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Miller C, Morikawa K, Benny P, Riel J, Fialkowski MK, Qin Y, Khadka V, Lee MJ. Effects of Dietary Quality on Vaginal Microbiome Composition Throughout Pregnancy in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Nutrients 2024; 16:3405. [PMID: 39408372 PMCID: PMC11479099 DOI: 10.3390/nu16193405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Vaginal Lactobacillus predominance is associated with improved vaginal health and reduced pregnancy complications. Little is known about how dietary quality may improve vaginal microbial composition or about dietary interventions that may promote Lactobacillus abundance. To understand the host factors affecting vaginal microbiota during pregnancy in a multi-ethnic cohort in Hawai`i. We hypothesize that better diet quality improves vaginal microbial composition, as represented by Lactobacillus abundance and depletion of anaerobic organisms. Methods: We compared comprehensive diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), to taxonomic classifications of bacteria present within the vagina. Participants of the four predominant ethnic groups in Hawai'i (Japanese, Filipino, Non-Hispanic White and Native Hawaiian) completed Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires (QFFQs) and collected vaginal swabs during each trimester. 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing (V2-V9 regions) was performed on vaginal samples. HEI-2015 scores and macro- and micronutrient intake were compared with the predominant species present using the Mann-Whitney-U test, PERMANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. A mixed-effects logistics regression model was used to predict the depletion of Lactobacillus species while accounting for confounding demographic factors. Results: Matched, longitudinal data for 40 participants demonstrated three predominant Lactobacillus species: L. crispatus, L. iners, and L. gasseri, with another subset of samples with anaerobic abundance. (Primarily, Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella, and Gardnerella vaginalis.) Non-Hispanic White participants had lower amounts of Lactobacillus iners compared to other racial and ethnic groups. HEI scores correlated with the chao index and observed species number primarily in the first trimester (r = 0.25, p < 0.05). Greater carbohydrate intake was associated with a higher abundance of L. crispatus, while lower carbohydrate intake trended towards more L. iners (0.056) and anaerobic species. Conclusions: Increased carbohydrate consumption and improved diet quality may be associated with beneficial vaginal microbial composition in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrie Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (K.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Kira Morikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (K.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Paula Benny
- National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Riel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (K.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Marie K. Fialkowski
- Nutrition Support Shared Resource, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA;
| | - Yujia Qin
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (Y.Q.); (V.K.)
| | - Vedbar Khadka
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (Y.Q.); (V.K.)
| | - Men-Jean Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA; (K.M.); (J.R.)
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Scheible K, Beblavy R, Sohn MB, Qui X, Gill AL, Narvaez-Miranda J, Brunner J, Miller RK, Barrett ES, O'Connor TG, Gill SR. Affective symptoms in pregnancy are associated with the vaginal microbiome. J Affect Disord 2024; 368:410-419. [PMID: 39293607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Composition of the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal, obstetric, and child health outcomes. Therefore, identifying sources of individual differences in the vaginal microbiome is of considerable clinical and public health interest. The current study tested the hypothesis that vaginal microbiome composition during pregnancy is associated with an individual's experience of affective symptoms and stress exposure. METHODS Data were based on a prospective longitudinal study of a medically healthy community sample of 275 mother-infant pairs. Affective symptoms and stress exposure and select measures of associated biomarkers (diurnal salivary cortisol, serum measures of sex hormones) were collected at each trimester; self-report, clinical, and medical records were used to collect detailed data on socio-demographic factors and health behavior, including diet and sleep. Vaginal microbiome samples were collected in the third trimester (34-40 weeks) and characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. Identified taxa were clustered into three community clusters (CC1-3) based on dissimilarity of vaginal microbiota composition. RESULTS Results indicate that depressive symptoms during pregnancy were reliably associated with individual taxa and CC3 in the third trimester. Prediction of functional potential from 16S taxonomy revealed a differential abundance of metabolic pathways in CC1-3 and individual taxa, including biosynthetic pathways for serotonin and dopamine. We did not find robust evidence linking symptom- and stress-related biomarkers and CCs. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide further evidence of how prenatal psychological distress during pregnancy alters the maternal-fetal microbiome ecosystem that may be important for understanding maternal and child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Scheible
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Robert Beblavy
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael B Sohn
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xing Qui
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ann L Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Janiret Narvaez-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Steven R Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Lee HY, Nazmul T, Lan J, Oyoshi MK. Maternal influences on offspring food allergy. Immunol Rev 2024; 326:130-150. [PMID: 39275992 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergies has been globally escalating. While allergies could appear at any age, they often develop in early life. However, the significant knowledge gap in the field is the mechanisms by which allergies affect certain people but not others. Investigating early factors and events in neonatal life that have a lasting impact on determining the susceptibilities of children to develop allergies is a significant area of the investigation as it promotes the understanding of neonatal immune system that mediates tolerance versus allergies. This review focuses on the research over the recent 10 years regarding the potential maternal factors that influence offspring allergies with a view to food allergy, a potentially life-threatening cause of anaphylaxis. The role of breast milk, maternal diet, maternal antibodies, and microbiota that have been suggested as key maternal factors regulating offspring allergies are discussed here. We also suggest future research area to expand our knowledge of maternal-offspring interactions on the pathogenesis of food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Yeong Lee
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanuza Nazmul
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jinggang Lan
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michiko K Oyoshi
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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McClelland RS, Lokken EM, Kinuthia J, Srinivasan S, Richardson BA, Jaoko W, Lannon S, Pulei A, Fiedler TL, Munch MM, Proll S, John-Stewart G, Fredricks DN. A prospective cohort study examining the association between the periconceptual vaginal microbiota and first-trimester miscarriage in Kenyan women. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2024; 38:599-611. [PMID: 38949435 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the association between the vaginal microbiota and miscarriage have produced variable results. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the association between periconceptual and first-trimester vaginal microbiota and women's risk for miscarriage. METHODS At monthly preconception visits and at 9-12 weeks gestation, women collected vaginal swabs for molecular characterisation of the vaginal microbiota. Participants who became pregnant were followed to identify miscarriage versus pregnancy continuing to at least 20 weeks gestation. RESULTS Forty-five women experienced miscarriage and 144 had pregnancies continuing to ≥20 weeks. A principal component analysis of periconceptual and first-trimester vaginal bacteria identified by 16S rRNA gene PCR with next-generation sequencing did not identify distinct bacterial communities with miscarriage versus continuing pregnancy. Using taxon-directed quantitative PCR assays, increasing concentrations of Megasphaera hutchinsoni, Mageeibacillus indolicus, Mobiluncus mulieris and Sneathia sanguinegens/vaginalis were not associated with miscarriage. In exploratory analyses, these data were examined as a binary exposure to allow for multivariable modelling. Detection of Mobiluncus mulieris in first-trimester samples was associated with miscarriage (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08, 4.22). Additional analyses compared women with early first-trimester miscarriage (range 4.7-7.3 weeks) to women with continuing pregnancies. Mobiluncus mulieris was detected in all eight (100%) first-trimester samples from women with early first-trimester miscarriage compared to 101/192 (52.6%) samples from women with continuing pregnancy (model did not converge). Detection of Mageeibacillus indolicus in first-trimester samples was also associated with early first-trimester miscarriage (aRR 4.10, 95% CI 1.17, 14.31). CONCLUSIONS The primary analyses in this study demonstrated no association between periconceptual or first-trimester vaginal microbiota and miscarriage. Exploratory analyses showing strong associations between first-trimester detection of Mobiluncus mulieris and Mageeibacillus indolicus and early first-trimester miscarriage suggest the need for future studies to determine if these findings are reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Scott McClelland
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Erica M Lokken
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sophia Lannon
- Northwest Perinatal, Women's Healthcare Associates, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Anne Pulei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tina L Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew M Munch
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean Proll
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Teng Y, Feng S, Gu Z, Hou C, Xu H, Li Z, Zhao J, Fang Y, Ma X, Liu H, Guo J, Wang J, Ding H, Lu W. Comparison of microbiota structure in reproductive tract of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1419914. [PMID: 39144224 PMCID: PMC11322576 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1419914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiota in the reproductive tract of cattle play a vital role in maintaining normal reproduction. However, the information on microbiota in different parts of reproductive tracts with different genetic background is few. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the microbiota in vagina, cervix and uterus of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle. The results showed that microbial diversity increases from the vagina to the uterus. The top three bacterial phyla in bovine reproductive tract were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, accounting for more than 85%. From the vagina to the uterus, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria gradually decreased, while that of Firmicutes gradually increased. Phylum-level Firmicutes and genus-level UCG_010 were significantly enriched in the uterus of Yanbian cattle and Yanhuang cattle. Comparing the same parts of the two breeds, it was found that there was no significant difference in alpha diversity, but significant differences in beta diversity. In addition, microbiota with significant differences in the relative abundance of the reproductive tract were found. These findings lay a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the genital tract microbiota of cows and its regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkun Teng
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Feng
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Gu
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunqi Hou
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Haoran Xu
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - He Ding
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenfa Lu
- Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Province Engineering Laboratory for Ruminant Reproductive Biotechnology and Healthy Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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Gronsfeld V, Brutinel F, Egyptien S, Porsmoguer C, Hamaide A, Taminiau B, Daube G, Van de Weerdt ML, Deleuze S, Noel S. Evaluation of the vaginal and urinary microbiota of healthy cycling bitches. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:315. [PMID: 39010076 PMCID: PMC11247753 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04104-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the urogenital microbiota has recently been characterized in healthy male and female dogs, the influence of sex hormones on the urogenital microbiome of bitches is still unknown. A deeper understanding of the cyclic changes in urinary and vaginal microbiota would allow us to compare the bacterial populations in healthy dogs and assess the impact of the microbiome on various urogenital diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and compare the urogenital microbiota during different phases of the estrous cycle in healthy female dogs. DNA extraction, 16 S rDNA library preparation, sequencing and informatic analysis were performed to determine the vaginal and urinary microbiota in 10 healthy beagle dogs at each phase of the estrous cycle. RESULTS There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of the urinary microbiota across the different cycle phases. Similarly, alpha diversity, richness and evenness of vaginal bacterial populations were not significantly different across the cycle phases. However, there were significant differences in vaginal beta diversity between the different cycle phases, except for between anestrus and diestrus. CONCLUSION This study strongly suggests that estrogen influences the abundance of the vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs, but does not appear to affect the urinary microbiome. Furthermore, our data facilitate a deeper understanding of the native urinary and vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gronsfeld
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Flore Brutinel
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sophie Egyptien
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charles Porsmoguer
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Annick Hamaide
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Taminiau
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Stefan Deleuze
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Noel
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Zangirolamo AF, Souza AK, Yokomizo DN, Miguel AKA, da Costa MC, Alfieri AA, Seneda MM. Updates and Current Challenges in Reproductive Microbiome: A Comparative Analysis between Cows and Women. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1971. [PMID: 38998083 PMCID: PMC11240322 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The microbiota plays an important role in numerous physiological processes, pathogenesis, development, and metabolism in different animal species. In humans, several studies have demonstrated an association between the vaginal microbiota and fertility rates, and even success in assisted reproduction techniques. In the context of cattle reproduction, although few studies have addressed the microbiota in a healthy state (which is not associated with diseases that affect the reproductive tract of cows), changes in its composition also seem to influence fertility. This review aims to explain the importance of the reproductive microbiota in female bovines and what is available in the literature regarding its possible role in increasing fertility. What are the challenges involved in this process? Future perspectives on its use and manipulation as a selection or intervention tool. Will it be possible to one day extrapolate the findings to reality and apply them in the field? In short, understanding the role of the reproductive microbiota of female bovines can signal the prospect of increasing production, whether of milk or meat, from the same number of animals, as it can optimize reproductive efficiency and perhaps become an allied tool for the economic profitability and sustainability of livestock farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fonseca Zangirolamo
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT–LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.F.Z.); (A.A.A.)
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.K.S.); (D.N.Y.); (A.K.A.M.)
| | - Anne Kemmer Souza
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.K.S.); (D.N.Y.); (A.K.A.M.)
| | - Deborah Nakayama Yokomizo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.K.S.); (D.N.Y.); (A.K.A.M.)
| | - Ana Karolyne Alves Miguel
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.K.S.); (D.N.Y.); (A.K.A.M.)
| | | | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT–LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.F.Z.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Marcelo Marcondes Seneda
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT–LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.F.Z.); (A.A.A.)
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil; (A.K.S.); (D.N.Y.); (A.K.A.M.)
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Kulshrestha S, Redhu R, Dua R, Gupta R, Gupta P, Gupta S, Narad P, Sengupta A. 16S rRNA female reproductive microbiome investigation reveals Dalfopristin, Clorgyline, and Hydrazine as potential therapeutics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:116349. [PMID: 38744093 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116349] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent vaginal illness resulting from a disruption in the vaginal microbial equilibrium. The vaginal microbiota has been shown to have a substantial impact on the development and continuation of BV. This work utilized 16S rRNA sequence analysis of vaginal microbiome samples (Control vs BV samples) utilizing Parallel-Meta 3 to investigate the variations in microbial composition. The unique genes identified were used to determine prospective therapeutic targets and their corresponding inhibitory ligands. Further, molecular docking was conducted and then MD simulations were carried out to confirm the docking outcomes. In the BV samples, we detected several anaerobic bacteria recognized for their ability to generate biofilms, namely Acetohalobium, Anaerolineaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, and others. Furthermore, we identified Dalfopristin, Clorgyline, and Hydrazine as potential therapeutic options for the management of BV. This research provides new insights into the causes of BV and shows the potential effectiveness of novel pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeepti Kulshrestha
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Ritu Redhu
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Riya Dua
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Romasha Gupta
- CSIR Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Payal Gupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Somesh Gupta
- Department of Dermatology & Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Narad
- Division of Biomedical Informatics (BMI), Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Sengupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
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9
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Li H, Han M, Xu J, Li N, Cui H. The vaginal microbial signatures of preterm birth woman. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:428. [PMID: 38877389 PMCID: PMC11177453 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the differences of vaginal microbes in women with preterm birth (PTB), and to construct prediction model. We searched for articles related to vaginal microbiology in preterm women and obtained four 16S rRNA-sequence datasets. We analyzed that for species diversity and differences, and constructed a random forest model with 20 differential genera. We introduce an independent whole genome-sequencing (WGS) data for validation. In addition, we collected vaginal and cervical swabs from 33 pregnant women who delivered spontaneously full-term and preterm infants, performed WGS in our lab to further validate the model. Compared to term birth (TB) samples, PTB women vagina were characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, and an increase in diversity accompanied by the colonization of pathogenic bacteria such as Gardnerella, Atopobium and Prevotella. Twenty genus markers, including Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Gardnerella performed well in predicting PTB, with study-to-study transfer validation and LODO validation, different gestation validation showing good results, and in two independent cohorts (external WGS cohorts and woman samples WGS cohorts) in which the accuracy was maintained. PTB women have unique vaginal microbiota characteristics. A predictive model of PTB was constructed and its value validated from multiple perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Mengzhen Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Junnan Xu
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University Birth Cohort, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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10
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Liu S, Alipour H, Zachar V, Kesmodel US, Dardmeh F. Effect of Postbiotics Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Sperm Quality: A Prospective In Vitro Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1781. [PMID: 38892713 PMCID: PMC11174611 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However, their potential effect on sperm quality has not been well investigated. This controlled in vitro study aimed to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on sperm quality parameters. The experiment was conducted in vitro to eliminate potential confounding factors from the female reproductive tract and vaginal microbiota. Sperm samples from 18 healthy donors were subjected to analysis using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) in various concentrations of postbiotics and control mediums at baseline, 60 min, and 90 min of incubation. Results indicated that lower postbiotic concentration (PB5) did not adversely affect sperm motility, kinematic parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and normal morphology at any time. However, concentrations exceeding 15% demonstrated a reduction in progressively motile sperm and a negative correlation with non-progressively motile sperm at all time points. These findings underscore the importance of balancing postbiotic dosage to preserve sperm motility while realizing the postbiotics' vaginal health benefits. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine practical applications in reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Hiva Alipour
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Vladimir Zachar
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
| | - Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Fereshteh Dardmeh
- Regenerative Medicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark; (H.A.); (V.Z.)
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11
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Molina MA, Leenders WPJ, Huynen MA, Melchers WJG, Andralojc KM. Temporal composition of the cervicovaginal microbiome associates with hrHPV infection outcomes in a longitudinal study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:552. [PMID: 38831406 PMCID: PMC11145797 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) can cause cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) that may progress to cancer. The cervicovaginal microbiome (CVM) correlates with SIL, but the temporal composition of the CVM after hrHPV infections has not been fully clarified. METHODS To determine the association between the CVM composition and infection outcome, we applied high-resolution microbiome profiling using the circular probe-based RNA sequencing technology on a longitudinal cohort of cervical smears obtained from 141 hrHPV DNA-positive women with normal cytology at first visit, of whom 51 were diagnosed by cytology with SIL six months later. RESULTS Here we show that women with a microbial community characterized by low diversity and high Lactobacillus crispatus abundance at both visits exhibit low risk to SIL development, while women with a microbial community characterized by high diversity and Lactobacillus depletion at first visit have a higher risk of developing SIL. At the level of individual species, we observed that a high abundance for Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae at both visits associate with SIL outcomes. These species together with Dialister micraerophilus showed a moderate discriminatory power for hrHPV infection progression. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the CVM can potentially be used as a biomarker for cervical disease and SIL development after hrHPV infection diagnosis with implications on cervical cancer prevention strategies and treatment of SIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano A Molina
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn A Huynen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands.
| | - Karolina M Andralojc
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
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12
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Mager LF, Krause T, McCoy KD. Interaction of microbiota, mucosal malignancies, and immunotherapy-Mechanistic insights. Mucosal Immunol 2024; 17:402-415. [PMID: 38521413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome has emerged as a crucial modulator of host-immune interactions and clearly impacts tumor development and therapy efficacy. The microbiome is a double-edged sword in cancer development and therapy as both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic bacterial taxa have been identified. The staggering number of association-based studies in various tumor types has led to an enormous amount of data that makes it difficult to identify bacteria that promote tumor development or modulate therapy efficacy from bystander bacteria. Here we aim to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge of microbiome-host immunity interactions and cancer therapy in various mucosal tissues to find commonalities and thus identify potential functionally relevant bacterial taxa. Moreover, we also review recent studies identifying specific bacteria and mechanisms through which the microbiome modulates cancer development and therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas F Mager
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center for Malignom, Metabolome and Microbiome, Faculty of Medicine University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim Krause
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center for Malignom, Metabolome and Microbiome, Faculty of Medicine University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kathy D McCoy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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13
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Stennett CA, France M, Shardell M, Robbins SJ, Brown SE, Johnston ED, Mark K, Ravel J, Brotman RM. Longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota of pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women: preliminary insights from a secondary data analysis. Menopause 2024; 31:537-545. [PMID: 38787353 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause is often accompanied by lowered Lactobacillus spp. relative abundance and increased abundance of diverse anaerobic/aerobic bacteria in the vaginal microbiota due in part to declines in estrogen. These microbiota are associated with urogenital symptoms and infections. In premenopause, vaginal microbiota can fluctuate rapidly, particularly with menstrual cycles and sexual activity; however, the longitudinal dynamics of vaginal microbiota are understudied in peri- and postmenopause. We described vaginal community stability across reproductive stages. METHODS Pre- (n = 83), peri- (n = 8), and postmenopausal (n = 11) participants provided twice-weekly mid-vaginal samples (total, 1,556; average, 15 per participant) over 8 weeks in an observational study. Composition of the vaginal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and a community state type (CST) was assigned to each sample. Clustering of longitudinal CST profiles, CST transition rates, duration of low-Lactobacillus/high bacterial diversity CSTs, and other metrics of bacterial community dynamics were assessed across reproductive stages. RESULTS The proportion of participants with longitudinal CST profiles characterized by low-Lactobacillus CSTs was similar among pre- (38.6%), peri- (37.5%), and postmenopausal (36.4%) participants (P = 0.69). CST transition rates between consecutive samples were 21.1%, 16.7%, and 14.6% for pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal participants, respectively (P = 0.49). Low-Lactobacillus CST tended to persist for at least 4 weeks, irrespective of reproductive stage. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this small yet frequently sampled cohort revealed vaginal bacterial fluctuations over 8 weeks that were similar across reproductive stages. Larger and longer-term studies based on these preliminary data could provide insights into the influence of microbiota dynamics on urogenital outcomes during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth D Johnston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Katrina Mark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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14
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McKee K, Bassis CM, Golob J, Palazzolo B, Sen A, Comstock SS, Rosas-Salazar C, Stanford JB, O'Connor T, Gern JE, Paneth N, Dunlop AL. Host factors are associated with vaginal microbiome structure in pregnancy in the ECHO Cohort Consortium. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11798. [PMID: 38782975 PMCID: PMC11116393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Using pooled vaginal microbiota data from pregnancy cohorts (N = 683 participants) in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, we analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences to identify clinical and demographic host factors that associate with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy both within and across diverse cohorts. Using PERMANOVA models, we assessed factors associated with vaginal community structure in pregnancy, examined whether host factors were conserved across populations, and tested the independent and combined effects of host factors on vaginal community state types (CSTs) using multinomial logistic regression models. Demographic and social factors explained a larger amount of variation in the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy than clinical factors. After adjustment, lower education, rather than self-identified race, remained a robust predictor of L. iners dominant (CST III) and diverse (CST IV) (OR = 8.44, 95% CI = 4.06-17.6 and OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.88-9.26, respectively). In random forest models, we identified specific taxonomic features of host factors, particularly urogenital pathogens associated with pregnancy complications (Aerococcus christensenii and Gardnerella spp.) among other facultative anaerobes and key markers of community instability (L. iners). Sociodemographic factors were robustly associated with vaginal microbiota structure in pregnancy and should be considered as sources of variation in human microbiome studies.
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Grants
- U24OD023382 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- U2C OD023375 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023271 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023282 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023282 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023287 NIH HHS
- U24 OD023319 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023305 NIH HHS
- K01 AI153558 NIAID NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023288 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023249 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- U24OD023319 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023349 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023337 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023328 NIH HHS
- U24 OD023382 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023313 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023289 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023249 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023389 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023290 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023251 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023285 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023275 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023318 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023248 NIH HHS
- U2COD023375 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023253 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023272 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023347 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023318 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023251 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023279 NIH HHS
- UH3OD023285 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
- UH3 OD023244 NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023320 NIH HHS
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly McKee
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA.
| | - Christine M Bassis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan Golob
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Beatrice Palazzolo
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Ananda Sen
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA
| | - Sarah S Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Joseph B Stanford
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thomas O'Connor
- Departments of Neuroscience and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nigel Paneth
- Departments of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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McCoy JA, Burris HH, Gerson KD, McCarthy C, Ravel J, Elovitz MA. Cervicovaginal Microbial-Immune State and Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Pregnancy. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2539-e2546. [PMID: 37557898 PMCID: PMC10853487 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant risk factor for serious neonatal morbidity. There are limited data on how the cervicovaginal (CV) microbiota and host immune factor β-defensin-2 might influence GBS colonization in pregnant individuals. This study sought to determine if the CV microbiota is associated with GBS colonization in pregnant individuals, and if β-defensin-2 modifies this relationship. STUDY DESIGN This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with singleton pregnancies who had CV microbiota specimens analyzed at 16 to 20, 20 to 24, and 24 to 28 weeks' gestation, along with a third trimester GBS rectovaginal (RV) culture (n = 492). Microbiota data were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and classified into community state types (CSTs). Log-binomial multivariable regression was used to model associations between CST and GBS RV status and to calculate risk ratios. β-defensin-2, an immune factor known to modulate the relationship between CST and pregnancy outcomes, was examined as an effect modifier. RESULTS Of 492 individuals, 34.3% were GBS RV + . Compared with individuals with CST I at 16 to 20 weeks, individuals with CST IV-A and CST II had a significantly elevated relative risk of subsequent GBS RV+ status. When stratified by high and low β-defensin-2 levels, β-defensin-2 was found to be an effect modifier of the association between CST IV-A and GBS RV+ status. In individuals with low β-defensin-2 levels, CST VI-A was associated with GBS RV+ status, but among individuals with high β-defensin-2 levels, there was no such association (interaction p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSION Pregnant individuals with CV microbiota characterized by CST IV-A and CST II had significantly elevated risk of GBS RV colonization in the third trimester compared with those with CST I, and β-defensin-2 was an effect modifier of the association between CST IV-A and GBS RV+ status. Future research should investigate if manipulation of the CV microbiota can prevent GBS colonization, thereby reducing intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and the risks of neonatal GBS infection. KEY POINTS · The relationship between the CV microbiota and GBS RV colonization is unknown.. · A Lactobacillus-deficient, anaerobic rich vaginal community, CST IV-A, is associated with increased risk of GBS RV colonization.. · β-defensin-2 is an effect modifier of the association between CST IV-A and GBS RV+ status..
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. McCoy
- Department of OB/GYN, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Heather H. Burris
- Department of OB/GYN, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristin D. Gerson
- Department of OB/GYN, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Clare McCarthy
- Department of OB/GYN, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michal A. Elovitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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16
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Shen J, Sun H, Chu J, Gong X, Liu X. Cervicovaginal microbiota: a promising direction for prevention and treatment in cervical cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38641803 PMCID: PMC11027553 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women, with high incidence rate and mortality. Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Cervicovaginal microbiota (CVM) plays an essential role in the defense of HPV infections and prevention of subsequent lesions. Dominance of Lactobacillus is the key of CVM homeostasis, which can be regulated by host, exogenous and endogenous factors. Dysbiosis of CVM, including altered microbial, metabolic, and immune signatures, can contribute to persist HPV infection, leading to cervical cancer. However, there is no evidence of the causality between CVM and cervical cancer, and the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Considering the close correlation between CVM dysbiosis and persistent HPV infection, this review will overview CVM, its role in cervical cancer development and related mechanisms, and the prospects for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodi Gong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Scheible K, Beblavy R, Sohn MB, Qui X, Gill AL, Narvaez-Miranda J, Brunner J, Miller RK, Barrett ES, O’Connor TG, Gill SR. Affective Symptoms in Pregnancy are Associated with the Vaginal Microbiome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.589254. [PMID: 38645042 PMCID: PMC11030453 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Composition of the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal, obstetric, and child health outcomes. Identifying the sources of individual differences in the vaginal microbiome is therefore of considerable clinical and public health interest. The current study tested the hypothesis that vaginal microbiome composition during pregnancy is associated with an individual's experience of affective symptoms and stress exposure. Data were based on a prospective longitudinal study of a diverse and medically healthy community sample of 275 mother-infant pairs. Affective symptoms and stress exposure and select measures of associated biomarkers (diurnal salivary cortisol, serum measures of sex hormones) were collected at each trimester; self-report, clinical, and medical records were used to collect detailed data on socio-demographic factors and health behavior, including diet and sleep. Vaginal microbiome samples were collected in the third trimester (34-40 weeks) and characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing. Identified taxa were clustered into three community state types (CST1-3) based on dissimilarity of vaginal microbiota composition. Results indicate that depressive symptoms during pregnancy were reliably associated with individual taxa and CST3 in the third trimester. Prediction of functional potential from 16S taxonomy revealed a differential abundance of metabolic pathways in CST1-3 and individual taxa, including biosynthetic pathways for the neuroactive metabolites, serotonin and dopamine. With the exception of bioavailable testosterone, no significant associations were found between symptoms- and stress-related biomarkers and CSTs. Our results provide further evidence of how prenatal psychological distress during pregnancy alters the maternal-fetal microbiome ecosystem that may be important for understanding maternal and child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Scheible
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Robert Beblavy
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael B. Sohn
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Xing Qui
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Ann L. Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Janiret Narvaez-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tom G. O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Steven R. Gill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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18
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Duarte G, Linhares IM, Kreitchmann R, Tristão ADR, Traina E, Canti I, Takimura M, Andrade JQ. Vulvovaginitis in pregnant women. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2024; 46:e-FPS03. [PMID: 38765512 PMCID: PMC11075393 DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024fps03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
• The balanced vaginal microbiome is the main factor defending the vaginal environment against infections. Lactobacilli play a key role in this regard, maintaining the vaginal pH within the normal range (3.8 to 4.5). •Hormonal and immune adaptations resulting from pregnancy influence changes in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy. •An altered vaginal microbiome predisposes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. •Bacterial vaginosis is the main clinical expression of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. •Vulvovaginal candidiasis depends more on the host's conditions than on the etiological agent. •Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan transmitted during sexual intercourse. •The use of probiotics is not approved for use in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Duarte
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão PretoSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Iara Moreno Linhares
- Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Regis Kreitchmann
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre Porto AlegreRS Brazil Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Andréa da Rocha Tristão
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual Paulista BotucatuSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Traina
- Escola Paulista de Medicina Universidade Federal de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivete Canti
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto AlegreRS Brazil Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcos Takimura
- Universidade Positivo CuritibaPR Brazil Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Joelma Queiroz Andrade
- Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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19
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N K, C A, P L, Bm L. Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Association With Preterm Birth in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e57502. [PMID: 38707164 PMCID: PMC11066814 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The most common preventive cause of premature labour is ascending infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and preterm labour in antenatal women and determine the significance of using the Amsel criteria to screen for BV. Methods This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted among 100 antenatal mothers in the second trimester attending the antenatal OPD at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai from October 2019 to September 2021 after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants. Data were entered in Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and analysed in SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results According to the Amsel criteria, BV was detected in 21 women (21%). Neither maternal age nor parity had an effect on the study group. There was a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the mode of delivery, preterm labour, and the study group. Of the 21 positive BV cases, 95% were positive for clue cells and only 5% were positive for gram-negative bacteria. Consequently, BV was found to be associated with early labour. There is no association between BMI and BV (p > 0.005). Conclusion In the current study, BV was shown to be associated with preterm labour. Our study underscores the significance of the Amsel criteria as a valuable tool for screening BV in antenatal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana N
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Amirtha C
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vinayaka Missions Medical College and Hospital, Karaikal, IND
| | - Lavoanya P
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Logeswari Bm
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
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Hussein K, Tesfai B, Frezgi O, Hayelom H, Gebremeskel Y, Werede A, Gebremariam H, Kibreab F, Hamida ME. Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Patients with Vaginal Discharge: A 2019-2022 Analysis at the National Health Laboratory in Eritrea. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:7193490. [PMID: 38577704 PMCID: PMC10994703 DOI: 10.1155/2024/7193490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global threat to the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in low- and middle-income regions such as Africa. This study is aimed at analyzing antimicrobial resistance patterns in vaginal swab samples from patients at the National Health Laboratory from 2019 to 2022. Methods This retrospective study examined patient records from vaginal swab analyses performed at the National Health Laboratory between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health Research Ethical Approval and Clearance Committee on 15/02/2023. Results Of the 622 samples, 83% underwent microbial isolation and identification. Citrobacter spp. exhibited high resistance (>43%) to antibiotics such as cephalexin, ceftazidime, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, gentamicin, and tetracycline. E. coli showed resistance rates of more than 50% to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. exhibited resistance rates that exceeded 47% to specific antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria have resistance rates of more than 49% with ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, oxacillin, vancomycin, and penicillin G. In particular, S. aureus demonstrated no resistance to rifampicin or clindamycin, while Streptococcus spp. showed 100% resistance to rifampicin and vancomycin. Several species, including Proteus species, Streptococcus spp., S. aureus, and Klebsiella spp. exhibited multidrug resistance. Conclusion Most gram-negative bacteria displayed higher resistance of >45% to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. Among gram-positive bacteria, a higher resistance rate with ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, oxacillin, vancomycin, and penicillin G was recorded. S. aureus showed no resistance to rifampicin and clindamycin, and Strep. spp. indicated 100% resistance to rifampicin and vancomycin. This study highlights critical gaps and areas for further exploration. Expanding the spectrum of antibiotics tested and investigating underlying multidrug resistance mechanisms would provide a more comprehensive understanding of resistance patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hussein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Orotta National Referral Maternity Hospital, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Berhe Tesfai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Orotta National Referral Maternity Hospital, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Okbu Frezgi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Orotta National Referral Maternity Hospital, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Hagos Hayelom
- Microbiology Department, National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Yosan Gebremeskel
- Microbiology Department, National Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Azania Werede
- National Medicines and Food Administration, Ministry of Health, Asmara, Eritrea
| | | | - Fitsum Kibreab
- Ministry of Health, Division of the Center for Health Research and Resources, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Mohammed Elfatih Hamida
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea
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21
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Gao H, Liu Q, Wang X, Li T, Li H, Li G, Tan L, Chen Y. Deciphering the role of female reproductive tract microbiome in reproductive health: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1351540. [PMID: 38562966 PMCID: PMC10982509 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1351540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Relevant studies increasingly indicate that female reproductive health is confronted with substantial challenges. Emerging research has revealed that the microbiome interacts with the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, which are the cornerstone of maintaining female reproductive health and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the precise mechanisms underlying their interaction and impact on physiological functions of the reproductive tract remain elusive, constituting a prominent area of investigation within the field of female reproductive tract microecology. From this new perspective, we explore the mechanisms of interactions between the microbiome and the anatomy, histology, and immunity of the female reproductive tract, factors that affect the composition of the microbiome in the female reproductive tract, as well as personalized medicine approaches in managing female reproductive tract health based on the microbiome. This study highlights the pivotal role of the female reproductive tract microbiome in maintaining reproductive health and influencing the occurrence of reproductive tract diseases. These findings support the exploration of innovative approaches for the prevention, monitoring and treatment of female reproductive tract diseases based on the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Qiao Liu
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- Center for a Combination of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Genlin Li
- Center for a Combination of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lingling Tan
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yahui Chen
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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22
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Rajasekera TA, Galley JD, Mackos AR, Chen HJ, Mitchell JG, Kleinman JJ, Cappelucci P, Mashburn-Warren L, Lauber CL, Bailey MT, Worly BL, Gur TL. Stress and depression-associated shifts in gut microbiota: A pilot study of human pregnancy. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100730. [PMID: 38323225 PMCID: PMC10844036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial stress and mood-related disorders, such as depression, are prevalent and vulnerability to these conditions is heightened during pregnancy. Psychosocial stress induces consequences via several mechanisms including the gut microbiota-brain axis and associated signaling pathways. Previous preclinical work indicates that prenatal stress alters maternal gut microbial composition and impairs offspring development. Importantly, although the fecal and vaginal microenvironments undergo alterations across pregnancy, we lack consensus regarding which shifts are adaptive or maladaptive in the presence of prenatal stress and depression. Clinical studies interrogating these relationships have identified unique taxa but have been limited in study design. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals consisting of repeated administration of psychometrics (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)) and collection of fecal and vaginal microbiome samples. Fecal and vaginal microbial community composition across psychometric responses were interrogated using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing followed by α and β-diversity metrics and taxonomic abundance. Results Early pregnancy stress was associated with increased abundance of fecal taxa not previously identified in related studies, and stress from late pregnancy through postpartum was associated with increased abundance of typical vaginal taxa and opportunistic pathogens in the fecal microenvironment. Additionally, in late pregnancy, maternal stress and depression scores were associated with each other and with elevated maternal C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) concentrations. At delivery, concordant with previous literature, umbilical CCL2 concentration was negatively correlated with relative abundance of maternal fecal Lactobacilli. Lastly, participants with more severe depressive symptoms experienced steeper decreases in prenatal vaginal α-diversity. Conclusion These findings a) underscore previous preclinical and clinical research demonstrating the effects of prenatal stress on maternal microbiome composition, b) suggest distinct biological pathways for the consequences of stress versus depression and c) extend the literature by identifying several taxa which may serve critical roles in mediating this relationship. Thus, further interrogation of the role of specific maternal microbial taxa in relation to psychosocial stress and its sequelae is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese A. Rajasekera
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Galley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy R. Mackos
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Helen J. Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Paige Cappelucci
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Christian L. Lauber
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael T. Bailey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brett L. Worly
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamar L. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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23
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Steiling M, Jackson B, Stegman N, Sedano C, Putonti C. Draft genomes of Lactobacillus jensenii UMB0908, UMB1545, and UMB5777 from the urinary tract. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0112023. [PMID: 38265199 PMCID: PMC10871029 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01120-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus jensenii is a member of the female urogenital microbiome. Previous research has identified strains of L. jensenii that are capable of inhibiting or killing uropathogens, including E. coli. Here, we present the draft genomes of three L. jensenii strains collected from urine samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Steiling
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Briana Jackson
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalie Stegman
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cerena Sedano
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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24
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Muzny CA, Elnaggar JH, Sousa LGV, Lima Â, Aaron KJ, Eastlund IC, Graves KJ, Dong C, Van Gerwen OT, Luo M, Tamhane A, Long D, Cerca N, Taylor CM. Microbial interactions among Gardnerella, Prevotella and Fannyhessea prior to incident bacterial vaginosis: protocol for a prospective, observational study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083516. [PMID: 38316599 PMCID: PMC10859992 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella spp are present in 95%-100% of cases; Gardnerella vaginalis has been found to be more virulent than other BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) in vitro. However, G. vaginalis is found in women with normal vaginal microbiota and colonisation is not sufficient for BV development. We hypothesise that Gardnerella spp initiate BV biofilm formation, but incident BV (iBV) requires incorporation of other key BVAB (ie, Prevotella bivia, Fannyhessea vaginae) into the biofilm that alter the transcriptome of the polymicrobial consortium. This study will investigate the sequence of microbiologic events preceding iBV. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will enrol 150 women aged 18-45 years with normal vaginal microbiota and no sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health research clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. Women will self-collect twice daily vaginal specimens up to 60 days. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR for Gardnerella spp, P. bivia and F. vaginae, and broad range 16S rRNA gene qPCR will be performed on twice daily vaginal specimens from women with iBV (Nugent score 7-10 on at least 2 consecutive days) and controls (with comparable age, race, contraceptive method and menstrual cycle days) maintaining normal vaginal microbiota to investigate changes in the vaginal microbiota over time for women with iBV. Participants will complete daily diaries on multiple factors including sexual activity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol is approved by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (IRB-300004547) and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals as well as disseminated to providers and patients in communities of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jacob H Elnaggar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho-Gualtar Campus, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ângela Lima
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho-Gualtar Campus, Braga, Portugal
| | - Kristal J Aaron
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Isaac C Eastlund
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Keonte J Graves
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Chaoling Dong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Olivia T Van Gerwen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Microbial Genomics Resource Group, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ashutosh Tamhane
- Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Dustin Long
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho-Gualtar Campus, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Christopher M Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Huang CH, Tseng YH, Tsai WS, Su CC, Cheng CL, Kao Yang YH, Chang YC, Liu YH. Association Between Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection and Duration of Proton Pump Inhibitor or H2-Receptor Antagonist Use in Hospitalized Patients. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:373-383. [PMID: 38286955 PMCID: PMC10904693 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00922-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited studies have evaluated the association between Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and the duration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine H2-receptor blocker (H2RA) use and provided a cutoff duration for PPI or H2RA use to mitigate a substantially increased risk of CDI. We aimed to evaluate these associations in hospitalized patients using a nationwide insurance claims database. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study to identify cases with a first ever record of CDI in a study cohort undergoing PPI or H2RA therapy from the National Health Insurance Database from 2012 to 2018. Each case was matched with one control by age, sex, and calendar year. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC). Youden's J statistic was used to identify the optimal cutoff duration in days for PPI or H2RA use. RESULTS In the main analysis, the AUC ROC was 0.64 (95% CI 0.63-0.66) and optimal cutoff duration was 15 days for PPI users. The AUC ROC was 0.63 (95% CI 0.62-0.64) and optimal cutoff duration was 16 days for H2RA users. In the sensitivity analyses, the results were similar to those of the main analysis, and the optimal cutoff duration was in the range of 14-15 days. CONCLUSIONS The optimal cutoff duration for PPI and H2RA use was about 2 weeks. It is necessary to be cautious regarding the risk of CDI in patients taking PPIs or H2RAs for longer than 2 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsin Tseng
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shan Tsai
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chou Su
- Clinical Innovation and Research Center, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, No. 138 Sheng Li Road, Tainan City, 704, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Lan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan.
| | - Yea-Huei Kao Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan
- Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Chang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan
- Health Outcome Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City, 701, Taiwan
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Barba M, Toquet M, García-Roselló E, Gomis J, Quereda JJ, González-Torres P, Carbonetto B, Gómez-Martín Á. Description of the vaginal microbiota in nulliparous ewes during natural mating and pregnancy: preliminary signs of the male preputial microbiota modulation. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1224910. [PMID: 38274751 PMCID: PMC10808482 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1224910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota plays a key role in animals' health. Understanding its diversity and composition and associated changes occurring through the reproductive cycle represents valuable knowledge to disclose the mechanisms leading to dysbiosis and eventually to infection. Even if the human vaginal microbiota has been thoroughly studied, scarce research has been conducted on the vaginal microbiota of livestock. In this study, 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing was performed on vaginal samples of ten nulliparous ewes at three different sampling points: before the estrus synchronization protocol (T0), at the time of estrus before mating (Testrus), and the day of the pregnancy diagnosis (Tpreg). Preputial samples from the three males collected pre and post-mating were also analyzed. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in vaginal samples. The most abundant genera were Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Peptinophilius. Vaginal microbiota biodiversity decreased during pregnancy. Tenericutes (Ureaplasma spp.) increased significantly at Tpreg in both pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. Differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes at Tpreg where pregnant ewes had a significantly higher abundance of Actinobacillus spp. and Ureaplasma spp. Ewes that were diagnosed with pregnancy at Tpreg showed a decreased abundance of gram-negative bacteria such as Bacteroidales, Campylobacterales, and Enterobacteriales. In addition, a significant decrease in the relative abundances of genera within Firmicutes, such as Alloicoccus (Lactobacillales), Atopostipes (Lactobacillales), and an uncultured bacteria W5053 from Family XI (Firmicutes, Clostridiales) was observed in non-pregnant ewes at Tpreg. The four most abundant phyla in the rams' prepuce were the same as in the ewes' vagina. The most abundant genus was Corynebacterium. No major differences were observed in the ram's preputial microbiota between pre and post-mating samples. Nevertheless, the differences in the taxonomic composition of ewes' vaginal microbiota between Testrus and Tpreg could be explained by the exposure to the preputial microbiota. This study offers new insights into the effects of several key steps of the ewe's reproductive cycle such as estrus-synchronization protocol, mating, and pregnancy on ovine vaginal microbiota. The knowledge of the microbiota dynamics during the reproductive cycle can help improve the reproductive outcomes of dams by identifying biomarkers and putative probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barba
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA), Teruel, Spain
| | - Marion Toquet
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Empar García-Roselló
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Gomis
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Quereda
- Research Group Intracellular Pathogens: Biology and Infection, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pedro González-Torres
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- Microomics Systems S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Carbonetto
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
- Microomics Systems S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángel Gómez-Martín
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBIO) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Carrer Tirant lo Blanc, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
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Samarra A, Flores E, Bernabeu M, Cabrera-Rubio R, Bäuerl C, Selma-Royo M, Collado MC. Shaping Microbiota During the First 1000 Days of Life. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1449:1-28. [PMID: 39060728 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58572-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Given that the host-microbe interaction is shaped by the immune system response, it is important to understand the key immune system-microbiota relationship during the period from conception to the first years of life. The present work summarizes the available evidence concerning human reproductive microbiota, and also, the microbial colonization during early life, focusing on the potential impact on infant development and health outcomes. Furthermore, we conclude that some dietary strategies including specific probiotics and other-biotics could become potentially valuable tools to modulate the maternal-neonatal microbiota during this early critical window of opportunity for targeted health outcomes throughout the entire lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Samarra
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Eduard Flores
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Bernabeu
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Raul Cabrera-Rubio
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Christine Bäuerl
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Selma-Royo
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Paterna-Valencia, Spain.
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Onyango S, Mi JD, Koech A, Okiro P, Temmerman M, von Dadelszen P, Tribe RM, Omuse G. Microbiota dynamics, metabolic and immune interactions in the cervicovaginal environment and their role in spontaneous preterm birth. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306473. [PMID: 38196946 PMCID: PMC10774218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although establishing a direct causal link between cervicovaginal microbiota and sPTB remains challenging, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of microbial markers potentially linked to sPTB. Despite variations in findings, a recurring observation suggests that sPTB is associated with a more diverse and less stable vaginal microbiota across pregnancy trimesters. It is hypothesized that sPTB risk is likely to be modified via an intricate host-microbe interactions rather than due to the presence of a single microbial taxon or broad community state. Nonetheless, lactobacilli dominance is generally associated with term outcomes and contributes to a healthy vaginal environment through the production of lactic acid/maintenance of a low pH that excludes other pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the innate immunity of the host and metabolic interactions between cervicovaginal microbiota, such as the production of bacteriocins and the use of proteolytic enzymes, exerts a profound influence on microbial populations, activities, and host immune responses. These interplays collectively impact pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the complexity of cervicovaginal environment and microbiota dynamics, and associations with bacterial vaginosis and sPTB. There is also consideration on how probiotics may mitigate the risk of sPTB and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Onyango
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia Dai Mi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Okiro
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Väinämö S, Saqib S, Kalliala I, Kervinen K, Luiro K, Niinimäki M, Halttunen-Nieminen M, Virtanen S, Nieminen P, Salonen A, Holster T. Longitudinal analysis of vaginal microbiota during IVF fresh embryo transfer and in early pregnancy. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0165023. [PMID: 37882794 PMCID: PMC10715154 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01650-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Infertility is a global public health issue which leads many couples to seek fertility treatments, of which in vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered to be the most effective. Still, only about one-third of the women achieve live birth after the first IVF embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Factors affecting embryo implantation are poorly known, but the female reproductive tract microbiota may play a key role. Our study confirms the beneficial role of vaginal lactobacilli, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, in the probability of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth following IVF-ET. Our findings regarding the intra-individual shift of vaginal microbiota between non-pregnancy and pregnancy states are novel and provide new information about the dynamics of microbiota in the early steps of human reproduction. These findings may help clinicians in their attempts to optimize the conditions for ET by microbiota screening or modulation and timing the ET when the microbiota is the most favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Väinämö
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Schahzad Saqib
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Kalliala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaisa Kervinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisu Luiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maarit Niinimäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mervi Halttunen-Nieminen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Virtanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Nieminen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Salonen
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Holster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Hong YM, Lee J, Cho DH, Jeon JH, Kang J, Kim MG, Lee S, Kim JK. Predicting preterm birth using machine learning techniques in oral microbiome. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21105. [PMID: 38036587 PMCID: PMC10689490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48466-x] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth prediction is essential for improving neonatal outcomes. While many machine learning techniques have been applied to predict preterm birth using health records, inflammatory markers, and vaginal microbiome data, the role of prenatal oral microbiome remains unclear. This study aimed to compare oral microbiome compositions between a preterm and a full-term birth group, identify oral microbiome associated with preterm birth, and develop a preterm birth prediction model using machine learning of oral microbiome compositions. Participants included singleton pregnant women admitted to Jeonbuk National University Hospital between 2019 and 2021. Subjects were divided into a preterm and a full-term birth group based on pregnancy outcomes. Oral microbiome samples were collected using mouthwash within 24 h before delivery and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed to analyze taxonomy. Differentially abundant taxa were identified using DESeq2. A random forest classifier was applied to predict preterm birth based on the oral microbiome. A total of 59 women participated in this study, with 30 in the preterm birth group and 29 in the full-term birth group. There was no significant difference in maternal clinical characteristics between the preterm and the full-birth group. Twenty-five differentially abundant taxa were identified, including 22 full-term birth-enriched taxa and 3 preterm birth-enriched taxa. The random forest classifier achieved high balanced accuracies (0.765 ± 0.071) using the 9 most important taxa. Our study identified 25 differentially abundant taxa that could differentiate preterm and full-term birth groups. A preterm birth prediction model was developed using machine learning of oral microbiome compositions in mouthwash samples. Findings of this study suggest the potential of using oral microbiome for predicting preterm birth. Further multi-center and larger studies are required to validate our results before clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Mi Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyu Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical, Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hun Jeon
- Helixco Inc., 50, Unist-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Kang
- Helixco Inc., 50, Unist-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Gul Kim
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical, Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Semin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Kyu Kim
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical, Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, 20, Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Bar O, Sudhof LS, Yockey LJ, Bergerat A, Moriel N, Andrews E, Ananthakrishnan AN, Xavier RJ, Yassour M, Mitchell CM. Comparison of vaginal microbiota between women with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284709. [PMID: 38019873 PMCID: PMC10686494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are perturbed in both composition and function. The vaginal microbiome and its role in the reproductive health of women with inflammatory bowel disease is less well described. OBJECTIVE We aim to compare the vaginal microbiota of women with inflammatory bowel disease to healthy controls. METHODS Women with inflammatory bowel disease enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study provided self-collected vaginal swabs. Healthy controls underwent provider-collected vaginal swabs at routine gynecologic exams. All participants completed surveys on health history, vulvovaginal symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms, if applicable. Microbiota were characterized by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Associations between patient characteristics and microbial community composition were evaluated by PERMANOVA and Principal Components Analysis. Lactobacillus dominance of the microbial community was compared between groups using chi-square and Poisson regression. RESULTS The cohort included 54 women with inflammatory bowel disease (25 Ulcerative colitis, 25 Crohn's Disease) and 26 controls. A majority, 72 (90%) were White; 17 (31%) with inflammatory bowel disease and 7 (27%) controls were postmenopausal. The composition of the vaginal microbiota did not vary significantly by diagnosis or severity of inflammatory bowel disease but did vary by menopausal status (p = 0.042). There were no significant differences in Shannon Diversity Index between healthy controls and women with IBD in premenopausal participants. There was no difference in proportion of Lactobacillus dominance according to diagnosis in premenopausal participants. A subgroup of postmenopausal women with Ulcerative colitis showed a significant higher alpha diversity and a lack of Lactobacillus dominance in the vaginal microbiome. CONCLUSIONS Menopausal status had a larger impact on vaginal microbial communities than inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis or severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofri Bar
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leanna S. Sudhof
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Yockey
- Departments of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Agnes Bergerat
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Nadav Moriel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Andrews
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ashwin N. Ananthakrishnan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ramnik J. Xavier
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Broad Institute, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Moran Yassour
- The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Caroline M. Mitchell
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
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32
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Ma Z(S. A new hypothesis on BV etiology: dichotomous and crisscrossing categorization of complex versus simple on healthy versus BV vaginal microbiomes. mSystems 2023; 8:e0004923. [PMID: 37646521 PMCID: PMC10654060 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00049-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE BV may influence as many as one-third of women, but its etiology remains unclear. A traditional view is that dominance by Lactobacillus is the hallmark of a healthy vaginal microbiome and lack of dominance may make women BV-prone. Recent studies show that the human VMs can be classified into five major types, four of which possess type-specific dominant species of Lactobacillus. The remaining one (type IV) is not dominated by Lactobacillus and contains a handful of strictly anaerobic bacteria. Nevertheless, exceptions to the first hypothesis have been noticed from the very beginning, and there is not a definite relationship, suggested yet, between the five VM types and BV status. Here, we propose and test a novel hypothesis that assumes the existence of four VM types from dichotomous crisscrossing of "complex versus simple (high diversity or low dominance versus low diversity or high dominance)" on "healthy versus BV." Consequently, there are simple BV versus complex BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanshan (Sam) Ma
- Computational Biology and Medical Ecology Lab, State Key Lab of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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33
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Oluoch L, Tapia K, Kiptinness C, Casmir E, Maina SG, Makena L, Selke S, Wang M, Chohan B, Sycuro L, Wald A, Ngure K, Mugo N, Roxby A. Longitudinal assessment of bacterial vaginosis prior to and during incident pregnancy: an observational study in Kenyan adolescent girls and young women. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071746. [PMID: 37813538 PMCID: PMC10565234 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine bacterial vaginosis (BV) status at multiple time points among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and assess the impact of pregnancy on their BV status. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING Thika, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS AGYW aged 16-20 years enrolled prior to first sex or reporting only a single lifetime partner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was relative risk (RR) of BV during pregnancy compared with before pregnancy by analysing longitudinal trends in BV over time. BV risk was estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS A total of 121 AGYW became pregnant in the parent cohort and had BV results before, during or after pregnancy. Point prevalence of BV was 11.0% at visits >12 months pre-pregnancy, 13.0% at 3-12 months pre-pregnancy, 22.1% at <3 months pre-pregnancy and 13.4% during pregnancy. Compared with visits during pregnancy, RR of BV was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.00 to 2.71; p=0.05) at visits <3 months pre-pregnancy, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.62 to 1.52; p=0.90) at visits 3-12 months pre-pregnancy and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.44 to 1.53; p=0.53) at visits 12 months pre-pregnancy. An adjusted analysis including age, income, residence, date of first sex, recent sexual activity and positive sexually transmitted infection test resulted in small changes in risk estimates, with adjusted RR of BV of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.04 to 2.67; p=0.04) at visits <3 months pre-pregnancy compared with visits during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS BV risk during pregnancy was lower than during the immediate pre-pregnancy period. Hormonal changes in pregnancy may reduce BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Oluoch
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Tapia
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Edinah Casmir
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - L Makena
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stacy Selke
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Melody Wang
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bhavna Chohan
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura Sycuro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Wald
- Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alison Roxby
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Global Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Gryaznova M, Kozarenko O, Smirnova Y, Burakova I, Syromyatnikov M, Maslov A, Lebedeva O. Cervical and Vaginal Microbiomes in Early Miscarriages and Ongoing Pregnancy with and without Dydrogesterone Usage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13836. [PMID: 37762139 PMCID: PMC10531357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the reproductive tract microbiota is a key modulator of local inflammatory and immune pathways throughout pregnancy and may subsequently impact pregnancy outcomes. In this study, our objective was to analyze the cervical and vaginal microbiomes during early pregnancy among three groups: women with healthy ongoing pregnancies, women undergoing dydrogesterone treatment, and those who experienced miscarriages. The experiment involved 51 women at 8-11 weeks of gestation. The microbiome was examined using 16S rRNA sequencing on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. Across all groups, Lactobacillus iners was predominant, suggesting that the vaginal community type CST III is common among the majority of participants. Notably, our data highlighted the significant roles of Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma girerdii in the pathogenesis of early miscarriage. Conversely, L. iners and Bifidobacterium longum have a protective effect in early pregnancy. Moreover, dydrogesterone intake appeared to influence notable differences between the cervical and vaginal microbiomes. Overall, our study enhanced our understanding of the cervical and vaginal microbiome composition in the eastern European population during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Gryaznova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Olesya Kozarenko
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Antenatal Care Department, Yakovlevo Central District Hospital, 309070 Stroitel, Russia
| | - Yuliya Smirnova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Inna Burakova
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Mikhail Syromyatnikov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Genetics, Cytology and Bioengineering, Voronezh State University, 394018 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Alexander Maslov
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Olga Lebedeva
- Laboratory of Metagenomics and Food Biotechnology, Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, 394036 Voronezh, Russia; (M.G.); (O.K.); (Y.S.); (I.B.); (M.S.); (A.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belgorod State National University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
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35
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Santos FP, Carvalhos CA, Figueiredo-Dias M. New Insights into Photobiomodulation of the Vaginal Microbiome-A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13507. [PMID: 37686314 PMCID: PMC10487748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713507] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of new technologies such as sequencing has greatly enhanced our understanding of the human microbiome. The interactions between the human microbiome and the development of several diseases have been the subject of recent research. In-depth knowledge about the vaginal microbiome (VMB) has shown that dysbiosis is closely related to the development of gynecologic and obstetric disorders. To date, the progress in treating or modulating the VMB has lagged far behind research efforts. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses low levels of light, usually red or near-infrared, to treat a diversity of conditions. Several studies have demonstrated that PBM can control the microbiome and improve the activity of the immune system. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the microbiome, mostly to the gut microbiome and its connections with many diseases, such as metabolic disorders, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmunity, and neurological disorders. The applicability of PBM therapeutics to treat gut dysbiosis has been studied, with promising results. The possible cellular and molecular effects of PBM on the vaginal microbiome constitute a theoretical and promising field that is starting to take its first steps. In this review, we will discuss the potential mechanisms and effects of photobiomodulation in the VMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda P. Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Gynecology University Clinic, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (M.F.-D.)
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Gynecology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3001-301 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlota A. Carvalhos
- Faculty of Medicine, Gynecology University Clinic, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (M.F.-D.)
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Gynecology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Dias
- Faculty of Medicine, Gynecology University Clinic, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (M.F.-D.)
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Gynecology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3001-301 Coimbra, Portugal
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Ene A, Banerjee S, Wolfe AJ, Putonti C. Exploring the genotypic and phenotypic differences distinguishing Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus mulieris. mSphere 2023; 8:e0056222. [PMID: 37366621 PMCID: PMC10449518 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00562-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus jensenii are dominant species of the urogenital microbiota. Prior studies suggest that these Lactobacillus species play a significant role in the urobiome of healthy females. In our prior genomic analysis of all publicly available L. jensenii and Lactobacillus mulieris genomes at the time (n = 43), we identified genes unique to these two closely related species. This motivated our further exploration here into their genotypic differences as well as into their phenotypic differences. First, we expanded genome sequence representatives of both species to 61 strains, including publicly available strains and nine new strains sequenced here. Genomic analyses conducted include phylogenetics of the core genome as well as biosynthetic gene cluster analysis and metabolic pathway analyses. Urinary strains of both species were assayed for their ability to utilize four simple carbohydrates. We found that L. jensenii strains can efficiently catabolize maltose, trehalose, and glucose, but not ribose, and L. mulieris strains can utilize maltose and glucose, but not trehalose and ribose. Metabolic pathway analysis clearly shows the lack of treB within L. mulieris strains, indicative of its inability to catabolize external sources of trehalose. While genotypic and phenotypic observations provide insight into the differences between these two species, we did not find any association with urinary symptom status. Through this genomic and phenotypic investigation, we identify markers that can be leveraged to clearly distinguish these two species in investigations of the female urogenital microbiota. IMPORTANCE We have expanded upon our prior genomic analysis of L. jensenii and L. mulieris strains, including nine new genome sequences. Our bioinformatic analysis finds that L. jensenii and L. mulieris cannot be distinguished by short-read 16S rRNA gene sequencing alone. Thus, to discriminate between these two species, future studies of the female urogenital microbiome should employ metagenomic sequencing and/or sequence species-specific genes, such as those identified here. Our bioinformatic examination also confirmed our prior observations of differences between the two species related to genes associated with carbohydrate utilization, which we tested here. We found that the transport and utilization of trehalose are key distinguishing traits of L. jensenii, which is further supported by our metabolic pathway analysis. In contrast with other urinary Lactobacillus species, we did not find strong evidence for either species, nor particular genotypes, to be associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (or the lack thereof).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ene
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Swarnali Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Pantazi AC, Balasa AL, Mihai CM, Chisnoiu T, Lupu VV, Kassim MAK, Mihai L, Frecus CE, Chirila SI, Lupu A, Andrusca A, Ionescu C, Cuzic V, Cambrea SC. Development of Gut Microbiota in the First 1000 Days after Birth and Potential Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:3647. [PMID: 37630837 PMCID: PMC10457741 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163647] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The first 1000 days after birth represent a critical window for gut microbiome development, which is essential for immune system maturation and overall health. The gut microbiome undergoes major changes during this period due to shifts in diet and environment. Disruptions to the microbiota early in life can have lasting health effects, including increased risks of inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and obesity. Maternal and environmental factors during pregnancy and infancy shape the infant gut microbiota. In this article, we will review how maintaining a healthy gut microbiome in pregnancy and infancy is important for long-term infant health. Furthermore, we briefly include fungal colonization and its effects on the host immune function, which are discussed as part of gut microbiome ecosystem. Additionally, we will describe how potential approaches such as hydrogels enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, gut microbiota transplantation (GMT) during pregnancy, age-specific microbial ecosystem therapeutics, and CRISPR therapies targeting the gut microbiota hold potential for advancing research and development. Nevertheless, thorough evaluation of their safety, effectiveness, and lasting impacts is crucial prior to their application in clinical approach. The article emphasizes the need for continued research to optimize gut microbiota and immune system development through targeted early-life interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Adriana Luminita Balasa
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cristina Maria Mihai
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Tatiana Chisnoiu
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Vasile Valeriu Lupu
- Pediatrics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Larisia Mihai
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Corina Elena Frecus
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | | | - Ancuta Lupu
- Pediatrics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Antonio Andrusca
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Constantin Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (S.I.C.)
| | - Viviana Cuzic
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania (A.L.B.)
- Pediatrics Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Simona Claudia Cambrea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University, 900470 Constanta, Romania
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Romero R, Theis KR, Gomez-Lopez N, Winters AD, Panzer JJ, Lin H, Galaz J, Greenberg JM, Shaffer Z, Kracht DJ, Chaiworapongsa T, Jung E, Gotsch F, Ravel J, Peddada SD, Tarca AL. The Vaginal Microbiota of Pregnant Women Varies with Gestational Age, Maternal Age, and Parity. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0342922. [PMID: 37486223 PMCID: PMC10434204 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03429-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of the vaginal microbiota is heavily influenced by pregnancy and may factor into pregnancy complications, including spontaneous preterm birth. However, results among studies have been inconsistent due, in part, to variation in sample sizes and ethnicity. Thus, an association between the vaginal microbiota and preterm labor continues to be debated. Yet, before assessing associations between the composition of the vaginal microbiota and preterm labor, a robust and in-depth characterization of the vaginal microbiota throughout pregnancy in the specific study population under investigation is required. Here, we report a large longitudinal study (n = 474 women, 1,862 vaginal samples) of a predominantly African-American cohort-a population that experiences a relatively high rate of pregnancy complications-evaluating associations between individual identity, gestational age, and other maternal characteristics with the composition of the vaginal microbiota throughout gestation resulting in term delivery. The principal factors influencing the composition of the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy are individual identity and gestational age at sampling. Other factors are maternal age, parity, obesity, and self-reported Cannabis use. The general pattern across gestation is for the vaginal microbiota to remain or transition to a state of Lactobacillus dominance. This pattern can be modified by maternal parity and obesity. Regardless, network analyses reveal dynamic associations among specific bacterial taxa within the vaginal ecosystem, which shift throughout the course of pregnancy. This study provides a robust foundational understanding of the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy and sets the stage for further investigation of this microbiota in obstetrical disease. IMPORTANCE There is debate regarding links between the vaginal microbiota and pregnancy complications, especially spontaneous preterm birth. Inconsistencies in results among studies are likely due to differences in sample sizes and cohort ethnicity. Ethnicity is a complicating factor because, although all bacterial taxa commonly inhabiting the vagina are present among all ethnicities, the frequencies of these taxa vary among ethnicities. Therefore, an in-depth characterization of the vaginal microbiota throughout pregnancy in the specific study population under investigation is required prior to evaluating associations between the vaginal microbiota and obstetrical disease. This initial investigation is a large longitudinal study of the vaginal microbiota throughout gestation resulting in a term delivery in a predominantly African-American cohort, a population that experiences disproportionally negative maternal-fetal health outcomes. It establishes the magnitude of associations between maternal characteristics, such as age, parity, body mass index, and self-reported Cannabis use, on the vaginal microbiota in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Andrew D. Winters
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Panzer
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Huang Lin
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zachary Shaffer
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - David J. Kracht
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyamal D. Peddada
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Sabo MC, Lokken EM, Srinivasan S, Kinuthia J, Richardson BA, Fiedler TL, Munch M, Proll S, Salano C, John-Stewart G, Jaoko W, Fredricks DN, McClelland RS. Changes in Vaginal Bacteria and Inflammatory Mediators From Periconception Through the Early Postpartum Period in a Cohort of Kenyan Women Without HIV. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:487-499. [PMID: 37207618 PMCID: PMC10428199 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum may be mediated by changes in vaginal microbiota and/or cytokines. METHODS A cohort of 80 Kenyan women who were HIV-1 seronegative contributed 409 vaginal samples at 6 pregnancy time points: periconception, positive pregnancy test result, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum. Concentrations of vaginal bacteria linked with HIV risk and Lactobacillus spp were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cytokines were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS Based on Tobit regression, later pregnancy time points were associated with lower concentrations of Sneathia spp (P = .01), Eggerthella sp type 1 (P = .002), and Parvimonas sp type 2 (P = .02) and higher concentrations of Lactobacillus iners (P < .001), Lactobacillus crispatus (P < .001), Lactobacillus vaginalis (P < .001), interleukin 6 (P < .001), TNF (P = .004), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10; P < .001), C-C motif ligand 3 (P = .009), C-C motif ligand 4 (P < .001), C-C motif ligand 5 (P = .002), interleukin 1β (P = .02), and interleukin 8 (P = .002). Most cervicovaginal cytokines and vaginal bacteria clustered separately in principal component analysis, except for CXCL10, which did not group with either cytokines or bacteria. The shift toward a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota during pregnancy mediated the relationship between pregnancy time point and CXCL10. CONCLUSIONS Increases in proinflammatory cytokines, but not vaginal bacterial taxa linked with higher HIV risk, could provide an explanation for increased HIV susceptibility during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Sabo
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Erica M Lokken
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tina L Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew Munch
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean Proll
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clayton Salano
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David N Fredricks
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Tuddenham S, Shafiq M, Mathad JS, Alexander M, Naik S, Kulkarni V, Deshpande P, Humphrys MS, Holm JB, Khan N, Yadana S, Cheedalla A, Bhosale R, Ghanem KG, Wang T, Wang S, Ma B, Ravel J, Gupta A, Shivakoti R. Association of Pregnancy and HIV Status With Molecular-Bacterial Vaginosis in Indian Women. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:422-430. [PMID: 37155962 PMCID: PMC10524256 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent disorder of the cervicovaginal microbiota. Molecular-BV may put women at increased risk for adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes. We investigated the association of HIV and pregnancy on the vaginal microbiota and associations with molecular-BV in women of reproductive age from Pune, India. SETTING We studied vaginal samples from N = 170 women, including N = 44 nonpregnant HIV seronegative, N = 56 pregnant seronegative, N = 47 nonpregnant women with HIV (WWH), and N = 23 pregnant WWH, and collected data on clinical, behavioral, and demographic factors. METHODS We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the composition of the vaginal microbiota. We classified the vaginal microbiota of these women into community state types based on bacterial composition and relative abundance and further categorized them into molecular-BV versus Lactobacillus -dominated states. To determine associations between pregnancy and HIV status with outcome of molecular-BV, logistic regression models were used. RESULTS There was a high prevalence of molecular-BV (30%) in this cohort. We found that pregnancy was associated with decreased odds of molecular-BV (adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.87), while HIV was associated with increased odds of molecular-BV (adjusted OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.33 to 5.73), even when controlling for multiple relevant factors such as age, number of sexual partners, condom use, and douching. CONCLUSION Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to further characterize molecular-BV and the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women and WWH and relate these factors to infectious, reproductive, and obstetric outcomes. In the long term, these studies may lead to novel microbiota-based therapeutics to improve women's reproductive and obstetric health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mehr Shafiq
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Jyoti S. Mathad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Mallika Alexander
- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College-Johns Hopkins University Clinical Research Site, Pune, India
| | - Shilpa Naik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Vandana Kulkarni
- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College-Johns Hopkins University Clinical Research Site, Pune, India
| | - Prasad Deshpande
- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College-Johns Hopkins University Clinical Research Site, Pune, India
| | - Mike S. Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Johanna B. Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Nawshaba Khan
- Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College-Johns Hopkins University Clinical Research Site, Pune, India
| | - Su Yadana
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | | | - Ramesh Bhosale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Khalil G. Ghanem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Bing Ma
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amita Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rupak Shivakoti
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
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41
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Masson L, Wilson J, Amir Hamzah AS, Tachedjian G, Payne M. Advances in mass spectrometry technologies to characterize cervicovaginal microbiome functions that impact spontaneous preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13750. [PMID: 37491925 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. Infection is a major cause of this adverse outcome, particularly in PTBs characterised by spontaneous rupture of membranes, referred to as spontaneous (s)PTB. However, the aetiology of sPTB is not well defined and specific bacteria associated with sPTB differ between studies and at the individual level. This may be due to many factors including a lack of understanding of strain-level differences in bacteria that influence how they function and interact with each other and the host. Metaproteomics and metabolomics are mass spectrometry-based methods that enable the collection of detailed microbial and host functional information. Technological advances in this field have dramatically increased the resolution of these approaches, enabling the simultaneous detection of thousands of proteins or metabolites. These data can be used for taxonomic analysis of vaginal bacteria and other microbes, to understand microbiome-host interactions, and identify diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Although these methods have been used to assess host proteins and metabolites, few have characterized the microbial compartment in the context of pregnancy. The utilisation of metaproteomic and metabolomic-based approaches has the potential to vastly improve our understanding of the mechanisms leading to sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindi Masson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenna Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aleya Sarah Amir Hamzah
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gilda Tachedjian
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Payne
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Dousti Mousavi N, Aldirawi H, Yang J. Categorical Data Analysis for High-Dimensional Sparse Gene Expression Data. BIOTECH 2023; 12:52. [PMID: 37606439 PMCID: PMC10443356 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Categorical data analysis becomes challenging when high-dimensional sparse covariates are involved, which is often the case for omics data. We introduce a statistical procedure based on multinomial logistic regression analysis for such scenarios, including variable screening, model selection, order selection for response categories, and variable selection. We perform our procedure on high-dimensional gene expression data with 801 patients, 2426 genes, and five types of cancerous tumors. As a result, we recommend three finalized models: one with 74 genes achieves extremely low cross-entropy loss and zero predictive error rate based on a five-fold cross-validation; and two other models with 31 and 4 genes, respectively, are recommended for prognostic multi-gene signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Dousti Mousavi
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Hani Aldirawi
- Department of Mathematics, California State University—San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA;
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
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Yang Y, Liu Z, Chen X, Qin F, Zhou W. Association between vaginal microbiomes and neonatal septicemia in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes based on metagenome sequencing. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:4544-4557. [PMID: 37560239 PMCID: PMC10408501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is closely associated with pathogenic microbiomes in the female reproductive tract, and can lead to neonatal septicemia. The current study aimed to investigate potential pathogenic microbiomes associated with neonatal septicemia based on DNA metagenome sequencing. METHODS In this study, a total of 7 pregnant women with PPROM presenting neonatal septicemia (experimental group) and 3 pregnant women with normal newborns (control group) were enrolled. Vaginal secretions at admission and before parturition as well as placental tissues after parturition were collected for DNA metagenome sequencing using whole genome shotgun method on the Illumina NovaSeq/HiSeq platform. Raw data were processed by BioBakery workflow, and MetaPhlAn4 was implemented for qualitative and quantitative analyses of microbiome. Lactobacillus crispatus, Gardneralla vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae and Streptococcus suis were specifically detected from the experimental group. The two groups were compared using Student's t-tests. RESULTS The indexes of Chao1 (P=0.00028/P=0.00072), abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE, P=0.00059/P=0.00026), Shannon (P=0.036/P=0.0065) and Simpson (P=0.007/P=0.041) in the experimental group were increased at admission and before parturition as compared with the control group. Several microbiomes, such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Gardneralla vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae and Streptococcus suis, were specifically detected in the experimental group. Notably, Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus gallolyticus were identified from the vaginal secretions and placenta tissues of women with neonatal septicemia. Moreover, nucleic acid synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways were enriched in the experimental group. CONCLUSION This study enhanced the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathogenic microbiomes in PPROM-induced neonatal septicemia. The trial registry number is ChiCTR2300070666 (URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=195648).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
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Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN. Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:186. [PMID: 37442975 PMCID: PMC10339506 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen metabolism by Lactobacillus spp. that dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome contributes to a low vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). During bacterial vaginosis (BV), strict and facultative anaerobes including Gardnerella vaginalis become predominant, leading to an increase in the vaginal pH (> 4.5). BV enhances the risk of obstetrical complications, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, and cervical cancer. Factors critical for the maintenance of the healthy vaginal microbiome or the transition to the BV microbiome are not well defined. Vaginal pH may affect glycogen metabolism by the vaginal microflora, thus influencing the shift in the vaginal microbiome. RESULTS The medium simulating vaginal fluid (MSVF) supported growth of L. jensenii 62G, L. gasseri 63 AM, and L. crispatus JV-V01, and G. vaginalis JCP8151A at specific initial pH conditions for 30 d. L. jensenii at all three starting pH levels (pH 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0), G. vaginalis at pH 4.5 and 5.0, and L. gasseri at pH 5.0 exhibited the long-term stationary phase when grown in MSVF. L. gasseri at pH 4.5 and L. crispatus at pH 5.0 displayed an extended lag phase over 30 d suggesting inefficient glycogen metabolism. Glycogen was essential for the growth of L. jensenii, L. crispatus, and G. vaginalis; only L. gasseri was able to survive in MSVF without glycogen, and only at pH 5.0, where it used glucose. All four species were able to survive for 15 d in MSVF with half the glycogen content but only at specific starting pH levels - pH 4.5 and 5.0 for L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and G. vaginalis and pH 5.0 for L. crispatus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that variations in the vaginal pH critically influence the colonization of the vaginal tract by lactobacilli and G. vaginalis JCP8151A by affecting their ability to metabolize glycogen. Further, we found that L. jensenii 62G is capable of glycogen metabolism over a broader pH range (4.0-5.0) while L. crispatus JV-V01 glycogen utilization is pH sensitive (only functional at pH 5.0). Finally, our results showed that G. vaginalis JCP8151A can colonize the vaginal tract for an extended period as long as the pH remains at 4.5 or above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephany Navarro
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Habib Abla
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Betsaida Delgado
- Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX USA
- Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Jane A. Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, Odessa, TX USA
| | - Abdul N. Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
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Costello EK, DiGiulio DB, Robaczewska A, Symul L, Wong RJ, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Holmes SP, Kwon DS, Relman DA. Abrupt perturbation and delayed recovery of the vaginal ecosystem following childbirth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4141. [PMID: 37438386 PMCID: PMC10338445 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal ecosystem is closely tied to human health and reproductive outcomes, yet its dynamics in the wake of childbirth remain poorly characterized. Here, we profile the vaginal microbiota and cytokine milieu of participants sampled longitudinally throughout pregnancy and for at least one year postpartum. We show that delivery, regardless of mode, is associated with a vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokine response and the loss of Lactobacillus dominance. By contrast, neither the progression of gestation nor the approach of labor strongly altered the vaginal ecosystem. At 9.5-months postpartum-the latest timepoint at which cytokines were assessed-elevated inflammation coincided with vaginal bacterial communities that had remained perturbed (highly diverse) from the time of delivery. Time-to-event analysis indicated a one-year postpartum probability of transitioning to Lactobacillus dominance of 49.4%. As diversity and inflammation declined during the postpartum period, dominance by L. crispatus, the quintessential health-associated commensal, failed to return: its prevalence before, immediately after, and one year after delivery was 41%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. Revisiting our pre-delivery data, we found that a prior live birth was associated with a lower odds of L. crispatus dominance in pregnant participants-an outcome modestly tempered by a longer ( > 18-month) interpregnancy interval. Our results suggest that reproductive history and childbirth in particular remodel the vaginal ecosystem and that the timing and degree of recovery from delivery may help determine the subsequent health of the woman and of future pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Costello
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Daniel B DiGiulio
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anna Robaczewska
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Laura Symul
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Susan P Holmes
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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Colella M, Topi S, Palmirotta R, D'Agostino D, Charitos IA, Lovero R, Santacroce L. An Overview of the Microbiota of the Human Urinary Tract in Health and Disease: Current Issues and Perspectives. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1486. [PMID: 37511861 PMCID: PMC10381901 DOI: 10.3390/life13071486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding the functions of the resident microbiota/microbiome in the urinary system for human health and disease. First, we sought to report the general characteristics (composition and stability) of the normal urinary system microbiota in the different anatomical sites in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, gender and diet, analyzing in detail the functions and the composition of the microbiota in the light of current knowledge. Several pieces of evidence suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of the urinary system, and in some cases their relationship with diseases is important for maintaining human health is well understood. The female and male reproductive microbiota have mainly been studied over the past decade. In the past, the arrest was thought to have taken place in a sterile environment. Microorganisms of the microbiota form biofilms, three-dimensional structures, that differ in the reproductive organs and interact with both gametes and the embryo as well as with maternal tissues. These biofilms from the reproductive system also interact with others, such as that of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduction in its diversity intestinal microbiota can disrupt estrogen metabolism and affect the reproductive microbiota. It is therefore understood that its quantitative and qualitative identification is important for microbiota, but also the study of the structures formed by the microorganisms. A dysbiosis with local or systemic causes can lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining microbial population harmony (eubiosis) and preventing certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system was also investigated. A negative variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of certain strains of microorganisms (dysbiosis) due to local or systemic causes can even lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining the healthy balance of microorganism populations (eubiosis), and thus in the prevention of certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system, has also been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Colella
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Skender Topi
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Elbasan "A. Xhuvani", 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Donato D'Agostino
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Elbasan "A. Xhuvani", 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Ioannis Alexandros Charitos
- Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, Clinical Scientific Institutes Maugeri (IRCCS), Section of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Lovero
- AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari-Ospedale Giovanni XXIII, Clinical Pathology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Elbasan "A. Xhuvani", 3001 Elbasan, Albania
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Shin H, Martinez KA, Henderson N, Jay M, Schweizer W, Bogaert D, Park G, Bokulich NA, Blaser MJ, Dominguez-Bello MG. Partial convergence of the human vaginal and rectal maternal microbiota in late gestation and early post-partum. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:37. [PMID: 37311781 PMCID: PMC10264455 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The human vaginal and fecal microbiota change during pregnancy. Because of the proximity of these perineal sites and the evolutionarily conserved maternal-to-neonatal transmission of the microbiota, we hypothesized that the microbiota of these two sites (rectal and vaginal) converge during the last gestational trimester as part of the preparation for parturition. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 16S rRNA sequences from vaginal introitus and rectal samples in 41 women at gestational ages 6 and 8 months, and at 2 months post-partum. The results show that the human vaginal and rectal bacterial microbiota converged during the last gestational trimester and into the 2nd month after birth, with a significant decrease in Lactobacillus species in both sites, as alpha diversity progressively increased in the vagina and decreased in the rectum. The microbiota convergence of the maternal vaginal-anal sites perinatally might hold significance for the inter-generational transmission of the maternal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakdong Shin
- Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, and Carbohydrate Bioproduct Research Center, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Martinez
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Nora Henderson
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melanie Jay
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Schweizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Debby Bogaert
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Gwoncheol Park
- Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, and Carbohydrate Bioproduct Research Center, College of Life Science, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nicholas A Bokulich
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Blaser
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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Miko E, Barakonyi A. The Role of Hydrogen-Peroxide (H 2O 2) Produced by Vaginal Microbiota in Female Reproductive Health. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051055. [PMID: 37237921 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Female reproductive health is strongly associated with healthy vaginal microbiota, which is thought to be ensured by the dominance of certain Lactobacillus species. Lactobacilli control the vaginal microenvironment through several factors and mechanisms. One of them is their ability to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The role of Lactobacillus-derived H2O2 in the vaginal microbial community has been intensively investigated in several studies with many designs. However, results and data are controversial and challenging to interpret in vivo. Defining the underlying mechanisms responsible for a physiological vaginal ecosystem is crucial since it could directly affect probiotic treatment attempts. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the topic, focusing on probiotic treatment possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Aliz Barakonyi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 12 Szigeti Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, 20 Ifjusag Street, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Shen K, Din AU, Sinha B, Zhou Y, Qian F, Shen B. Translational informatics for human microbiota: data resources, models and applications. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:7152256. [PMID: 37141135 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of human intestinal microbiology and diverse microbiome-related studies and investigations, a large amount of data have been generated and accumulated. Meanwhile, different computational and bioinformatics models have been developed for pattern recognition and knowledge discovery using these data. Given the heterogeneity of these resources and models, we aimed to provide a landscape of the data resources, a comparison of the computational models and a summary of the translational informatics applied to microbiota data. We first review the existing databases, knowledge bases, knowledge graphs and standardizations of microbiome data. Then, the high-throughput sequencing techniques for the microbiome and the informatics tools for their analyses are compared. Finally, translational informatics for the microbiome, including biomarker discovery, personalized treatment and smart healthcare for complex diseases, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Ahmad Ud Din
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Baivab Sinha
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Fuliang Qian
- Center for Systems Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610212, China
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Liu X, Si S, Huang L, Zhang M, Chen W, Wang L, Yu Y. Vaginal flora during pregnancy and subsequent risk of preterm birth or prelabor rupture of membranes: a nested case-control study from China. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:244. [PMID: 37046188 PMCID: PMC10091657 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The findings of the association of vaginal flora with preterm birth (PTB) or prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) were conflicts. Moreover, vaginal flora was different by ethnicity and the evidence from China was limited. METHODS This study was a nested case control study, based on Yiwu birth cohort. We assessed vaginal microbiota in the second or third trimester, using 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing and explored the association between the diversity and composition of vaginal flora and PTB or PROM. RESULTS We finally included 144 pregnant women. In present study, the alpha diversity of TPROM (Term prelabor rupture of membranes) samples was lower than that of full term samples (Chao1 index: P < 0.05). When we further categorized PTB (Preterm birth) into SPB (PTB without PROM) and PPROM (Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes), there was no difference between SPB and full term. In addition, we found that the proportion of PCoA2 in TPROM group was different from that in full term group and preterm group. The difference between groups was significant according to anosim analysis (R = 0.059, P < 0.001). With LEfSe (Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size) analysis, we found that the abundance of Lactobacillus in the vaginal flora of pregnant women with preterm birth was the highest (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION In Chinese pregnant women, the alpha diversity in TPROM group was significantly lower than that in both PTB and full term group. However, there was no difference between PTB and full term. Lactobacillus was the most abundant in preterm birth group. More studies should be conducted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yiwu Maternal and Children Hospital, Yiwu, China
- Department of Science and Education, Yiwu Maternal and Children Hospital, Yiwu, China
| | - Shuting Si
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yiwu Maternal and Children Hospital, Yiwu, China
| | - Meiliang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yiwu Maternal and Children Hospital, Yiwu, China
| | - Wenya Chen
- Department of Science and Education, Yiwu Maternal and Children Hospital, Yiwu, China
| | - Liquan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunxian Yu
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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