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Rourke-Funderburg AS, Mahadevan-Jansen A, Locke AK. Characterization of vaginal Lactobacillus in biologically relevant fluid using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2024. [PMID: 39158008 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00854e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The native vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and disruption can have significant consequences for women during their lifetime. While the composition of the vaginal microbiome is important, current methods for monitoring this community are lacking. Clinically used techniques routinely rely on subjective analysis of vaginal fluid characteristics or time-consuming microorganism culturing. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can aid in filling this gap in timely detection of alterations in the vaginal microbiome as it can discriminate between bacterial species in complex solutions including bacterial mixtures and biofluids. SERS has not previously been applied to study variations in vaginal Lactobacillus, the most common species found in the vaginal microbiome, in complex solutions. Herein, the SERS spectra of Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) and Lactobacillus iners (L. iners), two of the most common vaginal bacteria, was characterized at physiologically relevant concentrations. Subsequently, the ability of SERS to detect L. crispatus and L. iners in both pure mixtures and when mixed with a synthetic vaginal fluid mimicking solution was determined. In both pure and complex solutions, SERS coupled with partial least squares regression predicted the ratiometric bacterial content with less than 10% error and strong goodness of prediction (Q2 > 0.9). This developed method highlights the applicability of SERS to predict the dominant Lactobacillus in the vaginal micro-environment toward the monitoring of this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Rourke-Funderburg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrea K Locke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt, University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Fan C, Basharat Z, Mah K, Wei CR. Computational approach for drug discovery against Gardnerella vaginalis in quest for safer and effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17437. [PMID: 39075099 PMCID: PMC11286753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68443-2] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), primarily attributed to Gardnerella vaginalis, poses significant challenges due to antibiotic resistance and suboptimal treatment outcomes. This study presents an integrated approach to identify potential drug targets and screen compounds against this bacterium by leveraging a computational methodology. Subtractive proteomics of the reference strain ASM286196v1/UMB0386 (assembly accession: GCA_002861965.1) facilitated the prioritization of proteins with essential bacterial functions and pathways as potential drug targets. We selected 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase (aroG gene product; also known as DAHP synthase) for downstream analysis. Molecular docking was employed in PyRx (AutoDock Vina) to predict binding affinities between aroG inhibitors from the ZINC database and 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase. Molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns, using GROMACS, validated the stability of drug-target interactions. Additionally, ADMET profiling aided in the selection of compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile for human hosts. PBPK profiling showed that ZINC98088375 had the highest bioavailability and efficient systemic circulation. Conversely, ZINC5113880 demonstrated the lowest absorption rate (39.661%). Moreover, cirrhosis, steatosis, and renal impairment appeared to influence blood concentration of the drug, impacting bioavailability. The integrative -omics approach utilized in this study underscores the potential of computer-aided drug design and offers a rational strategy for targeted inhibitor discovery against G. vaginalis. The strategy is an attempt to address the limitations of current BV treatments, including antibiotic resistance, and pave way for the development of safer and more effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Fan
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, 85721, USA
| | | | - Karmen Mah
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Calvin R Wei
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
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Oyenihi AB, Haines R, Trama J, Faro S, Mordechai E, Adelson ME, Osei Sekyere J. Molecular characterization of vaginal microbiota using a new 22-species qRT-PCR test to achieve a relative-abundance and species-based diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1409774. [PMID: 39006741 PMCID: PMC11239351 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1409774] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous bacteria are involved in the etiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Yet, current tests only focus on a select few. We therefore designed a new test targeting 22 BV-relevant species. Methods Using 946 stored vaginal samples, a new qPCR test that quantitatively identifies 22 bacterial species was designed. The distribution and relative abundance of each species, α- and β-diversities, correlation, and species co-existence were determined per sample. A diagnostic index was modeled from the data, trained, and tested to classify samples into BV-positive, BV-negative, or transitional BV. Results The qPCR test identified all 22 targeted species with 95 - 100% sensitivity and specificity within 8 hours (from sample reception). Across most samples, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea (Atopobium) vaginae, Prevotella bivia, and Megasphaera sp. type 1 were relatively abundant. BVAB-1 was more abundant and distributed than BVAB-2 and BVAB-3. No Mycoplasma genitalium was found. The inter-sample similarity was very low, and correlations existed between key species, which were used to model, train, and test a diagnostic index: MDL-BV index. The MDL-BV index, using both species and relative abundance markers, classified samples into three vaginal microbiome states. Testing this index on our samples, 491 were BV-positive, 318 were BV-negative, and 137 were transitional BV. Although important differences in BV status were observed between different age groups, races, and pregnancy status, they were statistically insignificant. Conclusion Using a diverse and large number of vaginal samples from different races and age groups, including pregnant women, the new qRT-PCR test and MDL-BV index efficiently diagnosed BV within 8 hours (from sample reception), using 22 BV-associated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji B Oyenihi
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
| | - Ronald Haines
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
| | - Jason Trama
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
| | - Sebastian Faro
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
- Memorial Women's Care, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eli Mordechai
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
| | - Martin E Adelson
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
| | - John Osei Sekyere
- Institute for Biomarker Research, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, United States
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Murewanhema G, Moyo E, Mhango M, Chitungo I, Moyo P, Musuka G, Dzobo M, Dzinamarira T. Abnormal vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: the need for a paradigm shift from a syndromic approach to specific pathogen identification and directed treatment. IJID REGIONS 2022; 5:165-168. [PMID: 36467508 PMCID: PMC9713322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background An abnormal vaginal discharge is a frequent manifestation of reproductive tract infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is also a manifestation of bacterial vaginosis, which has a prevalence of up to 50% among women of reproductive age. Reproductive tract infections are associated with a range of reproductive health challenges and increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Methods This study was performed to critically review and discuss the current diagnostic and treatment approaches to abnormal vaginal discharge among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa, and to call for a paradigm shift from the syndromic approach to specific pathogen identification and directed antimicrobial therapy. Discussion Young women have the highest incidence of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of both STIs and bacterial vaginosis is very high have been employing a syndromic approach for the treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge since around 1984. However, the syndromic approach has several limitations, with the potential to miss infections, over-diagnose and over-treat STIs, and propagate antimicrobial resistance, which is one of the greatest global health challenges of the 21st century. Conclusions The low to middle-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa must innovate and leverage improved diagnostics to capacitate primary health care and other levels for point-of-care diagnostic testing, in order to provide an immediate diagnosis and treatment for women with an abnormal vaginal discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enos Moyo
- University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Lebeau A, Bruyere D, Roncarati P, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Cobraiville G, Taminiau B, Masson M, Gallego C, Mazzucchelli G, Smargiasso N, Fleron M, Baiwir D, Hendrick E, Pilard C, Lerho T, Reynders C, Ancion M, Greimers R, Twizere JC, Daube G, Schlecht-Louf G, Bachelerie F, Combes JD, Melin P, Fillet M, Delvenne P, Hubert P, Herfs M. HPV infection alters vaginal microbiome through down-regulating host mucosal innate peptides used by Lactobacilli as amino acid sources. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1076. [PMID: 35228537 PMCID: PMC8885657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28724-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of both cervico-vaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) worldwide, their causal relationship remains unclear. While BV has been presumed to be a risk factor for HPV acquisition and related carcinogenesis for a long time, here, supported by both a large retrospective follow-up study (n = 6,085) and extensive in vivo data using the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model, we report a novel blueprint in which the opposite association also exists. Mechanistically, by interacting with several core members (NEMO, CK1 and β-TrCP) of both NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, we show that HPV E7 oncoprotein greatly inhibits host defense peptide expression. Physiologically secreted by the squamous mucosa lining the lower female genital tract, we demonstrate that some of these latter are fundamental factors governing host-microbial interactions. More specifically, several innate molecules down-regulated in case of HPV infection are hydrolyzed, internalized and used by the predominant Lactobacillus species as amino acid source sustaining their growth/survival. Collectively, this study reveals a new viral immune evasion strategy which, by its persistent/negative impact on lactic acid bacteria, ultimately causes the dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alizee Lebeau
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Diane Bruyere
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Patrick Roncarati
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Paul Peixoto
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR 1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- EPIGENEXP platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR 1098, Interactions Hôte-Greffon-Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et Génique, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- EPIGENEXP platform, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Gael Cobraiville
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Bernard Taminiau
- Department of Food Sciences-Microbiology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Murielle Masson
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie Strasbourg, UMR 7242, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Carmen Gallego
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Gabriel Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Smargiasso
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Maximilien Fleron
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- GIGA Proteomic Facility, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- GIGA Proteomic Facility, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Elodie Hendrick
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Pilard
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Thomas Lerho
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Celia Reynders
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie Ancion
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Roland Greimers
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Signaling and Protein Interactions, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Department of Food Sciences-Microbiology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Geraldine Schlecht-Louf
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Françoise Bachelerie
- INSERM UMR 996, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, University of Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Jean-Damien Combes
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Pierrette Melin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delvenne
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Pascale Hubert
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
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