systems, and treating neovaginal dysbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mateo Mora
- University of Southern California Institute of Urology, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Preeya Mehta
- University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Ryan Ziltzer
- University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Mary K Samplaski
- University of Southern California Institute of Urology, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mousa WK, Chehadeh F, Husband S. Recent Advances in Understanding the Structure and Function of the Human Microbiome. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:825338. [PMID: 35185849 PMCID: PMC8851206 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.825338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trillions of microbes live within our bodies in a deep symbiotic relationship. Microbial populations vary across body sites, driven by differences in the environment, immunological factors, and interactions between microbial species. Major advances in genome sequencing enable a better understanding of microbiome composition. However, most of the microbial taxa and species of the human microbiome are still unknown. Without revealing the identity of these microbes as a first step, we cannot appreciate their role in human health and diseases. A shift in the microbial balance, termed dysbiosis, is linked to a broad range of diseases from simple colitis and indigestion to cancer and dementia. The last decade has witnessed an explosion in microbiome research that led to a better understanding of the microbiome structure and function. This understanding leads to potential opportunities to develop next-generation microbiome-based drugs and diagnostic biomarkers. However, our understanding is limited given the highly personalized nature of the microbiome and its complex and multidirectional interactions with the host. In this review, we discuss: (1) our current knowledge of microbiome structure and factors that shape the microbial composition, (2) recent associations between microbiome dysbiosis and diseases, and (3) opportunities of new microbiome-based therapeutics. We analyze common themes, promises, gaps, and challenges of the microbiome research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walaa K. Mousa
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Fadia Chehadeh
- Department of Biology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
| | - Shannon Husband
- Department of Biology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim S, Seo H, Rahim MDA, Lee S, Kim YS, Song HY. Changes in the Microbiome of Vaginal Fluid after Menopause in Korean Women. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 31:1490-1500. [PMID: 34489372 PMCID: PMC9705842 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2106.06022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Various microorganisms reside in the human vagina; the vaginal microbiome is closely linked to both vaginal and general health, and for this reason, microbiome studies of the vagina are an area of research. In this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of women before and after menopause to further increase our understanding of the vaginal microbiome and its contribution to general health. We did a 16s rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis on the vaginal fluids of 11 premenopausal and 19 postmenopausal women in Korea. We confirmed that the taxonomic composition was significantly different between the two groups. In postmenopausal women, species richness was significantly decreased, but species diversity was significantly increased. In particular, among the taxonomic components corresponding to all taxon ranks of the vaginal microbiome, a reduction in Lactobacillus taxa after menopause contributed the most to the difference between the two groups. In addition, we confirmed through metabolic analysis that the lactic-acid concentration was also decreased in the vaginal fluid of women after menopause. Our findings on the correlation between menopause and the microbiome could help diagnose menopause and enhance the prevention and treatment diseases related to menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukyung Kim
- Probiotics Microbiome Convergence Center, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoonhee Seo
- Probiotics Microbiome Convergence Center, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - MD Abdur Rahim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Chungnam 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Saebim Lee
- Probiotics Microbiome Convergence Center, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Chungnam 31151, Republic of Korea,Corresponding authors Y.S. Kim E-mail:
| | - Ho-Yeon Song
- Probiotics Microbiome Convergence Center, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam 31538, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Chungnam 31151, Republic of Korea,
H.Y. Song E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Bacterial Pathogens in Aerobic Vaginitis: A Retrospective Study in Italy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091133. [PMID: 34572715 PMCID: PMC8467363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a vaginal infectious condition, characterized by a high inflammatory response and/or signs of epithelial atrophy, a decrease in the amount of Lactobacillus spp. and an increase in enteric origin bacteria. AV, often misdiagnosed, is difficult to treat due to the emerging spread of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains. The present study aimed to define the prevalence of AV, to detect causative bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Women 10-95 years old, admitted to San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona Hospital, Salerno, Italy (in the years 2015-2019) are included in the study. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by VITEK® 2. Among 2069 patients, 1176 tested positive for microbial growth. A higher incidence of infection was found in the 55-64 age group. Among the pathogenic strains, 50.4% were Gram-negative, and 49.6% were Gram-positive. Escherichia coli (E. coli) (32.5%) was the most representative strain, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (29.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (7.8%) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) (7.7%). E. coli showed high sensitivity to carbapenems and amikacin. K. pneumoniae carbapenems resistance was fluctuating over time. Alarming resistance to vancomycin was not recorded for Enterococci. Both strains were sensitive to teicoplanin, linezolid and tigecycline. Proper diagnosis and an effective therapeutic approach are needed to improve AV management.
Collapse
|
20
|
Cho HW, Eom YB. Forensic Analysis of Human Microbiome in Skin and Body Fluids Based on Geographic Location. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:695191. [PMID: 34458160 PMCID: PMC8388931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.695191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have facilitated the in silico forensic analysis of human microbiome. Specific microbial species or communities obtained from the crime scene provide evidence of human contacts and their body fluids. The microbial community is influenced by geographic, ethnic, lifestyle, and environmental factors such as urbanization. An understanding of the effects of these external stressors on the human microbiome and determination of stable and changing elements are important in selecting appropriate targets for investigation. In this study, the Forensic Microbiome Database (FMD) (http://www.fmd.jcvi.org) containing the microbiome data of various locations in the human body in 35 countries was used. We focused on skin, saliva, vaginal fluid, and stool and found that the microbiome distribution differed according to the body part as well as the geographic location. In the case of skin samples, Staphylococcus species were higher than Corynebacterium species among Asians compared with Americans. Holdemanella and Fusobacterium were specific in the saliva of Koreans and Japanese populations. Lactobacillus was found in the vaginal fluids of individuals in all countries, whereas Serratia and Enterobacter were endemic to Bolivia and Congo, respectively. This study is the first attempt to collate and describe the observed variation in microbiomes from the forensic microbiome database. As additional microbiome databases are reported by studies worldwide, the diversity of the applications may exceed and expand beyond the initial identification of the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Won Cho
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Yong-Bin Eom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Auriemma RS, Scairati R, Del Vecchio G, Liccardi A, Verde N, Pirchio R, Pivonello R, Ercolini D, Colao A. The Vaginal Microbiome: A Long Urogenital Colonization Throughout Woman Life. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:686167. [PMID: 34295836 PMCID: PMC8290858 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.686167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbial niche is a dynamic ecosystem, composed by more than 200 bacterial species which are influenced by genes, ethnic background and environmental-behavioral factors. Several lines of evidence have well documented that vaginal microbiome constantly changes over the course of woman’s life, so to exert an important impact on woman quality of life, from newborn to post-menopausal ages. This review aims at analyzing the role of vaginal microbiome in the maintenance of woman’s homeostasis and at tracking critical changes that commonly occur across woman’s lifetime. The role of hormone replacement therapy in the modulation of vaginal microbiome composition and in the improvement of vaginal wellness in postmenopausal women with decreasing levels of circulating estrogen is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Scairati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Guendalina Del Vecchio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Liccardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Verde
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Pirchio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy.,United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang Y, Lyu J, Ge L, Huang L, Peng Z, Liang Y, Zhang X, Fan S. Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis Do Not Increase the Cure Rate in a Chinese Cohort: A Prospective, Parallel-Group, Randomized, Controlled Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:669901. [PMID: 34295831 PMCID: PMC8291149 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.669901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of metronidazole and oral probiotics adjunct to metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). One hundred and twenty-six Chinese women with BV were enrolled in this parallel, controlled trial, and were randomly assigned into two study arms: the metronidazole group, which was prescribed metronidazole vaginal suppositories for 7 days, and the adjunctive probiotic group, which received Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14 orally for 30 days as an adjunct to metronidazole. Clinical symptoms and Nugent scores at the initial visit, 30 days and 90 days were compared. There was no significant difference of the 30-day total cure rate between the adjunctive probiotic group (57.69%) and the metronidazole group (59.57%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.70 to 1.35, p-value = 0.04), or of the 90-day total cure rate (36.54% vs. 48.94%, OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.19; p-value = 0.213). Also, no significant difference of the vaginal and faecal microbial diversity and structure between the two groups at 0, 30 or 90 days were shown based on 16S rRNA sequences. The probiotic species were rarely detected in either the vaginal microbiota or the faecal microbiota after administration which may revealed the cause of noneffective of oral probiotics. No serious adverse effects were reported in the trial. The study indicated that oral probiotic adjunctive treatment did not increase the cure rate of Chinese BV patients compared to metronidazole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongke Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynaecological Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinli Lyu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Ge
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liting Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynaecological Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuobing Peng
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiheng Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynaecological Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynaecological Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynaecological Disease, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Joseph RJ, Ser HL, Kuai YH, Tan LTH, Arasoo VJT, Letchumanan V, Wang L, Pusparajah P, Goh BH, Ab Mutalib NS, Chan KG, Lee LH. Finding a Balance in the Vaginal Microbiome: How Do We Treat and Prevent the Occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:719. [PMID: 34203908 PMCID: PMC8232816 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported in one-third of women worldwide at different life stages, due to the complex balance in the ecology of the vaginal microbiota. It is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge and is associated with other health issues. Since the first description of anaerobic microbes associated with BV like Gardnerella vaginalis in the 1950s, researchers have stepped up the game by incorporating advanced molecular tools to monitor and evaluate the extent of dysbiosis within the vaginal microbiome, particularly on how specific microbial population changes compared to a healthy state. Moreover, treatment failure and BV recurrence rate remain high despite the standard antibiotic treatment. Consequently, researchers have been probing into alternative or adjunct treatments, including probiotics or even vaginal microbiota transplants, to ensure successful treatment outcomes and reduce the colonization by pathogenic microbes of the female reproductive tract. The current review summarizes the latest findings in probiotics use for BV and explores the potential of vaginal microbiota transplants in restoring vaginal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jane Joseph
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Hooi-Leng Ser
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Yi-He Kuai
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia;
| | | | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Lijing Wang
- Vascular Biology Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
| | - Priyia Pusparajah
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research Group (BMEX), School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbes and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (R.J.J.); (H.-L.S.); (Y.-H.K.); (L.T.-H.T.); (V.L.); (P.P.); (N.-S.A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Carson L, Merkatz R, Martinelli E, Boyd P, Variano B, Sallent T, Malcolm RK. The Vaginal Microbiota, Bacterial Biofilms and Polymeric Drug-Releasing Vaginal Rings. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050751. [PMID: 34069590 PMCID: PMC8161251 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity and dynamics of the microbial species populating the human vagina are increasingly understood to play a pivotal role in vaginal health. However, our knowledge about the potential interactions between the vaginal microbiota and vaginally administered drug delivery systems is still rather limited. Several drug-releasing vaginal ring products are currently marketed for hormonal contraception and estrogen replacement therapy, and many others are in preclinical and clinical development for these and other clinical indications. As with all implantable polymeric devices, drug-releasing vaginal rings are subject to surface bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, mostly associated with endogenous microorganisms present in the vagina. Despite more than 50 years since the vaginal ring concept was first described, there has been only limited study and reporting around bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on rings. With increasing interest in the vaginal microbiome and vaginal ring technology, this timely review article provides an overview of: (i) the vaginal microbiota, (ii) biofilm formation in the human vagina and its potential role in vaginal dysbiosis, (iii) mechanistic aspects of biofilm formation on polymeric surfaces, (iv) polymeric materials used in the manufacture of vaginal rings, (v) surface morphology characteristics of rings, (vi) biomass accumulation and biofilm formation on vaginal rings, and (vii) regulatory considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Carson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Elena Martinelli
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Bruce Variano
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Teresa Sallent
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Robert Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vaginal microbiome analysis of healthy women during different periods of gestation. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225828. [PMID: 32677667 PMCID: PMC7383832 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the vaginal microbiome throughout full-term uncomplicated pregnancy, a longitudinal study was designed for 12 healthy women who had prepared to become pregnant and then delivered at term (38–42 weeks) without complications. The vaginal microbial community was studied at pre-pregnancy, 8–12, 24–28, 37–38 weeks of gestation, and puerperium, using hypervariable tag sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequencing produced approximately 10 million reads on the Illumina MiSeq. Members of the Firmicutes phyla were prevailing before and during pregnancy periods, and the proportion was quite as Proteobacteria until puerperium. Lactobacillus genus was abundant before and during pregnancy, but post-delivery vaginal microflora variety turned diverse. The species-level analysis revealed that a healthy vaginal microbiome before or during pregnancy was prominently dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus. Furthermore, PCoA analysis revealed for differences in the bacterial community composition between the two levels of Lactobacillus species in pre-pregnancy and pregnancy period (PC1 contribution of 58.46%, PC3 contribution of 8.64%). Based on the taxonomic and PCoA analysis, we found that L. crispatus was dominant in the vaginal microflora of healthy women before or during pregnancy, but at the puerperium, the status changed leading to decreased abundance of protective Lactobacillus species that made vaginal micro-ecological barrier vulnerable to diseases. Additionally, vaginal pH was an important environmental property affecting the vaginal microbial community.
Collapse
|
26
|
Understanding Human Microbiota Offers Novel and Promising Therapeutic Options against Candida Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020183. [PMID: 33572162 PMCID: PMC7915436 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens particularly of Candida species are one of the major causes of hospital acquired infections in immunocompromised patients. The limited arsenal of antifungal drugs to treat Candida infections with concomitant evolution of multidrug resistant strains further complicates the management of these infections. Therefore, deployment of novel strategies to surmount the Candida infections requires immediate attention. The human body is a dynamic ecosystem having microbiota usually involving symbionts that benefit from the host, but in turn may act as commensal organisms or affect positively (mutualism) or negatively (pathogenic) the physiology and nourishment of the host. The composition of human microbiota has garnered a lot of recent attention, and despite the common occurrence of Candida spp. within the microbiota, there is still an incomplete picture of relationships between Candida spp. and other microorganism, as well as how such associations are governed. These relationships could be important to have a more holistic understanding of the human microbiota and its connection to Candida infections. Understanding the mechanisms behind commensalism and pathogenesis is vital for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies for these Candida infections. The concept of host-microbiota crosstalk plays critical roles in human health and microbiota dysbiosis and is responsible for various pathologies. Through this review, we attempted to analyze the types of human microbiota and provide an update on the current understanding in the context of health and Candida infections. The information in this article will help as a resource for development of targeted microbial therapies such as pre-/pro-biotics and microbiota transplant that has gained advantage in recent times over antibiotics and established as novel therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mortensen MS, Rasmussen MA, Stokholm J, Brejnrod AD, Balle C, Thorsen J, Krogfelt KA, Bisgaard H, Sørensen SJ. Modeling transfer of vaginal microbiota from mother to infant in early life. eLife 2021; 10:57051. [PMID: 33448927 PMCID: PMC7810462 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life microbiota has been linked to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. It has been hypothesized that maternal vaginal microbiota is an important initial seeding source and therefore might have lifelong effects on disease risk. To understand maternal vaginal microbiota's role in seeding the child's microbiota and the extent of delivery mode-dependent transmission, we studied 665 mother-child dyads from the COPSAC2010 cohort. The maternal vaginal microbiota was evaluated twice in the third trimester and compared with the children's fecal (at 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year of age) and airway microbiota (at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months). Based on the concept of weighted transfer ratios (WTRs), we have identified bacterial orders for which the WTR displays patterns indicate persistent or transient transfer from the maternal vaginal microbiome, as well as orders that are shared at later time points independent of delivery mode, indicating a common reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Steen Mortensen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Arendt Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark.,Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Asker Daniel Brejnrod
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Balle
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
García-Peñarrubia P, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Martínez-Esparza M, Marín P, Machado-Linde F. Hypothetical roadmap towards endometriosis: prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemical pollutant exposure, anogenital distance, gut-genital microbiota and subclinical infections. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:214-246. [PMID: 32108227 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynaecological hormone-dependent disorder that is defined by histological lesions generated by the growth of endometrial-like tissue out of the uterus cavity, most commonly engrafted within the peritoneal cavity, although these lesions can also be located in distant organs. Endometriosis affects ~10% of women of reproductive age, frequently producing severe and, sometimes, incapacitating symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, among others. Furthermore, endometriosis causes infertility in ~30% of affected women. Despite intense research on the mechanisms involved in the initial development and later progression of endometriosis, many questions remain unanswered and its aetiology remains unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical role played by the relationship between the microbiome and mucosal immunology in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (HIV), infertility and several gynaecologic diseases. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we sought to respond to the main research question related to the aetiology of endometriosis. We provide a model pointing out several risk factors that could explain the development of endometriosis. The hypothesis arises from bringing together current findings from large distinct areas, linking high prenatal exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals with a short anogenital distance, female genital tract contamination with the faecal microbiota and the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We performed a search of the scientific literature published until 2019 in the PubMed database. The search strategy included the following keywords in various combinations: endometriosis, anogenital distance, chemical pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the microbiome of the female reproductive tract, microbiota and genital tract, bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, oestrogens and microbiota and microbiota-immune system interactions. OUTCOMES On searching the corresponding bibliography, we found frequent associations between environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals and endometriosis risk. Likewise, recent evidence and hypotheses have suggested the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. Hence, we can envisage a direct relationship between higher prenatal exposure to oestrogens or estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds (phthalates, bisphenols, organochlorine pesticides and others) and a shorter anogenital distance, which could favour frequent postnatal episodes of faecal microbiota contamination of the vulva and vagina, producing cervicovaginal microbiota dysbiosis. This relationship would disrupt local antimicrobial defences, subverting the homeostasis state and inducing a subclinical inflammatory response that could evolve into a sustained immune dysregulation, closing the vicious cycle responsible for the development of endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Determining the aetiology of endometriosis is a challenging issue. Posing a new hypothesis on this subject provides the initial tool necessary to design future experimental, clinical and epidemiological research that could allow for a better understanding of the origin of this disease. Furthermore, advances in the understanding of its aetiology would allow the identification of new therapeutics and preventive actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar García-Peñarrubia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Marín
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Machado-Linde
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Reina Sofía, CARM, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karpinets TV, Solley TN, Mikkelson MD, Dorta-Estremera S, Nookala SS, Medrano AYD, Petrosino JF, Mezzari MP, Zhang J, Futreal PA, Sastry KJ, Colbert LE, Klopp A. Effect of Antibiotics on Gut and Vaginal Microbiomes Associated with Cervical Cancer Development in Mice. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:997-1006. [PMID: 32917644 PMCID: PMC10583130 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotics affect microbial diversity in the gut, leading to dysbiosis and impaired immunity. However, the impact of antibiotics on microbial communities at other sites, such as vagina is less understood. It is also not clear whether changes induced by antibiotics in both microbiomes affect the development of cervical cancer. In this study, we utilized the murine model to evaluate these questions. We show that oral application of broad-spectrum antibiotics in mice changed not only diversity, but composition and sharing of gut and vaginal microbiomes in mice and influenced cervical cancer development in an orthotopic tumor model. Antibiotics decreased richness and diversity indexes in the gut but increased them in the vagina. Some beneficial taxa, such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae increased their abundance in the vagina while other pathogenic species, such as Proteobacteria, were decreased. As a result of the changes, mice with greater richness and diversity of the vaginal microbiome after antibiotics exposure were less likely developed tumors. No association between richness and diversity of the gut microbiome and tumor development was identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Travis N Solley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Megan D Mikkelson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Sita S Nookala
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Joseph F Petrosino
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa P Mezzari
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jinghua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - P Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - K Jagannadha Sastry
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lauren E Colbert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Ann Klopp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee YH, Kang GU, Jeon SY, Tagele SB, Pham HQ, Kim MS, Ahmad S, Jung DR, Park YJ, Han HS, Shin JH, Chong GO. Vaginal Microbiome-Based Bacterial Signatures for Predicting the Severity of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10121013. [PMID: 33256024 PMCID: PMC7761147 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although emerging evidence revealed that the gut microbiome served as a tool and as biomarkers for predicting and detecting specific cancer or illness, it is yet unknown if vaginal microbiome-derived bacterial markers can be used as a predictive model to predict the severity of CIN. In this study, we sequenced V3 region of 16S rRNA gene on vaginal swab samples from 66 participants (24 CIN 1−, 42 CIN 2+ patients) and investigated the taxonomic composition. The vaginal microbial diversity was not significantly different between the CIN 1− and CIN 2+ groups. However, we observed Lactobacillus amylovorus dominant type (16.7%), which does not belong to conventional community state type (CST). Moreover, a minimal set of 33 bacterial species was identified to maximally differentiate CIN 2+ from CIN 1− in a random forest model, which can distinguish CIN 2+ from CIN 1− (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.952). Among the 33 bacterial species, Lactobacillus iners was selected as the most impactful predictor in our model. This finding suggests that the random forest model is able to predict the severity of CIN and vaginal microbiome may play a role as biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Hee Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Clinical Omics Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea;
| | - Gi-Ung Kang
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Se Young Jeon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Clinical Omics Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea;
| | - Setu Bazie Tagele
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Huy Quang Pham
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Min-Sueng Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Da-Ryung Jung
- Department of Biomedical Convergence Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Yeong-Jun Park
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Hyung Soo Han
- Clinical Omics Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea;
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Shin
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (G.-U.K.); (S.B.T.); (H.Q.P.); (M.-S.K.); (S.A.); (Y.-J.P.)
- Department of Biomedical Convergence Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.-H.S.); (G.O.C.); Tel.: +82-53-950-5716 (J.-H.S.); +82-53-200-2028 (G.O.C.); Fax: +82-53-953-7233 (J.-H.S.); +82-53-200-2684 (G.O.C.)
| | - Gun Oh Chong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea;
- Clinical Omics Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.-H.S.); (G.O.C.); Tel.: +82-53-950-5716 (J.-H.S.); +82-53-200-2028 (G.O.C.); Fax: +82-53-953-7233 (J.-H.S.); +82-53-200-2684 (G.O.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lee S, Oh KY, Hong H, Jin CH, Shim E, Kim SH, Kim BY. Community State Types of Vaginal Microbiota and Four Types of Abnormal Vaginal Microbiota in Pregnant Korean Women. Front Public Health 2020; 8:507024. [PMID: 33194936 PMCID: PMC7642985 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.507024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal vaginal microbiota (AVM), including bacterial vaginosis (BV), is caused by a microbiota imbalance. Nugent scoring is the gold standard for the laboratory diagnosis of BV; however, it is somewhat subjective to interpret, and challenging to distinguish bacteria. Hence, there is a need for improved technologies for the accurate diagnosis of AVM. To this end, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been shown to yield comprehensive information on the pathophysiology of AVM. Hence, to evaluate the relationship between microbiota composition and the pathophysiology of AVM and its clinical significance, we characterized vaginal swab samples from 212 pregnant Korean women using both Nugent scoring and NGS analysis. Of these, the Nugent scoring identified 175 subjects (82.5%; 175/212) with normal flora (NF), 20 (9.4%; 20/212) with intermediate flora (IF), and 17 (8.0%; 17/212) with BV. NGS analysis followed by the characterization of vaginal microbiota composition, as represented by alpha and beta diversity, revealed the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa at the genus and species level. Moreover, we identified all five predominant community state types (CSTs) along with three smaller CSTs. Analysis of the vaginal microbiota revealed the dominance of one or two Lactobacillus spp. in the NF group. Meanwhile, the IF and BV groups were dominated by the genera Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Atopobium. These two groups also showed higher alpha diversity than the NF group (p < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that the NF group was significantly different from the AVM groups (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed between IF and BV groups (p = 0.25). Lastly, to investigate the characteristics of vaginal microbiota based on taxonomic composition, the IF and BV groups (AVM groups) were reclassified using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering. Consequently, they were reclassified into BV1 (Lactobacillus iners-dominated), BV2-1 (Bifidobacterium breve-dominated), BV2-2 (Gardnerella vaginalis s1 or s2 and Atopobium vaginae-dominated), and BV3 [mixed population of G. vaginalis, L. iners, and other bacteria (p < 0.05)]. Collectively, these findings could serve to advance the current understanding regarding AVM pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunghee Lee
- Research Laboratories, ILDONG Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hwaseong-si, South Korea
| | - Kwan Young Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Heeji Hong
- Microbiome Research Center, ChunLab, Inc., Seocho-gu, South Korea
| | - Chan Hee Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjung Shim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Byung-Yong Kim
- Microbiome Research Center, ChunLab, Inc., Seocho-gu, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou E. Probiotics in Medicine: A Long Debate. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2192. [PMID: 33072084 PMCID: PMC7544950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last years probiotics gained the attention of clinicians for their use in the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases. Probiotics main mechanisms of action include enhanced mucosal barrier function, direct antagonism with pathogens, inhibition of bacterial adherence and invasion capacity in the intestinal epithelium, boosting of the immune system and regulation of the central nervous system. It is accepted that there is a mutual communication between the gut microbiota and the liver, the so-called “microbiota-gut-liver axis” as well as a reciprocal communication between the intestinal microbiota and the central nervous system through the “microbiota-gut-brain axis.” Moreover, recently the “gut-lung axis” in bacterial and viral infections is considerably discussed for bacterial and viral infections, as the intestinal microbiota amplifies the alveolar macrophage activity having a protective role in the host defense against pneumonia. The importance of the normal human intestinal microbiota is recognized in the preservation of health. Disease states such as, infections, autoimmune conditions, allergy and other may occur when the intestinal balance is disturbed. Probiotics seem to be a promising approach to prevent and even reduce the symptoms of such clinical states as an adjuvant therapy by preserving the balance of the normal intestinal microbiota and improving the immune system. The present review states globally all different disorders in which probiotics can be given. To date, Stronger data in favor of their clinical use are provided in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, allergy and respiratory infections. We hereby discuss the role of probiotics in the reduction of the respiratory infection symptoms and we focus on the possibility to use them as an adjuvant to the therapeutic approach of the pandemic COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is accepted by the scientific community that more clinical studies should be undertaken in large samples of diseased populations so that the assessment of their therapeutic potential provide us with strong evidence for their efficacy and safety in clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Stavropoulou
- CHUV (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Institute, Valais Hospital, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Singhal L, Gupta V, Gupta M, Goel P, Chander J. Identification and Sensitivity of Vaginal and Probiotic Lactobacillus species to Urinary Antibiotics. J Lab Physicians 2020; 12:111-114. [PMID: 32905311 PMCID: PMC7467827 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716604] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Healthy vaginal microbiota is mainly dominated by Lactobacillus species namely L. crispatus , L. gasseri , L. jensenii , and L. iners . Lactobacilli are thought to play an important role in the prevention of urogenital infections, and Lactobacillus probiotics to restore and/or maintain vaginal health has been advocated. These can interfere with the adherence, growth, and colonization by uropathogenic bacteria, thus reducing the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aims to isolate and evaluate the susceptibility of healthy vaginal and probiotic Lactobacillus spp. to urinary antibiotics. Materials and methods A total of 50 premenopausal, nonmenstruating women with no symptoms of vaginal infection or UTI or antimicrobial use in the past 2 weeks were enrolled. Two high vaginal swabs were collected for Nugent's scoring and anaerobic culture. Colonies yielding gram-positive rods were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Lactobacillus strains in a vaginal probiotic tablet were also isolated, and the sensitivity of both sets to urinary antibiotics was determined. Results A total of 29 Lactobacillus spp. were isolated, including L. crispatus (15), L. gasseri (5), L. vaginalis (4), L. paracasei (2), L. curvatus (1), L. fermentum (1), and L. paraplantarum (1). All strains were susceptible to nitrofurantoin and resistant to norfloxacin, gentamicin, and cotrimoxazole (except L. paracasei ). The probiotic strains were pan-sensitive. Conclusions Prophylactic antibiotics are capable of eliminating the normal vaginal inhabitants, which may increase the probability of UTI. The administration of vaginal probiotics as an alternate or multidrug therapy can restore vaginal microbiota and help prevent recurrent UTI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lipika Singhal
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Varsha Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Menal Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Poonam Goel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jagdish Chander
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Odogwu NM, Olayemi OO, Omigbodun AO. The vaginal microbiome of sub-Saharan African women: revealing important gaps in the era of next-generation sequencing. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9684. [PMID: 32879794 PMCID: PMC7441984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate characterization of the vaginal microbiome remains a fundamental goal of the Human Microbiome project (HMP). For over a decade, this goal has been made possible deploying high-throughput next generation sequencing technologies (NGS), which indeed has revolutionized medical research and enabled large-scale genomic studies. The 16S rRNA marker-gene survey is the most commonly explored approach for vaginal microbial community studies. With this approach, prior studies have elucidated substantial variations in the vaginal microbiome of women from different ethnicities. This review provides a comprehensive account of studies that have deployed this approach to describe the vaginal microbiota of African women in health and disease. On the basis of published data, the few studies reported from the African population are mainly in non-pregnant post pubertal women and calls for more detailed studies in pregnant and postnatal cohorts. We provide insight on the use of more sophisticated cutting-edge technologies in characterizing the vaginal microbiome. These technologies offer high-resolution detection of vaginal microbiome variations and community functional capabilities, which can shed light into several discrepancies observed in the vaginal microbiota of African women in an African population versus women of African descent in the diaspora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nkechi Martina Odogwu
- Pan African University of Life and Earth Science Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Oladapo O. Olayemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Akinyinka O. Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
N'Guessan Gnaman KC, Bouttier S, Yeo A, Aka Any-Grah AAS, Geiger S, Huang N, Nicolas V, Villebrun S, Faye-Kette H, Ponchel G, Koffi AA, Agnely F. Characterization and in vitro evaluation of a vaginal gel containing Lactobacillus crispatus for the prevention of gonorrhea. Int J Pharm 2020; 588:119733. [PMID: 32768529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to any current antibiotic treatment and the difficulties associated with the use of prevention means such as condom urge the need for alternative methods to prevent this sexually transmitted infection. In this work, a prevention strategy based on the use of a vaginal gel containing Lactobacilli was assessed in vitro. A Lactobacillus crispatus strain (ATCC 33197) was selected based on the published data on its ability to inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Its probiotic properties were first characterized. Then, a thermo-sensitive hydrogel containing 21.5% of poloxamer 407, 1% of sodium alginate and 9log10 CFU of Lactobacillus crispatus per gel sample (5 g) was developed. The gelation temperature and the rheological characteristics of this formulation appeared suitable for a vaginal administration. Lactobacillus crispatus was viable in the gel for six months although a large amount of the bacteria was not culturable. The ability of Lactobacillus crispatus to inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae was still observed with the gel. Such system, thus, appeared promising for the prevention of gonorrhea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K C N'Guessan Gnaman
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France; Laboratoire de Pharmacie Galénique, Cosmétologie et Législation Pharmaceutique, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques d'Abidjan, Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny, 01 BP V 34 Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - S Bouttier
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, MIcalis Institute, Équipe Bactéries pathogènes et santé, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - A Yeo
- Institut Pasteur, Departement de microbiologie, Unité des agents du tractus génital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - A A S Aka Any-Grah
- Laboratoire de Pharmacie Galénique, Cosmétologie et Législation Pharmaceutique, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques d'Abidjan, Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny, 01 BP V 34 Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - S Geiger
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - N Huang
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - V Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay, SFR-UMS-IPSIT, Plateforme d'imagerie cellulaire MIPSIT, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - S Villebrun
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - H Faye-Kette
- Institut Pasteur, Departement de microbiologie, Unité des agents du tractus génital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - G Ponchel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - A A Koffi
- Laboratoire de Pharmacie Galénique, Cosmétologie et Législation Pharmaceutique, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques d'Abidjan, Université Félix Houphouet-Boigny, 01 BP V 34 Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - F Agnely
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Riganelli L, Iebba V, Piccioni M, Illuminati I, Bonfiglio G, Neroni B, Calvo L, Gagliardi A, Levrero M, Merlino L, Mariani M, Capri O, Pietrangeli D, Schippa S, Guerrieri F. Structural Variations of Vaginal and Endometrial Microbiota: Hints on Female Infertility. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:350. [PMID: 32760681 PMCID: PMC7372811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiota are microorganismal communities colonizing human tissues exposed to the external environment, including the urogenital tract. The bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiota has been established and is partially related to obstetric outcome, while the uterine microbiota, considered to be a sterile environment for years, is now the focus of more extensive studies and debates. The characterization of the microbiota contained in the reproductive tract (RT) of asymptomatic and infertile women, could define a specific RT microbiota associated with implantation failure. In this pilot study, 34 women undergoing personalized hormonal stimulation were recruited and the biological samples of each patient, vaginal fluid, and endometrial biopsy, were collected immediately prior to oocyte-pick up, and sequenced. Women were subsequently divided into groups according to fertilization outcome. Analysis of the 16s rRNA V4-V5 region revealed a significant difference between vaginal and endometrial microbiota. The vaginal microbiota of pregnant women corroborated previous data, exhibiting a lactobacilli-dominant habitat compared to non-pregnant cases, while the endometrial bacterial colonization was characterized by a polymicrobial ecosystem in which lactobacilli were exclusively detected in the group that displayed unsuccessful in vitro fertilization. Overall, these preliminary results revisit our knowledge of the genitourinary microbiota, and highlight a putative relationship between vaginal/endometrial microbiota and reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Riganelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Iebba
- SSD of Advanced Microbiology Diagnosis and Translational Research, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASU GI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Piccioni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Illuminati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bonfiglio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Neroni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Calvo
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Epigenetics and Epigenomic of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 - CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Lucia Merlino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Mariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Capri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pietrangeli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Schippa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Guerrieri
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy.,Epigenetics and Epigenomic of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), UMR Inserm 1052 - CNRS 5286, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Detection of vaginal fluid stains on common substrates via ATR FT-IR spectroscopy. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1591-1602. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
38
|
In vitro characteristics of intravaginal Lactobacilli; why is L. iners detected in abnormal vaginal microbial flora? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 302:671-677. [PMID: 32507987 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05634-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose is to investigate the reasons why Lactobacillus iners is detected in abnormal vaginal microbial flora. METHODS In this study, in vitro characteristics of four type strains (L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii) were examined by measuring the growth speed by OD660, and acid resistance, with gram stain and Live/Dead stain. RESULTS The growth speed was L. gasseri > L. jensenii > L. crispatus > L. iners. Bacterial counts of all Lactobacilli in MRS medium began to decrease at the middle of the log-phase of the growth curve. In addition, L. iners grew to 106 CFU/mL and the others grew to 108 CFU/mL. L. iners was mostly Gram-negative with very short rod, while the others were mostly Gram-positive rods. L. iners was completely killed in the pH 3 medium, however, the others grew (in pH 3 medium) in 1/100 order compared with those in the pH 6 medium. CONCLUSION L. iners was not a typical gram-positive long rod Lactobacilli and presented weak acid-resistance. The reasons why L. iners is detected in abnormal vaginal microbial flora were presumed to be due to the unique morphologic and microbiologic characteristics.
Collapse
|
39
|
Pourmollaei S, Barzegari A, Farshbaf-Khalili A, Nouri M, Fattahi A, Shahnazi M, Dittrich R. Anticancer effect of bacteria on cervical cancer: Molecular aspects and therapeutic implications. Life Sci 2020; 246:117413. [PMID: 32035929 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women in less developed countries. It has been indicated that changes in vaginal microbiome play an important role in the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. However, studies have shown that probiotics play an effective role in fighting cancer by affecting pathogenic bacteria, inducing cancer cells apoptosis, and other anticancer activities. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is reviewing the anticancer effect of cervicovaginal bacteria and their potential for cervical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Pourmollaei
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Students' Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Barzegari
- Research Center of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Mahnaz Shahnazi
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gajdács M, Urbán E. Epidemiology and resistance trends of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from vaginal samples: a 10-year retrospective study in Hungary. ACTA DERMATOVENEROLOGICA ALPINA PANNONICA ET ADRIATICA 2019. [DOI: 10.15570/actaapa.2019.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
41
|
Marcotte H, Larsson PG, Andersen KK, Zuo F, Mikkelsen LS, Brandsborg E, Gray G, Laher F, Otwombe K. An exploratory pilot study evaluating the supplementation of standard antibiotic therapy with probiotic lactobacilli in south African women with bacterial vaginosis. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:824. [PMID: 31533663 PMCID: PMC6751625 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To reduce acquisition and relapse of bacterial vaginosis (BV), lactobacilli must be maintained in the vaginal microbiome. Probiotic lactobacilli may aid this purpose. We investigated whether vaginal probiotics (containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSM 14870 and Lactobacillus gasseri DSM 14869) would result in vaginal colonisation with lactobacilli in women with and without BV. Methods This prospective, partially randomised, exploratory pilot study was conducted in Soweto, South Africa. Thirty-nine sexually-active, HIV negative women were enrolled from October 2014 to May 2016 into three arms. Women who did not have BV (Group 1, n = 13) self-administered probiotic capsules vaginally once daily for 30 days, then once a week until Day 190. Women diagnosed with BV were randomized into Group 2 (n = 12) or Group 3 (n = 14) and treated with the triple oral antibiotic combination for vaginal discharge syndrome per South African guidelines (cefixime 400 mg stat, doxycycline 100 mg BD for 7 days and metronidazole 2 g stat). Immediately after antibiotic treatment, women in Group 2 self-administered probiotic capsules vaginally once daily for 30 days then vaginally once a week until Day 190. Women in Group 3 were not given lactobacilli. Results During the study, L. rhamnosus DSM 14870 or L. gasseri DSM 14869, were isolated in 5/13 (38.5%) women in Group 1 compared to 10/12 (83.3%) women in Group 2 (p = 0.041). The 1-month and 6-month BV cure rates were similar (P > 0.05) between Group 2 (42 and 25%) compared to Group 3 (36 and 25%). In Group 2, no correlation was observed between the frequency of isolation of the two Lactobacillus strains and the 1-month or 6-month cure rate. Conclusions Supplementation with vaginal probiotic capsules resulted in colonisation of the vagina by the Lactobacillus strains (L. rhamnosus DSM 14870 and L. gasseri DSM 14869) contained in the capsules. We observed low initial cure rates of BV after a stat dose of metronidazole and that the probiotic did not improve BV cure rates or alleviate recurrence which could be due to treatment failure or very limited power of the study. Trial registration Registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) on April 13, 2018 (retrospectively registered). Trial identification number: PACTR201804003327269. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4425-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harold Marcotte
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Per Göran Larsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Kärnsjukhuset, Skaraborg Hospital, 54185, Skövde, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kasper Krogh Andersen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fanglei Zuo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1862, South Africa
| | - Fatima Laher
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1862, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1862, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Putative Adhesion Factors in Vaginal Lactobacillus gasseri DSM 14869: Functional Characterization. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.00800-19. [PMID: 31420338 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00800-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacilli play an important role in the maintenance of a healthy vaginal microbiota, and some select species are widely used as probiotics. Vaginal isolates of Lactobacillus gasseri DSM 14869 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSM 14870 were previously selected to develop the probiotic EcoVag capsules and showed therapeutic effects in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, the molecular mechanisms involved in their probiotic activity are largely unknown. In this study, we identified three cell surface molecules in L. gasseri DSM 14869 that promote adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells (VEC) by constructing dedicated knockout mutants, including exopolysaccharides (EPSs), a protein containing MucBP-like domains (N506_1778), and a putative novel adhesin (N506_1709) with rib/alpha-like domain repeats. EPS knockout mutants revealed 20-fold and 14-fold increases in adhesion to Caco-2 and HeLa cells, respectively, compared with wild type, while the adhesion to VEC was reduced 30% by the mutation, suggesting that EPSs might mediate tissue tropism for vaginal cells. A significant decrease in adhesion to Caco-2 cells, HeLa cells, and VEC was observed in the N506_1778 knockout mutant. The N506_1709 mutant showed no significant difference for the adhesion to Caco-2 and HeLa cells compared with wild type (WT); in contrast, the adhesion to VEC revealed a significant decrease (42%), suggesting that N506_1709 might mediate specific binding to stratified squamous epithelial cells, and this putative novel adhesin was annotated as Lactobacillus vaginal epithelium adhesin (LVEA). Thus, we have discovered an important role for EPSs and a novel adhesin, LVEA, in the adhesive capacity of a vaginal probiotic Lactobacillus strain.IMPORTANCE Lactobacilli are known to contribute to the maintenance of a healthy vaginal microbiota and some are selected as probiotics for the prevention or treatment of urogenital diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis. However, the molecular mechanisms for these health-promoting effects are not fully understood. Here, we functionally identified three cell surface factors of a Lactobacillus gasseri strain potentially involved in its adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells, including exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and two sortase-dependent proteins (N506_1778 and N506_1709). We could demonstrate the tissue-specific adhesion of EPSs to vaginal cells and that N506_1709 might be a novel adhesin specifically mediating bacterial binding to stratified squamous epithelial cells. The results provide important new information on the molecular mechanisms of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. adhesion.
Collapse
|
43
|
Das Purkayastha S, Bhattacharya MK, Prasad HK, Upadhyaya H, Lala SD, Pal K, Das M, Sharma GD, Bhattacharjee MJ. Contrasting diversity of vaginal lactobacilli among the females of Northeast India. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:198. [PMID: 31455211 PMCID: PMC6712660 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacilli are gatekeepers of vaginal ecosystem impeding growth of pathogenic microbes and their diversity varies across populations worldwide. The present study investigated diversity of human vaginal microbiota among females of Northeast India, who are distinct in dietary habits, lifestyle, and genomic composition from rest of India. RESULTS Altogether, 154 bacterial isolates were obtained from vaginal swab samples of 40 pregnant and 29 non-pregnant females. The samples were sequenced for 16 s rRNA gene and analysed for identification using a dual approach of homology search and maximum likelihood based clustering. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed the isolates belonging to 31 species. Lactobacilli constituted 37.7% of the bacterial isolates with 10 species and other Lactic Acid Bacteria (39.61%) represented another 10 species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. The remaining of the communities are mostly dominated by species of Staphylococcus (14.28%) and rarely by Propionibacterium avidum (3.90%), Bacillus subtilis, Escherchia coli, Janthinobacterium lividum, and Kocuria kristinae (each 0.64%). Interestingly Lactobacillus mucosae and Enterococcus faecalis, which are globally uncommon vaginal microbes is found dominant among women of Northeast India. This tentatively reflects adaptability of particular Lactobacillus species, in distinct population, to better compete for receptors and nutrients in vaginal epithelium than other species. Further, intrageneric 16S rRNA gene exchange was observed among Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and two species of Lactobacillus, and deep intraspecies divergence among L. mucosae, which pinpointed possibility of emergence of new strains with evolved functionality. Lactobacilli percentage decreased from young pregnant to aged non-pregnant women with maximum colonization in trimester II. CONCLUSION The study highlighted importance of assessment of vaginal microbiota, Lactobacillus in particular, across different population to gain more insight on female health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumi Das Purkayastha
- Karimganj College, Karimganj, Assam, India.,Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | | | | | | | - Suparna Das Lala
- Department of Gynaecology, Hospital of Red Cross Society, Karimganj, Assam, India
| | - Kunal Pal
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, NIT Rourkela, Rourkela, Orissa, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gupta S, Kakkar V, Bhushan I. Crosstalk between Vaginal Microbiome and Female Health: A review. Microb Pathog 2019; 136:103696. [PMID: 31449855 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microbiota plays a fundamental role in the overall development and defences of human beings. The majority of indigenous microbiota exists in a mutually beneficial relationship with their hosts, while few of these are opportunistic pathogens that can lead to life-threatening diseases and chronic infections. These microbial communities constitute the primary defence against infections induced by non-indigenous invasive organisms. Female vaginal ecosystem thought to have been shaped over the years by co-evolutionary processes occurring between the particular microbial partners and the human host. Vaginal secretions contain numerous microorganisms and the host provides them nutrients for their growth and development. Disruptions in vaginal association with the microbiomes lead to the change in the vaginal environment, which enhanced the risk of acquiring diseases including sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, preterm birth etc. The focus of this review is on the detailed analysis of vaginal microbiome interplay and its overall impact on female health. The mutualistic relationship between the vagina and residing microbial species has been well described. Finally, the recent advancements in the detection of microbiome interactions with the vaginal environment have been presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shagun Gupta
- School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India
| | - Vipan Kakkar
- School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India
| | - Indu Bhushan
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gaspar C, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Neves JD, Pestana PG, Rolo J, Donders G, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A. Development and validation of a new one step Multiplex-PCR assay for the detection of ten Lactobacillus species. Anaerobe 2019; 59:192-200. [PMID: 31207299 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lactobacillus sp. are well-known colonizers of human mucosa and frequently used as probiotics. Accurate species identification is crucial both for fundamental studies and biotechnology applications; however, it has been thus far challenging. The aim of this work was to develop a one-step multiplex-PCR assay for detection of ten Lactobacillus species (L. jensenii, L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, L. crispatus, L. reuteri, L. iners, L. casei, L. gasseri, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus) directly in complex bacterial genomic DNA. A multiplex-PCR assay was optimized based on Box-Behnken experimental design, which showed to be efficient for optimization of all crucial reaction components. Nineteen Lactobacillus strains, including six collection strains and thirteen human isolates were used in order to verify the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. In addition, a set of PCR adjuvants was introduced to remove non-specific amplifications and enhance reaction yield. Among them, Triton™ X-100, Tween® 20, BSA, and dithiothreitol showed beneficial effects when compared with other adjuvants. The application of the developed method to samples that resulted from the mixing of DNA from the ten strains, resulted in amplicons of the expected sizes (from about 100 to 1000 bp). The detection limit was 1.25 ng/μl for all species with the exception of L. gasseri (0.31 ng/μl). In order to confirm the method applicability on human samples, ten vaginal fluids were enrolled in this study showing that the method can be successfully used on these biological materials. The proposed multiplex-PCR assay was shown to be selective, sensitive and efficient for detection of ten Lactobacillus species directly in human vaginal samples. This method provides a cost-effective and accessible methodology applicable to the detection of Lactobacillus species to different environments. At the same time, this approach represents a considerable improvement over other PCR-based approaches for identification of these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaspar
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit - HPRD: Health Products Research and Development, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit - HPRD: Health Products Research and Development, Covilhã, Portugal; Pharmacy Department, Centro Hospitalar Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Women and Child Health Department, Centro Hospitalar Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José das Neves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde & INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula G Pestana
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gilbert Donders
- Femicare Clinical Health for Women, Tienen, Belgium; University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit - HPRD: Health Products Research and Development, Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Comparison of MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper and 16S rDNA sequencing for the identification of Pseudomonas species isolated from fish. Microb Pathog 2019; 132:313-318. [PMID: 30999019 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective and reliable methods of identification of Pseudomonas species are important for the characterization of microorganisms. Freshwater ecosystems are an important source of Pseudomonas species, including those pathogenic to fish and humans. The aim of the present study was to compare the identification conducted with MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper and 16S rDNA sequencing of fish-borne Pseudomonas spp. Altogether, 13 different Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from freshwater fish. Phylogenetic analysis showed a clear taxonomic placement only for 13 out of 15 Pseudomonas isolates. Accordance of identification method was found only in 6 out of 15 isolates. The human pathogenic Pseudomonas spp. were not found in our study, indicating that the fish could be considered as safe for consumption. The present study revealed a high discriminatory power of the mass spectra investigation and 16S rDNA gene sequencing technology for the identification of Pseudomonas spp. associated with freshwater fish.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sailer M, Colli E, Regidor PA. In vitro evaluation of microbial adhesion to a contraceptive vaginal ring with a new polymer composition. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2019; 24:188-191. [PMID: 30977415 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2019.1595575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro the amount of Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus adhering to the surface of Ornibel, a contraceptive vaginal ring with a new polymer composition, in comparison with NuvaRing. Methods: Ornibel and NuvaRing were tested for adhesion of microorganisms in vitro. The vaginal rings were aseptically sectioned into 1 cm segments. Suspensions of C. albicans (1-2 × 107 colony-forming units [CFU]/ml) and L. acidophilus (1-2 × 108 CFU/ml) were prepared and incubated either in monoculture or as co-culture with the ring segments. After incubation, adherent C. albicans and L. acidophilus were quantified by plate counting. Results: In monoculture, the measured amount of adhesion of C. albicans on the ring surface was significantly lower with Ornibel compared with NuvaRing (p = 6.77 × 10-5), while the adherence of L. acidophilus did not differ between the two rings. Similarly, when co-incubated with C. albicans, the number of adhering L. acidophilus microorganisms was significantly lower with Ornibel compared with NuvaRing (p = .018) . This reduction also resulted in significantly lower levels of adhering L. acidophilus in co-culture compared with L. acidophilus when incubated alone (p = .003). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the adherence of C. albicans, as well as that of L. acidophilus when co-cultured with C. albicans, is lower with the Ornibel vaginal ring compared with NuvaRing. These in vitro findings warrant future human trials using molecular techniques to assess the vaginal microbiota composition and to establish whether Ornibel can support vaginal health.
Collapse
|
48
|
Genome Sequence Announcement of Lactobacillus vaginalis LMG S-26419, Isolated from a Healthy Woman. Microbiol Resour Announc 2019; 8:MRA01534-18. [PMID: 30834369 PMCID: PMC6386570 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01534-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The
Lactobacillus vaginalis
LMG S-26419 strain, also named CBA-L88 (BV2), was isolated at the AAT-Advanced Analytical Technologies laboratories from a vaginal swab obtained from a healthy woman. The total genome size is 1,806,242 bp with a G+C content of 40.6%.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fuochi V, Cardile V, Petronio Petronio G, Furneri PM. Biological properties and production of bacteriocins-like-inhibitory substances by Lactobacillus sp. strains from human vagina. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 126:1541-1550. [PMID: 30499608 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to characterize Lactobacillus strains for their biological properties and amensalistic activities against genital and nongenital pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS For the purpose, some special characteristics (H2 O2 , biofilm and antimicrobial substances production) as well as safety properties of 112 lactobacilli were evaluated. All the strains had good amensalistic characteristics, in particular cell-free supernatants of 10 strains showed antibacterial activity against bacteria, as well as Candida sp. Moreover, these 10 strains were excellent biofilm producers. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence for the possible use as probiotics for vaginal co-therapy in case of dysbiosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Recently, the problem of antibiotic resistance is constantly increasing, even though resources and energy are invested in order to increase knowledge on the mechanisms of action. Bacteriocins have a rapid mechanism of action, act at extremely low concentrations, are generally sensitive to proteases and they usually have a narrow killing spectrum; these characteristics reduce the possibility of the bacterium to develop resistance. This study is focused on the feasibility of a high production of antimicrobial substances and their characterization in order to be exploited as a therapeutic alterative or in co-therapy with antibiotics in case of vaginal dysbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Fuochi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche BIOMETEC Sez. Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - V Cardile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche BIOMETEC Sez. Fisiologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Petronio Petronio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche BIOMETEC Sez. Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P M Furneri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche BIOMETEC Sez. Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Song J, Lang F, Zhao N, Guo Y, Zhang H. Vaginal Lactobacilli Induce Differentiation of Monocytic Precursors Toward Langerhans-like Cells: in Vitro Evidence. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2437. [PMID: 30410487 PMCID: PMC6211368 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacilli have immunomodulatory mechanisms that affect the host cell immune system, leading to inhibition of HIV-1 transmission. Thus, lactobacilli as mucosal delivery vehicles for developing HIV-1 vaccines have attracted interest in recent years. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of six strains of Lactobacillus naturally isolated from vaginal samples, including Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus), L. fermentum, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. delbrueckii and L. johnsonii, on differentiation of monocytic precursors. L. crispatus, L. fermentum and L. delbrueckii could drive human monocytic cell line THP-1 cells to differentiate into dendritic-like cells according to the morphology. Moreover, L. crispatus increased costimulatory molecules including CD40, CD80 and CD86, and Langerhans cell specific C-type lectin receptors CD207, while L. fermentum decreased these molecules in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, L. crispatus promoted the differentiation of THP-1 cells with specific markers, phagocytic features, cytokine production ability and reduced the expression of receptors for HIV-1 entry of Langerhans cells. However, in the presence of L. fermentum, THP-1 cells did not show the above alterations. Moreover, similar effects of L. crispatus and L. fermentum were observed in CD14+ monocytes. These data suggested that L. crispatus facilitates the differentiation of monocytic precursors toward Langerhans-like cells in vitro. We further identified the cell wall components of Lactobacillus and found that peptidoglycans (PGNs), rather than bacteriocins, S-layer protein and lipoteichoic acid, were key contributors to the induction of CD207 expression. However, PGNs originating from Bacillus subtilis, E. coli JM109 and E. coli DH5α did not elevate CD207 expression, indicating that only PGN derived from Lactobacillus could enhance CD207 expression. Finally, the recognized receptors of L. crispatus (such as TLR2 and TLR6) and the upstream transcription factors (PU.1, TAL1, TIF1γ, and POLR2A) of CD207 were examined, and the expression of these molecules was enhanced in THP-1 cells following L. crispatus treatment. Thus, this study offers powerful evidence that vaginal lactobacilli modulate monocytic precursor differentiation into Langerhans-like cells probably via activating the TLR2/6-TFs-CD207 axis. These data provide clues for further investigation of the original occurrence, development and differentiation of Langerhans cells from monocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Chongqing Center for Biomedical Research and Equipment Development, Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Fengchao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Huatang Zhang
- Chongqing Center for Biomedical Research and Equipment Development, Chongqing Academy of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|