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Hummel G, Aagaard K. Arthropods to Eutherians: A Historical and Contemporary Comparison of Sparse Prenatal Microbial Communities Among Animalia Species. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13897. [PMID: 39140417 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of next-generation sequencing, investigators worldwide have sought to discern whether a functional and biologically or clinically relevant prenatal microbiome exists. One line of research has led to the hypothesis that microbial DNA detected in utero/in ovo or prior to birth/hatching is a result of contamination and does not belong to viable and functional microbes. Many of these preliminary evaluations have been conducted in humans, mice, and nonhuman primates due to sample and specimen availability. However, a comprehensive review of the literature across animal species suggests organisms that maintain an obligate relationship with microbes may act as better models for interrogating the selective pressures placed on vertical microbial transfer over traditional laboratory species. To date, studies in humans and viviparous laboratory species have failed to illustrate the clear presence and transfer of functional microbes in utero. Until a ground truth regarding the status and relevance of prenatal microbes can be ascertained, it is salient to conduct parallel investigations into the prevalence of a functional prenatal microbiome across the developmental lifespan of multiple organisms in the kingdom Animalia. This comprehensive understanding is necessary not only to determine the role of vertically transmitted microbes and their products in early human health but also to understand their full One Health impact. This review is among the first to compile such comprehensive primary conclusions from the original investigator's conclusions, and hence collectively illustrates that prenatal microbial transfer is supported by experimental evidence arising from over a long and rigorous scientific history encompassing a breadth of species from kingdom Animalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolynn Hummel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kjersti Aagaard
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine) and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Thoeni C, Terry J. Spatial Localization of Eubacterial 16S rRNA in Early Pregnancy Placenta and Decidua. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:132-138. [PMID: 38098247 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231217629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria derived from the maternal circulation have been suggested to seed the human placenta during pregnancy leading to development of an intrinsic placental microbiome; however, other data indicates these bacteria are artifactual contaminants. Limited research on the localization of bacteria in human placental tissue is available, which may help differentiate resident placental bacteria from contaminants. This study spatially localizes bacteria in situ in normal late first to early second trimester human placenta by 16S rRNA chromogenic in situ hybridization and demonstrates patterns consistent with both contaminants and intraparenchymal signals. These results suggest that placental microbiome studies may benefit from spatial strategies that can exclude surface contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Thoeni
- Department of Pathology, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospitals, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jefferson Terry
- Department of Pathology, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospitals, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Romero R, Gervasi MT, DiGiulio DB, Jung E, Suksai M, Miranda J, Theis KR, Gotsch F, Relman DA. Are bacteria, fungi, and archaea present in the midtrimester amniotic fluid? J Perinat Med 2023; 51:886-890. [PMID: 37194083 PMCID: PMC10482702 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0604] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to determine whether bacteria, fungi, or archaea are detected in the amniotic fluid of patients who underwent midtrimester amniocentesis for clinical indications. METHODS Amniotic fluid samples from 692 pregnancies were tested by using a combination of culture and end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an interleukin-6 concentration >2,935 pg/mL. RESULTS Microorganisms were detected in 0.3% (2/692) of cases based on cultivation, 1.73% (12/692) based on broad-range end-point PCR, and 2% (14/692) based on the combination of both methods. However, most (13/14) of these cases did not have evidence of intra-amniotic inflammation and delivered at term. Therefore, a positive culture or end-point PCR in most patients appears to have no apparent clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS Amniotic fluid in the midtrimester of pregnancy generally does not contain bacteria, fungi, or archaea. Interpretation of amniotic fluid culture and molecular microbiologic results is aided by the assessment of the inflammatory state of the amniotic cavity. The presence of microorganisms, as determined by culture or a microbial signal in the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation, appears to be a benign condition.
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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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maria Teresa Gervasi
- 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniel B. DiGiulio
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jezid Miranda
- 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - 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, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David A. Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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4
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Menon R, Khanipov K, Radnaa E, Ganguly E, Bento GFC, Urrabaz-Garza R, Kammala AK, Yaklic J, Pyles R, Golovko G, Tantengco OAG. Amplification of microbial DNA from bacterial extracellular vesicles from human placenta. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1213234. [PMID: 37520380 PMCID: PMC10374210 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1213234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The placenta is essential for fetal growth and survival and maintaining a successful pregnancy. The sterility of the placenta has been challenged recently; however, the presence of a placental microbiome has been controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) from Gram-negative bacteria as an alternate source of microbial DNA, regardless of the existence of a microbial community in the placenta. Methods Placentae from the term, not in labor Cesareans deliveries, were used for this study, and placental specimens were sampled randomly from the fetal side. We developed a protocol for the isolation of BEVs from human tissues and this is the first study to isolate the BEVs from human tissue and characterize them. Results The median size of BEVs was 130-140 nm, and the mean concentration was 1.8-5.5 × 1010 BEVs/g of the wet placenta. BEVs are spherical and contain LPS and ompA. Western blots further confirmed ompA but not human EVs markers ALIX confirming the purity of preparations. Taxonomic abundance profiles showed BEV sequence reads above the levels of the negative controls (all reagent controls). In contrast, the sequence reads in the same placenta were substantially low, indicating nothing beyond contamination (low biomass). Alpha-diversity showed the number of detected genera was significantly higher in the BEVs than placenta, suggesting BEVs as a likely source of microbial DNA. Beta-diversity further showed significant overlap in the microbiome between BEV and the placenta, confirming that BEVs in the placenta are likely a source of microbial DNA in the placenta. Uptake studies localized BEVs in maternal (decidual) and placental cells (cytotrophoblast), confirming their ability to enter these cells. Lastly, BEVs significantly increased inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 macrophages in a high-dose group but not in the placental or decidual cells. Conclusion We conclude that the BEVs are normal constituents during pregnancy and likely reach the placenta through hematogenous spread from maternal body sites that harbor microbiome. Their presence may result in a low-grade localized inflammation to prime an antigen response in the placenta; however, insufficient to cause a fetal inflammatory response and adverse pregnancy events. This study suggests that BEVs can confound placental microbiome studies, but their low biomass in the placenta is unlikely to have any immunologic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Esha Ganguly
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Giovana Fernanda Cosi Bento
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jerome Yaklic
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Richard Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - George Golovko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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Banchi P, Colitti B, Del Carro A, Corrò M, Bertero A, Ala U, Del Carro A, Van Soom A, Bertolotti L, Rota A. Challenging the Hypothesis of in Utero Microbiota Acquisition in Healthy Canine and Feline Pregnancies at Term: Preliminary Data. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050331. [PMID: 37235414 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050331] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there are no data on the presence of bacteria in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term. Here, we investigated the uterine microbiome in bitches (n = 5) and queens (n = 3) undergoing elective cesarean section in two facilities. Samples included swabs from the endometrium, amniotic fluid, and meconium, and environmental swabs of the surgical tray as controls. Culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the presence of bacteria. Culture was positive for 34.3% of samples (uterus n = 3, amniotic fluid n = 2, meconium n = 4, controls n = 0), mostly with low growth of common contaminant bacteria. With sequencing techniques, the bacterial abundance was significantly lower than in environmental controls (p < 0.05). Sequencing results showed a species-specific pattern, and significant differences between canine and feline bacterial populations were found at order, family, and genus level. No differences were found in alpha and beta diversities between feto-maternal tissues and controls (p > 0.05). Dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in different proportions based on tissue and species. Culture and sequencing results suggest that the bacterial biomass is very low in healthy canine and feline pregnancies at term, that bacteria likely originate from contamination from the dam's skin, and that the presence of viable bacteria could not be confirmed most of the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Banchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barbara Colitti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Andrea Del Carro
- Iunovet-Clinique Vetérinaire Saint Hubert, 06240 Beausoleil, France
| | - Michela Corrò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Angela Del Carro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luigi Bertolotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ada Rota
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Campisciano G, Zanotta N, Quadrifoglio M, Careri A, Torresani A, Cason C, De Seta F, Ricci G, Comar M, Stampalija T. The Bacterial DNA Profiling of Chorionic Villi and Amniotic Fluids Reveals Overlaps with Maternal Oral, Vaginal, and Gut Microbiomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032873. [PMID: 36769194 PMCID: PMC9917689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032873] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The in utero microbiome hypothesis has been long debated. This hypothesis will change our comprehension of the pioneer human microbiome if proved correct. In 60 uncomplicated pregnancies, we profiled the microbiome of chorionic villi (CV) and amniotic fluids (AF) in relation to maternal saliva, rectum, and vagina and the soluble cytokines cascade in the vagina, CV and AF. In our series, 12/37 (32%) AF and 10/23 (44%) CV tested positive for bacterial DNA. CV and AF harbored bacterial DNA of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, overlapping that of the matched oral and vaginal niches, which showed a dysbiotic microbiome. In these pregnant women, the immune profiling revealed an immune hyporesponsiveness in the vagina and a high intraamniotic concentration of inflammatory cytokines. To understand the eventual role of bacterial colonization of the CV and AF and the associated immune response in the pregnancy outcome, further appropriate studies are needed. In this context, further studies should highlight if the hematogenous route could justify the spread of bacterial DNA from the oral microbiome to the placenta and if vaginal dysbiosis could favor the likelihood of identifying CV and AF positive for bacterial DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Campisciano
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Nunzia Zanotta
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Quadrifoglio
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Careri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torresani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Carolina Cason
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria, 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Sharlandjieva V, Beristain AG, Terry J. Assessment of the human placental microbiome in early pregnancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1096262. [PMID: 36744135 PMCID: PMC9892641 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1096262] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacteria derived from the maternal circulation have been suggested to seed the human placenta during development leading to an intrinsic placental microbiome. This concept has become controversial as numerous studies suggest that the apparent placental microbiome is mostly, if not completely, comprised of contaminants. If the maternal circulation seeds the placenta then there should be an increase in abundance and diversity of detectable bacteria with onset of maternal perfusion of the placenta around 10 weeks gestational age; however, if only contaminants are present then there should be no significant evolution of the placental microbiome with increasing gestational age. This pilot study addresses whether bacterial abundance and diversity increase in human placenta and whether there is an associated shift in the immunophenotype of the decidual immune cell complement before and after initiation of placental perfusion. Methods Human placental and decidual tissue from 5 to 19 weeks gestational age, handled aseptically to minimize contamination, is assessed by quantitative 16S polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 16S gene sequencing, and immunological flow cytometry studies. Results A weak positive correlation between placental bacterial abundance and gestational age is identified but is not statistically significant. No significant changes in bacterial diversity are found with increasing gestational age. The proportion of decidual activated memory T helper cells increases with gestational age but no change was observed in other lymphocyte subsets. Discussion This pilot study does not strongly support bacterial colonization of the placenta after initiation of maternal perfusion; however, the minor trends towards increases in bacterial abundance and activated memory T helper cells may represent an early stage of this process. Additional investigations in larger cohorts are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander G. Beristain
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jefferson Terry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Jefferson Terry,
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8
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Dimova T, Dimitrova V, Grozdanov P, Markova N. Placentа of BCG-Vaccinated Women in early Pregnancy is Colonized with Non-Immunogenic Mycobacterial L-forms. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13650. [PMID: 36331422 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13650] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Long-lived mycobacterial L-forms (mL-forms) could be detected in the blood of BCG-vaccinated people. We have previously found mL-forms in term placentas and blood of neonates, delivered by healthy BCG-vaccinated mothers as first formal demonstration that BCG vaccination in the childhood of the woman could affect her placentobiome during pregnancy. Of note, the isolated mL-forms reverted to the cell-walled state of the parental BCG bacilli in vitro. METHOD OF STUDY Here, we analyzed triple samples of blood, decidua and chorion taken from BCG-vaccinated pregnant women, directed to elective abortions (6-12 gestation weeks). The colonization of the primary samples with mycobacterial L-forms (mL-forms) was evaluated using microbiological isolation and subsequent identification by real time PCR and morphological characterization by light microscopy and SEM. The potential of early placenta-derived mL-forms to expand mycobacteria-reactive γδ T cells in vitro was assessed using FACS, whereas their immunogenicity in vivo was followed up after i.p. inoculation in rats. RESULTS Our results showed two important findings: 1) viable filterable mL-forms varying in size, shape and proliferation modes are capable of colonizing the gestational tissues of BCG-vaccinated women early in pregnancy and 2) early placenta-derived mL-forms are not as immunogenic as walled M. bovis BCG bacilli, shown by lack of stimulation of mycobacteria-reactive γδ T cells co-cultured with early placenta-derived mL-forms and inefficient internalization of mL-forms by rat's peritoneal phagocytes in vivo. CONCLUSION Although generally thought to be reduced in virulence, mL-forms could provide a reservoir, hidden from the immune system especially in an immune privileged niche like placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. K. Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Petar Grozdanov
- Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nadya Markova
- Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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9
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Winters AD, Romero R, Greenberg JM, Galaz J, Shaffer ZD, Garcia-Flores V, Kracht DJ, Gomez-Lopez N, Theis KR. Does the Amniotic Fluid of Mice Contain a Viable Microbiota? Front Immunol 2022; 13:820366. [PMID: 35296083 PMCID: PMC8920496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.820366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of an amniotic fluid microbiota (i.e., a viable microbial community) in mammals is controversial. Its existence would require a fundamental reconsideration of fetal in utero exposure to and colonization by microorganisms and the role of intra-amniotic microorganisms in fetal immune development as well as in pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we determined whether the amniotic fluid of mice harbors a microbiota in late gestation. The profiles of the amniotic fluids of pups located proximally or distally to the cervix were characterized through quantitative real-time PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and culture (N = 21 dams). These profiles were compared to those of technical controls for bacterial and DNA contamination. The load of 16S rRNA genes in the amniotic fluid exceeded that in controls. Additionally, the 16S rRNA gene profiles of the amniotic fluid differed from those of controls, with Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum being differentially more abundant in amniotic fluid profiles; however, this bacterium was not cultured from amniotic fluid. Of the 42 attempted bacterial cultures of amniotic fluids, only one yielded bacterial growth – Lactobacillus murinus. The 16S rRNA gene of this common murine-associated bacterium was not detected in any amniotic fluid sample, suggesting it did not originate from the amniotic fluid. No differences in the 16S rRNA gene load, 16S rRNA gene profile, or bacterial culture were observed between the amniotic fluids located Proximally and distally to the cervix. Collectively, these data indicate that, although there is a modest DNA signal of bacteria in murine amniotic fluid, there is no evidence that this signal represents a viable microbiota. While this means that amniotic fluid is not a source of microorganisms for in utero colonization in mice, it may nevertheless contribute to fetal exposure to microbial components. The developmental consequences of this observation warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Winters
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Zachary D. Shaffer
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- MD/PhD Combined Degree Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - David J. Kracht
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin R. Theis, ; Nardhy Gomez-Lopez,
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, United States
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin R. Theis, ; Nardhy Gomez-Lopez,
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McGill S, Burchmore RJS, Pomeroy PP, Kennedy MW. Is a Little Enough? Paucity of Immune Proteins in Serum of Precocial Neonates of a Marine Carnivoran—the Atlantic Grey Seal. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.802510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian mothers usually provide their offspring with large quantities of immunoglobulins (antibodies) for circulation in blood, either trans-placentally before birth, via colostrum briefly thereafter, or, less commonly, from milk. Neonates of true, phocid seals, however, are peculiarly impoverished in serum immunoglobulins, the levels of which slowly increase but do not reach adult levels by the time of weaning. We investigated whether grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) neonates compensate through an elevation or rapid maturation in levels of serum innate immune factors, namely acute phase and complement proteins. Instead, their sera contained remarkably low levels of acute phase proteins (including C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, hemopexin, ceruloplasmin, orosomucoid), compared to their mothers, that barely increased to adult levels by weaning. For complement, there was a strong demarcation between the early activation and amplification cascade components (present at normal adult levels in pups) and the late lytic membrane attack complex and regulatory proteins (consistently at low relative levels). Phocid neonates therefore differ dramatically from land Carnivorans, such as dogs and cats, in early life immune protection. That neonatal phocids survive this apparent vulnerability to infections between birth and weaning prompts questions as to what other mechanisms protect them, and the adaptive value of their seeming vulnerability.
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11
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Bruno A, Ferrante G, Di Vincenzo S, Pace E, La Grutta S. Leptin in the Respiratory Tract: Is There a Role in SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Front Physiol 2022; 12:776963. [PMID: 35002761 PMCID: PMC8727443 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.776963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a pleiotropic adipocytokine involved in several physiologic functions, with a known role in innate and adaptive immunity as well as in tissue homeostasis. Long- and short-isoforms of leptin receptors are widely expressed in many peripheral tissues and organs, such as the respiratory tract. Similar to leptin, microbiota affects the immune system and may interfere with lung health through the bidirectional crosstalk called the “gut-lung axis.” Obesity leads to impaired protective immunity and altered susceptibility to pulmonary infections, as those by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is known that leptin and microbiota link metabolism and lung health, their role within the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deserves further investigations. This review aimed to summarize the available evidence about: (i) the role of leptin in immune modulation; (ii) the role of gut microbiota within the gut-lung axis in modulating leptin sensitivity; and (iii) the role of leptin in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreina Bruno
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ferrante
- Pediatric Division, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Di Vincenzo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pace
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
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