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Duarte M, Pedrosa SS, Khusial PR, Madureira AR. Exploring the interplay between stress mediators and skin microbiota in shaping age-related hallmarks: A review. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 220:111956. [PMID: 38906383 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111956] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Psychological stress is a major contributing factor to several health problems (e.g., depression, cardiovascular disease). Around 35 % of the world's population suffers from it, including younger generations. Physiologically, stress manifests through neuroendocrine pathways (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) system) which culminate in the production of stress mediators like cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Stress and its mediators have been associated to body aging, through molecular mechanisms such as telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis, among others. Regarding its impact in the skin, stress impacts its structural integrity and physiological function. Despite this review focusing on several hallmarks of aging, emphasis was placed on skin microbiota dysbiosis. In this line, several studies, comprising different age groups, demographic contexts and body sites, have reported skin microbiota alterations associated with aging, and some effects of stress mediators on skin microbiota have also been reviewed in this paper. From a different perspective, since it is not a "traditional" stress mediator, oxytocin, a cortisol antagonist, has been related to glucorticoids inhibition and to display positive effects on cellular aging. This hormone dysregulation has been associated to psychological issues such as depression, whereas its upregulation has been linked to positive social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Duarte
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Santos Pedrosa
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal
| | - P Raaj Khusial
- Amyris Biotech INC, 5885 Hollis St Ste 100, Emeryville, CA 94608-2405, USA
| | - Ana Raquel Madureira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal.
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2
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Chen L, Xu T, Lou J, Zhang T, Wu S, Xie R, Xu J. The beneficial roles and mechanisms of estrogens in immune health and infection disease. Steroids 2024; 207:109426. [PMID: 38685461 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Multiple epidemiologic studies have revealed that gender is considered one of the important factors in the frequency and severity of certain infectious diseases, in which estrogens may play a vital role. There is growing evidence that estrogens as female sex hormone can modulate multiple biological functions outside of the reproductive system, such as in brain and cardiovascular system. However, it is largely unknown about the roles and mechanisms of estrogens/estrogen receptors in immune health and infection disease. Thence, by reading a lot of literature, we summarized the regulatory mechanisms of estrogens/estrogen receptors in immune cells and their roles in certain infectious diseases with gender differences. Therefore, estrogens may have therapeutic potentials to prevent and treat these infectious diseases, which needs further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jun Lou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liupanshui People's Hospital, Liupanshui City 553000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
| | - Jingyu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
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3
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López-Hurtado M, Escarcega-Tame MA, Escobedo-Guerra MR, de Haro-Cruz MJ, Guerra-Infante FM. Identification of Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in Mexican men with infertile women as sexual partners. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:353-358. [PMID: 35906030 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis is considered a public health problem due to the high prevalence in sexually active women and men. The distribution of genital Chlamydia genotypes among Mexican men is unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia genotypes in men with infertile women as sexual partners. METHODS A total of 659 urine samples were collected from men whose sexual partners were infertile women; the identifying Chlamydia infection was by means of a real-time nucleic acid amplification test (qPCR). OmpA gene PCR-RFLP and sequencing were used to confirm the genotypes of C. trachomatis. The association of genotypes with age, spermatic parameters and gynecological data of sexual partners was further analyzed. RESULTS Forty-nine urine samples were positive infection (7.4%). The Chlamydia infection was significantly associated with teratozoospermia, azoospermia, hypospermia, and oligozoospermia. Five genotypes (F 51%; 12.2% to D; 12.2% to E; 6.1% to L2 and 4.1% Ia) were correctly identified. None genotypes identified in this comparative study were positively associated with changes in some of the spermatic values because all of them typically produce some considerable damage to these cells. CONCLUSIONS The F genotype was the most frequent genotype identified in infertile men from Mexico City and all genotypes play an important role in the seminal alteration of Mexican men whose female partners are infertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela López-Hurtado
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marco A Escarcega-Tame
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - María J de Haro-Cruz
- Departamento de Microbiologia de la Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fernando M Guerra-Infante
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiologia de la Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Müller M, Sägesser N, Keller PM, Arampatzis S, Steffens B, Ehrhard S, Leichtle AB. Urine Flow Cytometry Parameter Cannot Safely Predict Contamination of Urine—A Cohort Study of a Swiss Emergency Department Using Machine Learning Techniques. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12041008. [PMID: 35454055 PMCID: PMC9025120 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12041008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Urine flow cytometry (UFC) analyses urine samples and determines parameter counts. We aimed to predict different types of urine culture growth, including mixed growth indicating urine culture contamination. Methods: A retrospective cohort study (07/2017–09/2020) was performed on pairs of urine samples and urine cultures obtained from adult emergency department patients. The dataset was split into a training (75%) and validation set (25%). Statistical analysis was performed using a machine learning approach with extreme gradient boosting to predict urine culture growth types (i.e., negative, positive, and mixed) using UFC parameters obtained by UF-4000, sex, and age. Results: In total, 3835 urine samples were included. Detection of squamous epithelial cells, bacteria, and leukocytes by UFC were associated with the different types of culture growth. We achieved a prediction accuracy of 80% in the three-class approach. Of the n = 126 mixed cultures in the validation set, 11.1% were correctly predicted; positive and negative cultures were correctly predicted in 74.0% and 96.3%. Conclusions: Significant bacterial growth can be safely ruled out using UFC parameters. However, positive urine culture growth (rule in) or even mixed culture growth (suggesting contamination) cannot be adequately predicted using UFC parameters alone. Squamous epithelial cells are associated with mixed culture growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Müller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.A.); (S.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-(0)-31-632-2111
| | - Nadine Sägesser
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (N.S.); (A.B.L.)
| | - Peter M. Keller
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Spyridon Arampatzis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Benedict Steffens
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Simone Ehrhard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Alexander B. Leichtle
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (N.S.); (A.B.L.)
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (CAIM), University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Sola-Leyva A, Andrés-León E, Molina NM, Terron-Camero LC, Plaza-Díaz J, Sáez-Lara MJ, Gonzalvo MC, Sánchez R, Ruíz S, Martínez L, Altmäe S. Mapping the entire functionally active endometrial microbiota. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1021-1031. [PMID: 33598714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does endometrium harbour functionally active microorganisms and whether the microbial composition differs between proliferative and mid-secretory phases? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrium harbours functionally alive microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi whose composition and metabolic functions change along the menstrual cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Resident microbes in the endometrium have been detected, where microbial dysfunction has been associated with reproductive health and disease. Nevertheless, the core microorganismal composition in healthy endometrium is not determined and whether the identified bacterial DNA sequences refer to alive/functionally active microbes is not clear. Furthermore, whether there are cyclical changes in the microbial composition remains an open issue. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data from 14 endometrial paired samples from healthy women, 7 samples from the mid-secretory phase and 7 samples from the consecutive proliferative phase were analysed for the microbial RNA sequences. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The raw RNAseq data were converted into FASTQ format using SRA Toolkit. The unmapped reads to human sequences were aligned to the reference database Kraken2 and visualised with Krona software. Menstrual phase taxonomic differences were performed by R package metagenomeSeq. The functional analysis of endometrial microbiota was obtained with HUMANn2 and the comparison between menstrual phases was conducted by one-way ANOVA. Human RNAseq analysis was performed using miARma-Seq and the functional enrichment analysis was carried out using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA; HumanCyc). The integration of metabolic pathways between host and microbes was investigated. The developed method of active microbiota mapping was validated in independent sample set. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE With the novel metatranscriptomic approach, we mapped the entire alive microbiota composing of >5300 microorganisms within the endometrium of healthy women. Microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea were identified. The validation of three independent endometrial samples from different ethnicity confirmed the findings. Significant differences in the microbial abundances in the mid-secretory vs. proliferative phases were detected with possible metabolic activity in the host-microbiota crosstalk in receptive phase endometrium, specifically in the prostanoid biosynthesis pathway and L-tryptophan metabolism. LARGE SCALE DATA The raw RNAseq data used in the current study are available at GEO GSE86491 and at BioProject PRJNA379542. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These pioneering results should be confirmed in a bigger sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study confirms the presence of active microbes, bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea in the healthy human endometrium with implications in receptive phase endometrial functions, meaning that microbial dysfunction could impair the metabolic pathways important for endometrial receptivity. The results of this study contribute to the better understanding of endometrial microbiota composition in healthy women and its possible role in endometrial functions. In addition, our novel methodological pipeline for analysing alive microbes with transcriptional and metabolic activities could serve to inspire new analysis approaches in reproductive medicine. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER): grants RYC-2016-21199 and ENDORE SAF2017-87526-R; FEDER/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento: MENDO (B-CTS-500-UGR18) and by the University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación 2016 - Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) (SOMM17/6107/UGR). A.S.-L. and N.M.M. are funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PRE2018-0854409 and FPU19/01638). S.A. has received honoraria for lectures from Merck. The funder had no role in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Laura Carmen Terron-Camero
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - María José Sáez-Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), "José Mataix Verdú" Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - María Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Rocío Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Susana Ruíz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Luís Martínez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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6
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López-Hurtado M, Escarcega-Tame MA, Escobedo-Guerra MR, de Haro-Cruz MJ, Guerra-Infante FM. Identification of Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in Mexican men with infertile women as sexual partners. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2021; 40:S0213-005X(21)00043-4. [PMID: 33712266 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis is considered a public health problem due to the high prevalence in sexually active women and men. The distribution of genital Chlamydia genotypes among Mexican men is unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia genotypes in men with infertile women as sexual partners. METHODS A total of 659 urine samples were collected from men whose sexual partners were infertile women; the identifying Chlamydia infection was by means of a real-time nucleic acid amplification test (qPCR). OmpA gene PCR-RFLP and sequencing were used to confirm the genotypes of C. trachomatis. The association of genotypes with age, spermatic parameters and gynecological data of sexual partners was further analyzed. RESULTS Forty-nine urine samples were positive infection (7.4%). The Chlamydia infection was significantly associated with teratozoospermia, azoospermia, hypospermia, and oligozoospermia. Five genotypes (F 51%; 12.2% to D; 12.2% to E; 6.1% to L2 and 4.1% Ia) were correctly identified. None genotypes identified in this comparative study were positively associated with changes in some of the spermatic values because all of them typically produce some considerable damage to these cells. CONCLUSIONS The F genotype was the most frequent genotype identified in infertile men from Mexico City and all genotypes play an important role in the seminal alteration of Mexican men whose female partners are infertile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela López-Hurtado
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marco A Escarcega-Tame
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - María J de Haro-Cruz
- Departamento de Microbiologia de la Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fernando M Guerra-Infante
- Laboratorio de Virología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiologia de la Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Sung Kim H, Yosipovitch G. THE SKIN MICROBIOTA AND ITCH: Is There a Link? THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY 2020; 13:S39-S46. [PMID: 33282109 PMCID: PMC7710288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that emanates primarily from the skin. The chemical mediators that drive neuronal activity originate from a complex interaction between keratinocytes, inflammatory cells, nerve endings, and the skin microbiota, relaying itch signals to the brain. Stress also exacerbates itch via the skin-brain axis. Recently, the microbiota has surfaced as a major player to regulate this axis, notably during stress settings aroused by actual or perceived homeostatic challenge. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are slowly being unraveled and involve neurochemicals (i.e., acetylcholine, histamine, catecholamines, and corticotropin) that originate from the microbiota itself. By focusing on itch biology and by referring to the more established field of pain research, this review examines the possible means by which the skin microbiota contributes to itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hei Sung Kim
- Dr. Kim is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami in Miami, Florida, the Department of Dermatology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, Korea, and the Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, at The Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, Korea
- Dr. Yosipovitch is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Kim is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami in Miami, Florida, the Department of Dermatology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, Korea, and the Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, at The Catholic University of Korea in Seoul, Korea
- Dr. Yosipovitch is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida
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The Skin Microbiota and Itch: Is There a Link? J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9041190. [PMID: 32331207 PMCID: PMC7230651 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9041190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that emanates primarily from the skin. The chemical mediators that drive neuronal activity originate from a complex interaction between keratinocytes, inflammatory cells, nerve endings and the skin microbiota, relaying itch signals to the brain. Stress also exacerbates itch via the skin–brain axis. Recently, the microbiota has surfaced as a major player to regulate this axis, notably during stress settings aroused by actual or perceived homeostatic challenge. The routes of communication between the microbiota and brain are slowly being unraveled and involve neurochemicals (i.e., acetylcholine, histamine, catecholamines, corticotropin) that originate from the microbiota itself. By focusing on itch biology and by referring to the more established field of pain research, this review examines the possible means by which the skin microbiota contributes to itch.
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9
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Olson PD, McLellan LK, Hreha TN, Liu A, Briden KE, Hruska KA, Hunstad DA. Androgen exposure potentiates formation of intratubular communities and renal abscesses by Escherichia coli. Kidney Int 2018; 94:502-513. [PMID: 30041870 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Females across their lifespan and certain male populations are susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTI). The influence of female vs. male sex on UTI is incompletely understood, in part because preclinical modeling has been performed almost exclusively in female mice. Here, we employed established and new mouse models of UTI with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) to investigate androgen influence on UTI pathogenesis. Susceptibility to UPEC UTI in both male and female hosts was potentiated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone, while males with androgen receptor deficiency and androgenized females treated with the androgen receptor antagonist enzalutamide were protected from severe pyelonephritis. In androgenized females and in males, UPEC formed dense intratubular, biofilm-like communities, some of which were sheltered from infiltrating leukocytes by the tubular epithelium and by peritubular fibrosis. Abscesses were nucleated by small intratubular collections of UPEC first visualized at five days postinfection and briskly expanded over the subsequent 24 hours. Male mice deficient in Toll-like receptor 4, which fail to contain UPEC within abscesses, were susceptible to lethal dissemination. Thus, androgen receptor activation imparts susceptibility to severe upper-tract UTI in both female and male murine hosts. Visualization of intratubular UPEC communities illuminates early renal abscess pathogenesis and the role of abscess formation in preventing dissemination of infection. Additionally, our study suggests that androgen modulation may represent a novel therapeutic route to combat recalcitrant or recurrent UTI in a range of patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Olson
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lisa K McLellan
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Teri N Hreha
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alice Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kelleigh E Briden
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Keith A Hruska
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David A Hunstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
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10
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Vázquez-Martínez ER, García-Gómez E, Camacho-Arroyo I, González-Pedrajo B. Sexual dimorphism in bacterial infections. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:27. [PMID: 29925409 PMCID: PMC6011518 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0187-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex differences are important epidemiological factors that impact in the frequency and severity of infectious diseases. A clear sexual dimorphism in bacterial infections has been reported in both humans and animal models. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in this gender bias are just starting to be elucidated. In the present article, we aim to review the available data in the literature that report bacterial infections presenting a clear sexual dimorphism, without considering behavioral and social factors. Main body The sexual dimorphism in bacterial infections has been mainly attributed to the differential levels of sex hormones between males and females, as well as to genetic factors. In general, males are more susceptible to gastrointestinal and respiratory bacterial diseases and sepsis, while females are more susceptible to genitourinary tract bacterial infections. However, these incidences depend on the population evaluated, animal model and the bacterial species. Female protection against bacterial infections and the associated complications is assumed to be due to the pro-inflammatory effect of estradiol, while male susceptibility to those infections is associated with the testosterone-mediated immune suppression, probably via their specific receptors. Recent studies indicate that the protective effect of estradiol depends on the estrogen receptor subtype and the specific tissue compartment involved in the bacterial insult, suggesting that tissue-specific expression of particular sex steroid receptors contributes to the susceptibility to bacterial infections. Furthermore, this gender bias also depends on the effects of sex hormones on specific bacterial species. Finally, since a large number of genes related to immune functions are located on the X chromosome, X-linked mosaicism confers a highly polymorphic gene expression program that allows women to respond with a more expanded immune repertoire as compared with men. Conclusion Notwithstanding there is increasing evidence that confirms the sexual dimorphism in certain bacterial infections and the molecular mechanisms associated, further studies are required to clarify conflicting data and to determine the role of specific hormone receptors involved in the gender bias of bacterial infections, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Ricardo Vázquez-Martínez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth García-Gómez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT)-Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bertha González-Pedrajo
- Departamento de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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A role for the endometrial microbiome in dysfunctional menstrual bleeding. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 111:933-943. [PMID: 29299770 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterise the microbial community within the endometrial cavity and endocervix in women with menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. Paired endocervical and endometrial biopsy samples were collected from women undergoing operative hysteroscopy and/or laparoscopy. Samples were cohorted based on pathology, indications for surgery, and histological dating of the endometrium. Samples were interrogated for the presence of microbial DNA using a two-step next generation sequencing technology approach to exploit the V5-V8 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Pyrosequencing revealed that the endocervix and endometrium share a minor microbial community, but that each site harbours a separate and distinct microbial population (p = 0.024). This was also the case for women with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea (p = 0.017). Lactobacillus spp. were the most abundant microbial taxa present in 50% of the cohorts, and across all endocervical groups. Members of the genera Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Jonquetella were the most abundant taxa identified in samples collected from nulliparous women. It can be concluded that the female upper genital tract is not sterile. Microbial community profiling revealed differences in the endometrial microbial community profiles for: (1) the endocervix compared to the endometrium, and (2), women with menorrhagia versus dysmenorrhea. The distinct microbial community profiles in these women may offer insight into the pathology and clinical management of dysfunctional menstrual bleeding.
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A randomized clinical trial on the effects of progestin contraception in the genital tract of HIV-infected and uninfected women in Lilongwe, Malawi: Addressing evolving research priorities. Contemp Clin Trials 2016; 52:27-34. [PMID: 27836505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraception is central in the prevention of unintended pregnancy; however there are concerns that certain methods may increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission. Hormonal contraceptives may modify the genital mucosa in several ways, however the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Few studies have examined genital HIV shedding prospectively before and after initiation of hormonal contraception. The effects of hormonal contraception on genital HIV shedding in the setting of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are also unknown. We designed a pilot clinical trial in which HIV-infected and uninfected women were randomized to either depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injectable or levonorgestrel (LNG) implant in Lilongwe, Malawi. The objectives were to: 1) assess the effect and compare the impact of type of progestin contraception (injectable versus implant) on HIV genital shedding among HIV-infected women, 2) assess the effect and compare the impact of type of progestin contraception on inflammatory/immune markers in the genital tract of both HIV-infected and uninfected women, and 3) assess the interaction of progestin contraception and ART by examining contraceptive efficacy and ART efficacy. An additional study aim was to determine the feasibility and need for a larger study of determinants of HIV transmissibility and acquisition. As injectable contraception is widely used in many parts of the world with high HIV prevalence, this study will provide important information in determining the need for and feasibility of a larger study to address these questions that can impact the lives of millions of women living with or at risk for HIV.
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Effects of Female Sex Hormones on Susceptibility to HSV-2 in Vaginal Cells Grown in Air-Liquid Interface. Viruses 2016; 8:v8090241. [PMID: 27589787 PMCID: PMC5035955 DOI: 10.3390/v8090241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lower female reproductive tract (FRT) is comprised of the cervix and vagina, surfaces that are continuously exposed to a variety of commensal and pathogenic organisms. Sexually transmitted viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), have to traverse the mucosal epithelial lining of the FRT to establish infection. The majority of current culture systems that model the host-pathogen interactions in the mucosal epithelium have limitations in simulating physiological conditions as they employ a liquid-liquid interface (LLI), in which both apical and basolateral surfaces are submerged in growth medium. We designed the current study to simulate in vivo conditions by growing an immortalized vaginal epithelial cell line (Vk2/E6E7) in culture with an air-liquid interface (ALI) and examined the effects of female sex hormones on their growth, differentiation, and susceptibility to HSV-2 under these conditions, in comparison to LLI cultures. ALI conditions induced Vk2/E6E7 cells to grow into multi-layered cultures compared to the monolayers present in LLI conditions. Vk2 cells in ALI showed higher production of cytokeratin in the presence of estradiol (E2), compared to cells grown in progesterone (P4). Cells grown under ALI conditions were exposed to HSV-2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the highest infection and replication was observed in the presence of P4. Altogether, this study suggests that ALI cultures more closely simulate the in vivo conditions of the FRT compared to the conventional LLI cultures. Furthermore, under these conditions P4 was found to confer higher susceptibility to HSV-2 infection in vaginal cells. The vaginal ALI culture system offers a better alternative to study host-pathogen interactions.
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Febronio MV, Pereira RMR, Bonfa E, Takiuti AD, Pereyra EAG, Silva CAA. Inflammatory cervicovaginal cytology is associated with disease activity in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2016; 16:430-5. [PMID: 17664234 DOI: 10.1177/0961203307079298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate cervicovaginal cytology in adolescents with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and to compare them to controls. Fifty-two female adolescents with JSLE (ACR criteria) were compared to 52 age-matched healthy controls. All Pap smears were evaluated by the same cytopathologist blinded to gynecology examination (Bethesda 2001). The mean age of JSLE patients and controls were similar (16.17 ± 1.94 versus 16.13 ± 2.16 years, P = 0.92). The cervicovaginal cytology was found to be similar in both groups, although sexual intercourses in the last month were less frequent in JSLE than controls (23% versus 59.6%, P = 0.0003). Only one patient (2%) with JSLE versus two controls (4%) had cervical dysplasia (LGSIL) and human papilomavirus ( P = 1.0). Candida spp vaginitis was observed in seven JSLE (14%) versus none in controls ( P = 0.012) and was associated with immunosuppressive drugs ( P = 0.01) and high dose of prednisone ( P = 0.002). Of interest, inflammatory cervicovaginal cytology was observed in 21 (60%) of patients with SLEDAI ≥ 4 and only four (23%) of those with SLEDAI < 4 ( P = 0.001). Likewise, a higher frequency of inflammatory changes was also observed in virgin JSLE (57% versus 8%, P = 0.005). Our findings supports the notion that female genital tract may be a potential target organ in SLE since cervical inflammation is associated to disease activity independently of sexual activity. Lupus (2007) 16, 430—435.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Febronio
- Rheumatology Division, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hormonal Contraceptive Effects on the Vaginal Milieu: Microbiota and Immunity. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-016-0142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Lüthje P, Brauner A. Novel Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections. Pathogens 2016; 5:E13. [PMID: 26828523 PMCID: PMC4810134 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens5010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections, especially in women and children, frequently treated with antibiotics. The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance is a global threat to future treatment of infections. Therefore, alternative strategies are urgently needed. The innate immune system plays a fundamental role in protecting the urinary tract from infections. Antimicrobial peptides form an important part of the innate immunity. They are produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils and defend the urinary tract against invading bacteria. Since efficient resistance mechanisms have not evolved among bacterial pathogens, much effort has been put into exploring the role of antimicrobial peptides and possibilities to utilize them in clinical practice. Here, we describe the impact of antimicrobial peptides in the urinary tract and ways to enhance the production by hormones like vitamin D and estrogen. We also discuss the potential of medicinal herbs to be used in the prophylaxis and the treatment of urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Lüthje
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden.
| | - Annelie Brauner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden.
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Wira CR, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Patel MV. The role of sex hormones in immune protection of the female reproductive tract. Nat Rev Immunol 2015; 15:217-30. [PMID: 25743222 PMCID: PMC4716657 DOI: 10.1038/nri3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within the human female reproductive tract (FRT), the challenge of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is coupled with the need to enable successful reproduction. Oestradiol and progesterone, which are secreted during the menstrual cycle, affect epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells in the FRT to modify their functions and hence the individual's susceptibility to STIs in ways that are unique to specific sites in the FRT. The innate and adaptive immune systems are under hormonal control, and immune protection in the FRT varies with the phase of the menstrual cycle. Immune protection is dampened during the secretory phase of the cycle to optimize conditions for fertilization and pregnancy, which creates a 'window of vulnerability' during which potential pathogens can enter and infect the FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Wira
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
| | - Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
| | - Mickey V Patel
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
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Kintner J, Schoborg RV, Wyrick PB, Hall JV. Progesterone antagonizes the positive influence of estrogen on Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E in an Ishikawa/SHT-290 co-culture model. Pathog Dis 2015; 73:ftv015. [PMID: 25724891 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies indicate that estrogen enhances Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E infection in genital epithelial cells. Hormones have direct and indirect effects on endometrial epithelial cells. Estrogen and progesterone exposure induces endometrial stromal cells to release effectors that subsequently regulate growth and maturation of uterine epithelial cells. Estrogen enhances C. trachomatis infection by aiding entry and intracellular development in endometrial epithelial cell (Ishikawa, IK)/SHT-290 stromal cell co-culture. Enhanced chlamydial infection was mediated by direct estrogen-stimulated signaling events in epithelial cells and indirectly via estrogen-induced stromal cell effectors. The current study investigates the effects of hormones on chlamydial development using culture conditions representative of the menstrual cycle. Chlamydia trachomatis-infected IK or IK/SHT-290 cultures were exposed to 10(-8) M estrogen (E2), 10(-7) M progesterone (P4) or a combination of both hormones (10(-8) M E2 followed by 10(-9) M E2/10(-7) M P4). Chlamydial infectivity and progeny production were significantly decreased (30-66%) in cultures exposed to progesterone or estrogen/progesterone combination compared to estrogen alone. Thus, progesterone antagonized the positive effects of estrogen on chlamydial infection. These data indicate the susceptibility of endometrial epithelial cells to C. trachomatis infection during the menstrual cycle is altered by phase specific actions of sex hormones in the genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kintner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0579, USA
| | - Robert V Schoborg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0579, USA Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Priscilla B Wyrick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0579, USA
| | - Jennifer V Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0579, USA Center for Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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Haddad LB, Polis CB, Sheth AN, Brown J, Kourtis AP, King C, Chakraborty R, Ofotokun I. Contraceptive methods and risk of HIV acquisition or female-to-male transmission. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2014; 11:447-58. [PMID: 25297973 PMCID: PMC4310558 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-014-0236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Effective family planning with modern contraception is an important intervention to prevent unintended pregnancies which also provides personal, familial, and societal benefits. Contraception is also the most cost-effective strategy to reduce the burden of mother-to-child HIV transmission for women living with HIV who wish to prevent pregnancy. There are concerns, however, that certain contraceptive methods, in particular the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), may increase a woman's risk of acquiring HIV or transmitting it to uninfected males. These concerns, if confirmed, could potentially have large public health implications. This paper briefly reviews the literature on use of contraception among women living with HIV or at high risk of HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations place no restrictions on the use of hormonal contraceptive methods by women with or at high risk of HIV infection, although a clarification recommends that, given uncertainty in the current literature, women at high risk of HIV who choose progestogen-only injectable contraceptives should be informed that it may or may not increase their risk of HIV acquisition and should also be informed about and have access to HIV preventive measures, including male or female condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B Haddad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA,
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Lüthje P, Brauner A. Virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli and their interaction with the host. Adv Microb Physiol 2014; 65:337-72. [PMID: 25476769 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) belong to the most common infectious diseases worldwide. The most frequently isolated pathogen from uncomplicated UTIs is Escherichia coli. To establish infection in the urinary tract, E. coli has to overcome several defence strategies of the host, including the urine flow, exfoliation of urothelial cells, endogenous antimicrobial factors and invading neutrophils. Thus, uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) harbour a number of virulence and fitness factors enabling the bacterium to resist and overcome these different defence mechanisms. There is no particular factor which allows the identification of UPEC among the commensal faecal flora apart from the ability to enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Many of potential virulence or fitness factors occur moreover with high redundancy. Fimbriae are inevitable for adherence to and invasion into the host cells; the type 1 pilus is an established virulence factor in UPEC and indispensable for successful infection of the urinary tract. Flagella and toxins promote bacterial dissemination, while different iron-acquisition systems allow bacterial survival in the iron-limited environment of the urinary tract. The immune response to UPEC is primarily mediated by toll-like receptors recognising lipopolysaccharide, flagella and other structures on the bacterial surface. UPEC have the capacity to subvert this immune response of the host by means of actively impacting on pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, or by physical masking of immunogenic structures. The large repertoire of bacterial virulence and fitness factors in combination with host-related differences results in a complex interaction between host and pathogen in the urinary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Lüthje
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Brauner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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One-year long-term safety extension study of ospemifene for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with a uterus. Menopause 2014; 20:418-27. [PMID: 23096251 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31826d36ba] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ospemifene, a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator, for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with a uterus. METHODS In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, long-term safety extension study, nonhysterectomized women aged 40 to 80 years (n = 180) received daily oral doses of placebo, ospemifene 30 mg/day, or ospemifene 60 mg/day for 40 weeks (continued as blinded treatments from the initial 12-week pivotal efficacy study of ospemifene). The total treatment period was 52 weeks. Safety assessments included adverse events, cervical Papanicolaou tests, endometrial histology, endometrial thickness, gynecological examination, breast palpation, mammography, physical examination, and clinical safety laboratory assessments. RESULTS No clinically significant adverse changes in safety assessments were observed in any treatment group. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. Hot flushes, the most frequently occurring treatment-emergent adverse event related to the study drug, had a low discontinuation rate (1.6%). No study participants discontinued because of endometrial or cervical pathology; no endometrial findings were clinically meaningful. On week 52, more than 95% of endometrial biopsy samples either were classified as atrophic or inactive or had insufficient tissue for diagnosis. There were no treatment-emergent adverse events of pelvic organ prolapse or venous thromboembolism. No cases of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma were observed. Only three participants (1.7%) taking ospemifene experienced vaginal bleeding or spotting, which was self-limiting. CONCLUSIONS Daily doses of ospemifene 30 mg and ospemifene 60 mg yielded few treatment-emergent adverse events and demonstrated no significant endometrial changes during the 1-year treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women with a uterus.
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Forcey DS, Hocking JS, Tabrizi SN, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Fehler G, Nash JL, Fairley CK. Chlamydia detection during the menstrual cycle: a cross-sectional study of women attending a sexual health service. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85263. [PMID: 24475042 PMCID: PMC3903481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We investigated the detection of chlamydia at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Methods Electronic medical records for women attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2011 and 31st December 2012, who were tested for chlamydia by nucleic acid amplification of high vaginal, cervical, or urinary samples, and who recorded a date of last normal menstrual period (LNMP) between 0–28 days were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of chlamydia with menstrual cycle adjusted by demographics and behavioural variables. Chlamydia and beta globin load were determined on those with stored samples. Results Of the 10,017 consultations that included a test for chlamydia and a valid LNMP, there were 417 in which chlamydia was detected. The proportion of samples with chlamydia was greater in the luteal phase (4.8%, 184/3831) than in the follicular phase (3.4%, 233/6816) both in the crude (OR 1.29 95%CI 1.1–1.6, p = 0.01) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.4 (95%CI 1.1–1.8, p = 0.004). Among women using hormonal contraception, there was no significant association with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (aOR 1.3, 95%CI 0.9, 1.8, p = 0.18). Among women not using hormonal contraception, there was a significant association with the luteal phase (aOR 1.6, (95% CI 1.1–2.3, p = 0.007). The chlamydia load was not significantly different in the 329 positive stored samples in weeks 3 and 4 vs weeks 1 and 2 for any site (P>0.12). Conclusions The higher detection of chlamydia detection in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in only those not taking hormonal contraception suggest that hormonal factors influence chlamydia detection. The absence of a significantly highly chlamydia load in women during the luteal phase raises questions about the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana S. Forcey
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sepehr N. Tabrizi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenda Fehler
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica L. Nash
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Frequency of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in Females With Urogenital Infections and Habitual Abortion History in Ahvaz, Iran; Using Multiplex PCR. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.10088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Luthje P, Brauner H, Ramos NL, Ovregaard A, Glaser R, Hirschberg AL, Aspenstrom P, Brauner A. Estrogen Supports Urothelial Defense Mechanisms. Sci Transl Med 2013; 5:190ra80. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3005574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Solar P, Velasquez L. Consequences of nongenomic actions of estradiol on pathogenic genital tract response. J Mol Signal 2013; 8:1. [PMID: 23351368 PMCID: PMC3570385 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-8-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol is a steroid hormone that regulates the structure and function of the female reproductive system. In addition to its genomic effects, which are mediated by activated nuclear receptors, estradiol elicits a variety of rapid signaling events independently of transcriptional or genomic regulation. These nongenomic actions influence the milieu of the genital tract, which changes the ability of pathogens to infect the genital tract. This review discusses our current knowledge regarding the mechanisms and relevance of nongenomic estradiol signaling in the genital tract that could change the ability of pathogens to invade epithelial cells. PubMed was searched through January 1980 for papers related to estradiol actions in the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus and cervix. The mechanisms conveying these rapid effects consist of a multitude of signaling molecules and include cross-talk with slower transcriptional actions. The nongenomic actions of estradiol that influence the infectious abilities of pathogens occur either directly on the genital tract cells or indirectly by modulating the local and systemic immune systems. Additional in-depth characterization of the response is required before the normal and pathological reproductive functions of the nongenomic estradiol pathway can be targeted for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Solar
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Santiago, Chile.
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Freestone P. Communication between Bacteria and Their Hosts. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:361073. [PMID: 24381789 PMCID: PMC3871906 DOI: 10.1155/2013/361073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
It is clear that a dialogue is occurring between microbes and their hosts and that chemical signals are the language of this interkingdom communication. Microbial endocrinology shows that, through their long coexistence with animals and plants, microorganisms have evolved sensors for detecting eukaryotic hormones, which the microbe uses to determine that they are within proximity of a suitable host and to optimally time the expression of genes needed for host colonisation. It has also been shown that some prokaryotic chemical communication signals are recognized by eukaryotes. Deciphering what is being said during the cross-talk between microbe and host is therefore important, as it could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Primrose Freestone
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Maurice Shock Medical Sciences Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
- *Primrose Freestone:
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Kumar PS. Sex and the subgingival microbiome: Do female sex steroids affect periodontal bacteria? Periodontol 2000 2012; 61:103-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0757.2011.00398.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
AbstractMicrobial Endocrinology is a new microbiology research discipline that represents the intersection of microbiology and endocrinology with neurophysiology. It has as its main tenet that through their long co-existence with animals and plants, micro-organisms have evolved sensory systems for detecting host-associated hormones. These sensing systems allow the microbe to determine that they are within proximity of a suitable host, and that is time to initiate expression of genes involved in host colonisation. Microbial Endocrinology therefore provides a new paradigm with which to examine and understand the interactions of micro-organisms with their host under conditions present in both health and disease. This article will focus on microbial interactions with the fight and flight family of catecholamine stress hormones.
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Abstract
The author previously described a theoretical cause of schizophrenia based on the effects of estrogenic endocrine disruption. In the current review, the author describes how increased estrogen during pregnancy increases susceptibility to certain viral infections associated with increased risk for schizophrenia. The review further discusses how prenatal estrogen exposure could explain associations of schizophrenia with autoimmune diseases, urban environments, and stress. Based on the association of increased estrogen with schizophrenia risk factors, the author proposes increased prenatal estrogen as a unifying factor, perhaps the primary event, in the etiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Brown
- Clinical Services, Crossroads Community Services Board, Farmville, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, PO Box 622, Midlothian, VA 23113,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: 804-897-6386, fax: 804-897-6386, e-mail:
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Hall JV, Schell M, Dessus-Babus S, Moore CG, Whittimore JD, Sal M, Dill BD, Wyrick PB. The multifaceted role of oestrogen in enhancing Chlamydia trachomatis infection in polarized human endometrial epithelial cells. Cell Microbiol 2011; 13:1183-99. [PMID: 21615662 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2011.01608.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The oestrogen receptor (ER) α-β+ HEC-1B and the ERα+β+ Ishikawa (IK) cell lines were investigated to dissect the effects of oestrogen exposure on several parameters of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Antibody blockage of ERα or ERβ alone or simultaneously significantly decreased C. trachomatis infectivity (45-68%). Addition of the ERβ antagonist, tamoxifen, to IK or HEC-1B prior to or after chlamydial infection caused a 30-90% decrease in infectivity, the latter due to disrupted eukaryotic organelles. In vivo, endometrial glandular epithelial cells are stimulated by hormonally influenced stromal signals. Accordingly, chlamydial infectivity was significantly increased by 27% and 21% in IK and HEC-1B cells co-cultured with SHT-290 stromal cells exposed to oestrogen. Endometrial stromal cell/epithelial cell co-culture revealed indirect effects of oestrogen on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and calcium-dependant phospholipase A2 and significantly increased production of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 in both uninfected and chlamydiae-infected epithelial cells. These results indicate that oestrogen and its receptors play multiple roles in chlamydial infection: (i) membrane oestrogen receptors (mERs) aid in chlamydial entry into host cells, and (ii) mER signalling may contribute to inclusion development during infection. Additionally, enhancement of chlamydial infection is affected by hormonally influenced stromal signals in conjunction with direct oestrogen stimulation of the human epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vanover Hall
- Department of Microbiology, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Kaushic C, Roth KL, Anipindi V, Xiu F. Increased prevalence of sexually transmitted viral infections in women: the role of female sex hormones in regulating susceptibility and immune responses. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 88:204-9. [PMID: 21296427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses, including HSV-2, HIV-1, HPV, are among the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of effort, the attempts to develop efficacious vaccines against viral STIs have failed repeatedly, with the exception of the recent HPV vaccine. Given the higher prevalence rates of STIs in women, it is becoming clear that a better understanding of gender-specific differences in STIs may be critical for the development of preventative strategies for these diseases. In order to gain this insight, it is important to examine the distinct microenvironment of the female reproductive tract, the site of primary infection, since it can significantly influence the outcome of infection. An important biological factor in the female reproductive tract is the presence of female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are produced endogenously primarily by the ovaries and commonly provided exogenously via the use of hormonal contraceptives. Here we review our current knowledge of the role played by the female sex hormones in regulating susceptibility and immune responses to viral sexually transmitted infections and whether this could contribute to higher prevalence of STIs in women. Manipulating the microenvironment of the female genital tract with sex hormones may contribute to the development of improved immunization strategies against sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Kaushic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Yang JY, Karr JR, Watrous JD, Dorrestein PC. Integrating '-omics' and natural product discovery platforms to investigate metabolic exchange in microbiomes. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2010; 15:79-87. [PMID: 21087892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome is an abundance of microorganisms within a host (e.g. human microbiome). These microorganisms produce small molecules and metabolites that have been shown to affect and dictate the physiology of an individual. Functional knowledge of these molecules, often produced for communication or defense, will reveal the interplay between microbes and host in health and disease. The vast diversity in structure and function of microbiome-associated small molecules necessitate tools that will utilize multiple '-omics' strategies to understand the interactions within the human microbiome. This review discusses the importance of these investigations and the integration of current '-omics' technologies with tools established in natural product discovery in order to identify and characterize uncharacterized small molecules in the effort towards diagnostic modeling of the human microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Combined hormonal contraception may be protective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Sex Transm Dis 2010; 37:356-60. [PMID: 20453722 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181d40ff1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of hormonal contraception on acquisition of gonorrhea has not been well-characterized, as the transmission dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of hormonal contraception on gonococcal infection in women exposed to males with gonococcal urethritis. METHODS Females aged 15 to 35 years reporting sexual contact to a male partner diagnosed with N. gonorrhoeae were enrolled. Demographic and sexual histories, physical findings, and laboratory tests were collected. Women testing positive and negative for cervical N. gonorrhoeae were compared using chi and Fisher exact tests, with multivariable logistic regression performed on those factors independently associated with gonococcal infection on univariate analysis. RESULTS N. gonorrhoeae infection occurred in 68 of 107 (64%) women. Women using combined hormonal contraception were significantly less likely than nonusers to test positive for N. gonorrhoeae (32% vs. 76%; prevalence ratio: 0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.78; P = 0.006). Gonorrhea was also less common in depomedroxyprogesterone acetate users. A new sexual partner was also associated with testing positive for gonorrhea (35% vs. 13%; prevalence ratio: 1.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 1.90; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Women using combined hormonal contraceptives or depomedroxyprogesterone acetate were less likely to test positive for N. gonorrhoeae after sexual exposure compared with nonusers. Our data suggest that, in addition to contraceptive benefits, modern hormonal contraception may have a protective effect on the acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae.
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The association between oral contraceptives, depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, and trichomoniasis. Sex Transm Dis 2009; 36:336-40. [PMID: 19556926 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e318199723f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormonal contraception use by women may increase the risk of acquiring certain sexually transmitted infections. We explored the effect of hormonal contraceptive use, specifically oral contraception (OC), and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on Trichomonas vaginalis infections in women. METHODS We examined data from a prospective case-control study of women with trichomoniasis and noninfected female patients recruited from 3 public sexually transmitted disease clinics. Women with positive wet mount microscopy or T. vaginalis culture results were classified as having trichomoniasis. Participants underwent physical examinations, sexually transmitted infections testing and completed questionnaires which included information about demographics, sexual behavior, douching and contraceptive use. We assessed the association between hormonal contraceptives and trichomoniasis using bivariable and multivariable analysis and estimated exposure odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS We identified 427 women with trichomoniasis and 144 uninfected women who had information reported about contraception use. Compared with nonhormonal contraceptive use, OC use was negatively associated with trichomoniasis in bivariable analysis (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8). This association was no longer statistically significant after adjusting for demographic variables, douching and condom use (aOR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.5-1.6). Use of DMPA, compared with nonhormonal contraceptive use, was not associated with trichomoniasis in bivariable or multivariable analyses (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.5-2.1; aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 0.6-3.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although OC use appeared to have a protective effect in the bivariable analysis, the hormonal contraceptives OC and DMPA were not associated with T. vaginalis infection after adjustment for other factors.
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Pettifor A, Delany S, Kleinschmidt I, Miller WC, Atashili J, Rees H. Use of injectable progestin contraception and risk of STI among South African women. Contraception 2009; 80:555-60. [PMID: 19913149 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine the association between the use of injectable progestin contraception (IPC) and the risk of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) among women in South Africa. METHODS From August 1999 through May 2001, 643 HIV-1-negative women were recruited from family planning clinics in Orange Farm, South Africa. IPC [norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)] users and nonhormonal contraception users were recruited in approximately equal numbers. Eligible participants were seen at enrolment and on four follow-up visits over a 12-month period; 567 returned for at least one follow-up visit. Multivariable Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to compute the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for infections with GC, CT, BV and TV by use of NET-EN or DMPA relative to nonuse during follow-up. RESULTS In multivariable models, the use of DMPA slightly increased the risk of infection with CT [IRR=1.24; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=0.80-1.94] and GC (IRR=1.30; 95% CI=0.58-2.98), although these associations were not statistically significant. In contrast, DMPA appeared to be protective for TV (IRR=0.35; 95% CI=0.12-1.01), although this estimate was very imprecise. The use of both DMPA and NET-EN was associated with a decreased risk of BV. CONCLUSIONS The use of DMPA among women in this study population was associated with an increased - but not statistically significant - risk of cervical infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a decreased risk of TV and BV. Given the inconsistencies and limitations of the data describing an increased risk of CT and GC with IPC use, the potential risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) must be balanced against the risk of unintended pregnancy and its health consequences, especially in developing countries. Women opting to use IPC should be counseled to use condoms to protect against STIs and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, USA.
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36
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Highly effective contraception and acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2009; 23:263-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Horne AW, Stock SJ, King AE. Innate immunity and disorders of the female reproductive tract. Reproduction 2008; 135:739-49. [PMID: 18502890 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections, and their associated sequelae, such as tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour, are a major worldwide health problem. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is thought to be the leading global cause of tubal infertility and tubal ectopic pregnancy. Preterm birth occurs in around 10% of all deliveries, and nearly 30% of preterm deliveries are associated with intrauterine infection. The mucosal innate immune system of the female reproductive tract has evolved to eliminate such sexually transmitted pathogens whilst maintaining its ability to accommodate specialized physiological functions that include menstruation, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and parturition. The aim of this review was to describe the role and distribution of key mediators of the innate immune system, the natural antimicrobial peptides (secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, elafin and the defensins) and the pattern recognition toll-like receptors in the normal female reproductive tract and in the context of these pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Horne
- The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Deepak P, Kumar S, Acharya A. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Gender Dichotomy in Antibody Response in a T-Cell Lymphoma: Involvement of IL-13 and Gonadal Hormones. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008; 59:127-38. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2007.00541.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Intranasal and subcutaneous immunization under the effect of estradiol leads to better protection against genital HSV-2 challenge compared to progesterone. Vaccine 2008; 26:6165-72. [PMID: 18804503 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2008] [Revised: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 08/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of hormonal environment on intranasal and subcutaneous routes of immunization in a genital herpes infection model. Ovariectomized mice were treated with estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)) or placebo hormone pellets and immunized intranasally (i.n.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) with attenuated HSV-2. Immunized mice were subsequently challenged, intravaginally, with wild-type HSV-2. Mice immunized under the influence of E(2) showed higher survival rates, reduced pathology and significantly lower viral shedding compared with those immunized under the influence of P(4) or placebo, by both i.n. and s.c. routes. Vaginal and serum anti-HSV-2 IgG, but not IgA, levels correlated with decreased pathology in E(2)-treated, i.n. immunized mice. We conclude that immunization under the influence of E(2) afforded better protection compared to placebo and P(4), by both routes of immunization. Female sex hormones can influence immune responses and outcome of viral challenge in the genital tract following systemic immunization.
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Freestone PPE, Lyte M. Microbial endocrinology: experimental design issues in the study of interkingdom signalling in infectious disease. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2008; 64:75-105. [PMID: 18485281 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2164(08)00402-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Primrose P E Freestone
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester School of Medicine, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Hubacher D, Raymond ER, Beksinska M, Delany-Moretlwe S, Smit J, Hylton-Kong T, Moench TR. Hormonal contraception and the risks of STI acquisition: results of a feasibility study to plan a future randomized trial. Contraception 2008; 77:366-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Revised: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 01/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mbulawa ZZA, Williamson AL, Stewart D, Passmore JAS, Denny L, Allan B, Marais DJ. Association of serum and mucosal neutralizing antibodies to human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) with HPV-16 infection and cervical disease. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:910-914. [DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.83458-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated neutralizing antibodies to human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) in serum and cervical washes from 84 women with normal cytology or cervical disease. Serum neutralizing antibodies were detected in 78 % of women infected at the cervix with HPV-16, compared with 35 % (P=0.002) of women infected with HPV-16-related types (α9 HPV types), 14 % (P<0.0001) of women infected with HPV-16 non-related types and none of HPV-uninfected women. A significant correlation between HPV-16 infection and serum HPV-16-neutralizing antibodies was observed (r
s=0.97; P=0.032). Cervical neutralizing antibodies were detected in 38 % of women with HPV-16 infection and in 17 % of women infected with the HPV-16-related type HPV-31. Cervical neutralizing antibodies correlated with HPV-16 infection (r
s=0.95; P=0.08), but not with cervical disease. Serum and cervical HPV-16 antibody responses were not affected significantly by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. In conclusion, serum and cervical HPV-16-neutralizing antibodies were found to correlate with HPV-16 infection, but not with cervical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizipho Z. A. Mbulawa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Debbie Stewart
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Bruce Allan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Dianne J. Marais
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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MacDonald EM, Savoy A, Gillgrass A, Fernandez S, Smieja M, Rosenthal KL, Ashkar AA, Kaushic C. Susceptibility of human female primary genital epithelial cells to herpes simplex virus, type-2 and the effect of TLR3 ligand and sex hormones on infection. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:1049-59. [PMID: 17881767 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.063933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genital epithelial cells (ECs) are the first line of defense that sexually transmitted viruses encounter. The mechanism of viral pathogenesis in these cells is not well understood. Here, we show that a primary cell culture model from human reproductive tract tissues can be used as a novel ex vivo model in examining the interaction of herpes simplex virus, type 2 (HSV-2), with female genital mucosa. Confluent, polarized primary cultures of human endometrial and cervical ECs were established and shown to be free from any significant contamination of any other cell type. Both endometrial and cervical ECs were found to be highly susceptible to HSV-2 infection. The kinetic of infection was similar to in vivo infection, with the earliest viral shedding seen at 18 h postinfection. Primary EC monolayers could be infected both apically and basolaterally, but preferential viral shedding was seen on the apical side of cells. Following treatment of the monolayers with poly (I:C), an innate immune activator that acts via TLR3, viral shedding was reduced significantly, comparable to levels seen when an antiviral formulation, acyclovir, was used. Treatment of epithelial and stromal co-cultures with estradiol increased HSV-2 infection in endometrial ECs, but viral shedding decreased following treatment with progesterone. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the interaction of primary human female genital ECs with HSV-2, using an ex vivo culture model. The results provide valuable information regarding the susceptibility of women's genital ECs to HSV-2 and the ability of innate immunity and hormones to modify this susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M MacDonald
- Center For Gene Therapeutics, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8P 3Z5
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Yao XD, Fernandez S, Kelly MM, Kaushic C, Rosenthal KL. Expression of Toll-like receptors in murine vaginal epithelium is affected by the estrous cycle and stromal cells. J Reprod Immunol 2007; 75:106-19. [PMID: 17572507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Revised: 04/24/2007] [Accepted: 04/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal epithelium is regulated by female sex hormones and serves as the first line of innate immune defense against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This occurs in part through recognition of pathogens via Toll-like receptors (TLRs); however, the expression and role of TLRs in reproductive tract immunity are poorly understood. Here, we have compared the effect of the estrous cycle and treatment with DepoProvera (Depo) on TLR mRNA expression in whole mouse vaginal tissue, vaginal epithelium isolated using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and in primary vaginal epithelial cells (ECs) grown in vitro. Distinct patterns of TLR expression were observed in LCM-isolated vaginal epithelium versus whole vaginal tissue. Absolute quantitative RT-PCR of LCM vaginal epithelium showed that expression of all TLRs, except TLR11, was significantly increased during the diestrus phase or following Depo-treatment. TLR2 mRNA showed an extraordinary increase in expression in both diestrus and following Depo-treatment (23-fold) over that in the estrus phase. Although TLR2 protein was expressed at similar levels over the estrous cycle in whole vaginal tissue, full-length TLR2 protein was only detected during diestrus or after Depo-treatment in LCM-isolated vaginal epithelium. Distinct TLR mRNA expression profiles were seen also in primary vaginal ECs in vitro and only expression of TLR2 was significantly decreased in ECs cultured in the presence of stromal cells. Thus, TLR expression in vaginal ECs is regulated by sex hormones and can be affected by stromal cells. These findings contribute to our understanding of innate immune defense against STIs and enhance the quality of woman's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dan Yao
- Centre for Gene Therapeutics, Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, MDCL 4019, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Carr DJJ, Tomanek L. Herpes simplex virus and the chemokines that mediate the inflammation. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2007; 303:47-65. [PMID: 16570856 PMCID: PMC4076168 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-33397-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are highly pervasive pathogens in the human host with a seroconversion rate upwards of 60% worldwide. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is associated with the disease herpetic stromal keratitis, the leading cause of infectious corneal blindness in the industrialized world. Individuals suffering from genital herpes associated with HSV type 2 (HSV-2) are found to be two- to threefold more susceptible in acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The morbidity associated with these infections is principally due to the inflammatory response, the development of lesions, and scarring. Chemokines have become an important aspect in understanding the host immune response to microbial pathogens due in part to the timing of expression. In this paper, we will explore the current understanding of chemokine production as it relates to the orchestration of the immune response to HSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J J Carr
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma, DMEI 415, Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Morrison CS, Wang J, Van Der Pol B, Padian N, Salata RA, Richardson BA. Pregnancy and the risk of HIV-1 acquisition among women in Uganda and Zimbabwe. AIDS 2007; 21:1027-34. [PMID: 17457097 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3280f00fc4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have suggested that pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition. We used data from a large, prospective study of hormonal contraception and HIV-1 to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. DESIGN A multicenter prospective cohort study. METHODS We examined 4439 women from family planning sites in Uganda and Zimbabwe contributing 31 369 follow-up visits during 1999-2004. Participants were aged 18-35 years, and had received pregnancy and HIV-1 testing quarterly for 15-24 months. Using proportional hazards modeling, we compared the time to HIV-1 acquisition among four groups: pregnant women, non-pregnant lactating (NP/L) women, and women neither pregnant nor lactating (NP/NL) who were either using or not using hormonal contraception. RESULTS A total of 211 participants became HIV-1 infected (2.7 per 100 woman-years; wy), including 13 pregnant women (1.6 per 100 wy), 33 NP/L women (2.7 per 100 wy), 126 NP/NL women using hormonal contraception (2.9 per 100 wy), and 39 NP/NL women not using hormonal contraception (2.7 per 100 wy). In multivariable analysis adjusting for site, age, living with partner, risky sexual behaviors, and incident vaginal, cervical and herpes simplex virus 2 infections, neither pregnant, NP/L, nor NP/NL women using hormonal contraception were at an increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition compared with NP/NL women not using hormonal contraception. CONCLUSION Neither pregnancy nor lactation placed women at increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition in this multisite, prospective study of African women. This information is important in planning interventions to reduce HIV-1 acquisition among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Morrison
- Clinical Research Department, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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Spacek J, Buchta V, Jílek P, Förstl M. Clinical aspects and luteal phase assessment in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 131:198-202. [PMID: 16687200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2005] [Revised: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to characterize the patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN Basic data of personal history and history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, lower genital tract symptoms and signs in 50 patients were analyzed in this longitudinal follow-up study including the determination of midluteal serum progesterone and urinary pregnanediol levels during the luteal phase in 84 cycles (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis) and 60 cycles (healthy controls). RESULTS All patients suffered primary idiopathic form of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Frequently, there was a striking discrepancy between severe symptoms and clinical finding, which was often negligible or normal. There was no redness and no or minimum discharge in 52% of culture documented attacks. In contrast to the healthy controls, the patients had significantly lower levels of progesterone (p<0.01) as well as those of urinary pregnanediol (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Culture positive attacks in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis represented rather a form of vulvovaginal discomfort than attacks of vulvovaginal candidiasis with typical inflammatory changes. Significantly lower progesterone levels in the RVVC patients as compared to the healthy controls suggest a link between an altered hormonal status and one of possible causes of RVVC in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirí Spacek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Králové 500 05, Czech Republic.
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Morrison CS, Richardson BA, Mmiro F, Chipato T, Celentano DD, Luoto J, Mugerwa R, Padian N, Rugpao S, Brown JM, Cornelisse P, Salata RA. Hormonal contraception and the risk of HIV acquisition. AIDS 2007; 21:85-95. [PMID: 17148972 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e3280117c8b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined oral contraceptives (COC) and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) are among the most widely used family planning methods; their effect on HIV acquisition is not known. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of COC and DMPA on HIV acquisition and any modifying effects of other sexually transmitted infections. METHODS This multicenter prospective cohort study enroled 6109 HIV-uninfected women, aged 18-35 years, from family planning clinics in Uganda, Zimbabwe and Thailand. Participants received HIV testing quarterly for 15-24 months. The risk of HIV acquisition with different contraceptive methods was assessed (excluding Thailand, where there were few HIV cases). RESULTS HIV infection occurred in 213 African participants (2.8/100 woman-years). Use of neither COC [hazard ratio (HR), 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69-1.42] nor DMPA (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.89-1.78) was associated with risk of HIV acquisition overall, including among participants with cervical or vaginal infections. While absolute risk of HIV acquisition was higher among participants who were seropositive for herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) than in those seronegative at enrolment, among the HSV-2-seronegative participants, both COC (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.39-5.82) and DMPA (HR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.98-8.00) users had an increased risk of HIV acquisition compared with the non-hormonal group. CONCLUSIONS No association was found between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV acquisition overall. This is reassuring for women needing effective contraception in settings of high HIV prevalence. However, hormonal contraceptive users who were HSV-2 seronegative had an increased risk of HIV acquisition. Additional research is needed to confirm and explain this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S Morrison
- Clinical Research Department, Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
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Rhen T, Cidlowski JA. Estrogens and glucocorticoids have opposing effects on the amount and latent activity of complement proteins in the rat uterus. Biol Reprod 2005; 74:265-74. [PMID: 16221988 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.045336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian uterus faces unique immunological challenges. It must nurture and protect the semiallogenic fetus from attack by the maternal immune system while guarding against infection by pathogens that compromise fetal and maternal health. Complement has recently been implicated in the etiology of pregnancy loss, but its regulation by steroid hormones and its role in host defense in the uterus are not clearly defined. Here we use biochemical, functional, and physiological assays to elucidate the regulation of complement proteins in the rat uterus. We demonstrate that estrogens (17 beta-estradiol) and glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) have major, but opposing, effects on the amount and latent activity of complement effectors in the uterus. Treatment with 17 beta-estradiol induced vasodilation and an increase in vascular permeability, which resulted in extravasation of plasma and complement into the uterus, rather than de novo complement biosynthesis. In vitro assays revealed that 17 beta-estradiol induced a potent bactericidal activity in uterine luminal fluid and that the antibacterial component was complement. These proinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects were evident within 4 h of treatment and were blocked by coadministration of dexamethasone. We also found that estrogen effects on the vasculature were mediated in part by activation of the contact system and bradykinin B1 receptors. These results indicate that complement plays a central role in innate immunity in the female reproductive tract and suggest that estrogens or glucocorticoids might be used therapeutically to enhance or inhibit complement-dependent processes in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turk Rhen
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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Morison L, Ekpo G, West B, Demba E, Mayaud P, Coleman R, Bailey R, Walraven G. Bacterial vaginosis in relation to menstrual cycle, menstrual protection method, and sexual intercourse in rural Gambian women. Sex Transm Infect 2005; 81:242-7. [PMID: 15923295 PMCID: PMC1744975 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2004.011684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) over the menstrual cycle and in relation to menstrual protection materials and sexual intercourse in a rural African setting. METHODS Married, regularly menstruating female volunteers were asked to collect self administered swabs on alternate days through four menstrual cycles. BV was assessed using Nugent scores. Menstruation and reported sexual intercourse data were recorded contemporaneously. A crossover design comparing traditional and modern menstrual protection methods was incorporated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations with BV. RESULTS 30 women completed four menstrual cycles in the study. Completeness and validity of data from the self administered swabs was high. Greater frequencies of BV were found for all women in the second week of the menstrual cycle relative to days 14+, and markedly higher frequencies of BV were found in the first week in women with infrequent BV. BV was (non-significantly) more frequent when modern pads were used compared with traditional cloths. No association was found between BV and intercourse reported in the previous 4 days; or between the frequency of reported intercourse in one menstrual cycle and BV in either the same menstrual cycle or the next. CONCLUSIONS Similar transient fluctuations over the menstrual cycle were found to those in industrialised countries. We found no evidence that sexual intercourse was associated with increased frequency of BV. Our data do not support hypotheses that menstrual hygiene materials might explain the high prevalences of BV found in sub-Saharan Africa compared to industrialised countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Morison
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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