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Pagar R, Deshkar S, Mahore J, Patole V, Deshpande H, Gandham N, Mirza S, Junnarkar M, Nawani N. The microbial revolution: Unveiling the benefits of vaginal probiotics and prebiotics. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127787. [PMID: 38851010 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127787] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Vaginal health is essential to a woman's overall well-being, as abnormalities in vaginal health can lead to a variety of gynaecological disorders, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. The vaginal microbiome is essential for the prevention of these infections. Disruptions in this microbial ecosystem can significantly impact vaginal health. The concept of utilizing probiotics and prebiotics to stimulate the growth of protective vaginal microbiota has gathered substantial interest in recent years. Probiotics are live micro-organisms that strengthen and restore vaginal microbial balance by lowering pH levels, production of bacteriocins, biofilm disruption, modulation of immune response, and production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), consequently combating the development of pathogens. Prebiotics are oligosaccharides that encourage the development of probiotics such as lactobacilli species. Probiotics and prebiotics also have some broader implications for vaginal health, including their role in minimizing the incidence of premature birth, optimizing fertility, managing menopausal symptoms, and preventing vaginal infections. Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that deliver additional benefits by encouraging the development and activity of beneficial microbes. Furthermore, postbiotics are bioactive compounds derived from probiotic bacteria during fermentation that have immunomodulatory actions and provide an additional layer of protection against vaginal infections. The present study highlights the most prevalent vaginal infections and limitations of existing therapies that influence the vaginal microbiota. The profound consequences of probiotics and prebiotics in women's health, including their role in minimizing the prevalence of vaginal infections and promoting overall vaginal health, as well as advanced therapeutic strategies such as synbiotics and postbiotics, are also discussed. The literature offers significant insights into the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of probiotics and prebiotics to healthcare providers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshani Pagar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Sanjeevani Deshkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, India.
| | - Jayashri Mahore
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Vinita Patole
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Hemant Deshpande
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Nageswari Gandham
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Shahzad Mirza
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, India
| | - Manisha Junnarkar
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Pune, India
| | - Neelu Nawani
- Microbial Diversity Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Pune, India
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Liu Y, Zhao X, Wu F, Chen J, Luo J, Wu C, Chen T. Effectiveness of vaginal probiotics Lactobacillus crispatus chen-01 in women with high-risk HPV infection: a prospective controlled pilot study. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:11446-11459. [PMID: 39058300 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206032] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Female genital tract infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) has the risk of developing into cervical cancer, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Probiotic intervention is considered as a potential intervention for HR-HPV, while exploration into living probiotic preparations for specific diseases remains limited and insufficient. This prospective controlled pilot study was conducted to observe the effect of intravaginal transplantation of a vaginal isolated natural probiotic strain, Lactobacillus crispatus chen-01, on the clearance of high-risk HPV infection. 100 women with high-risk HPV infection were enrolled and randomly divided into placebo group and probiotic treatment group, which received intravaginal transplantation of L. crispatus chen-01. Cervical exfoliated cells were collected 6 months later for detecting DNA load, typing of HPV, and cytological analysis. Our results showed that vaginal transplantation with L. crispatus chen-01 significantly reduced viral load of HPV, ameliorated HPV clearance rate, and improved vaginal inflammation state without causing obvious adverse reactions. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that L. crispatus chen-01 could effectively reconstitute the vaginal microbiota in women with high-risk HPV, which might be one of the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effect of L. crispatus chen-01 transplantation. Our results suggested that vaginal transplantation of L. crispatus chen-01 might be a promising treatment for patients with high-risk HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Liu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiumiao Zhao
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanzhen Luo
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunling Wu
- Department of Gynaecology, Jingdezhen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi 333000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and The Technologies, Institution of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
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Gil-Miranda A, Macnicol J, Orellana-Guerrero D, Samper JC, Gomez DE. Reproductive Tract Microbiota of Mares. Vet Sci 2024; 11:324. [PMID: 39058008 PMCID: PMC11281493 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070324] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms that might be crucial in maintaining a healthy reproductive environment. Imbalances in the bacterial community (dysbiosis) and the reduction of beneficial organisms and pathogen proliferation are associated with disease. Endometritis is a common cause of fertility problems in mares, and it is still challenging to diagnose and treat based on routine culture results of certain microorganisms. Although high-throughput sequencing studies provide helpful information regarding the composition of the reproductive tract microbiota in mares, there are still challenges in defining a "normal" microbiota. The primary objective of this literature review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the microbiota present in the reproductive tract of mares, including the vagina, cervix, and uterus. The second objective is to describe the relevant factors that can impact the reproductive microbiota of mares, including the estrous cycle stage, the type of species (genera) investigated, season, and geographic location. The rationality of identifying the normal microbiota in the reproductive tract of a mare will likely aid in understanding the impact of the microbiota on the host's reproductive health and contribute to the treatment and prevention of equine sub and infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gil-Miranda
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.G.-M.); (J.M.)
| | - Jennifer Macnicol
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.G.-M.); (J.M.)
| | | | - Juan C. Samper
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA;
| | - Diego E. Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.G.-M.); (J.M.)
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Gil-Miranda A, Caddey B, Orellana-Guerrero D, Smith H, Samper JC, Gomez DE. Vaginal and Uterine Microbiota of Healthy Maiden Mares during Estrus. Vet Sci 2024; 11:323. [PMID: 39058007 PMCID: PMC11281598 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070323] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This descriptive cross-sectional study compared the microbiota of the uterus, vagina, clitoral fossa (CF), and perineal skin in healthy maiden mares during estrus. Twelve synchronized, healthy maiden mares (3-4 years old) from one single recipient mare herd were included. Microbial communities were characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The uterine and vaginal microbiota had significantly lower richness (Chao-1) than the skin (p < 0.05). The uterine and vagina bacterial composition was similar in presence and abundance and could be differentiated from that of the CF and perineal skin. The microbial composition (Jaccard and Bray-Curtis distances) significantly differed across body-site locations (p < 0.05), which explained approximately 14% and 19% of the variation in microbial composition for Jaccard and Bray-Curtis distances, respectively. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant taxa in the uterus and vagina, with higher proportions of Proteobacteria in the vaginal samples compared to the uterine samples. Streptococcaceae and Staphylococcaceae were present in high abundance in the uterine and vaginal samples, while Lactobacillaceae were not (<10%). We demonstrate that the uterine and vaginal microbiota of healthy maiden mares during estrus is similar but both distinct from that of the CF and perineal skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gil-Miranda
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Benjamin Caddey
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | | | - Hanna Smith
- Burleson Animal ER, Weatherford, TX 76087, USA;
| | - Juan C. Samper
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Diego E. Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
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Hasan Z, Netherland M, Hasan NA, Begum N, Yasmin M, Ahmed S. An insight into the vaginal microbiome of infertile women in Bangladesh using metagenomic approach. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1390088. [PMID: 39040604 PMCID: PMC11261484 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1390088] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota is recognized as a potential underlying factor contributing to infertility in women. This study aimed to compare the vaginal microbiomes of infertile and fertile women to investigate their relationship with infertility. Methods Metagenomic analysis was conducted on samples from 5 infertile and 5 fertile individuals using both amplicon 16S and metagenomics shotgun sequencing methods. Results and discussion In the infertile group, the bacterial community was primarily represented by three major bacterial genera: Lactobacillus (79.42%), Gardnerella (12.56%) and Prevotella (3.33%), whereas, the fertile group exhibited a more diverse composition with over 8 major bacterial genera, accompanied by significantly reduced abundance of Lactobacillus (48.79%) and Gardnerella (6.98%). At the species level, higher abundances of L. iners, L. gasseri and G. vaginalis were observed in the infertile group. Regarding the microbiome composition, only one fertile and two infertile subjects exhibited the healthiest Community State Types, CST-1, while CST-3 was observed among two infertile and one fertile subject, and CST-4 in three other fertile and one infertile subject. Overall, alpha diversity metrics indicated greater diversity and lower species richness in the control (fertile) group, while the infertile group displayed the opposite trend. However, beta-diversity analysis did not show distinct clustering of samples associated with any specific group; instead, it demonstrated CST-type specific clustering. Shotgun metagenomics further confirmed the dominance of Firmicutes, with a greater abundance of Lactobacillus species in the infertile group. Specifically, L. iners and G. vaginalis were identified as the most dominant and highly abundant in the infertile group. Fungi were only identified in the control group, dominated by Penicillium citrinum (62.5%). Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) corroborated read-based taxonomic profiling, with the taxon L. johnsonii identified exclusively in disease samples. MAG identities shared by both groups include Shamonda orthobunyavirus, L. crispatus, Human endogenous retrovirus K113, L. iners, and G. vaginalis. Interestingly, the healthy microbiomes sequenced in this study contained two clusters, Penicillium and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, not found in the public dataset. In conclusion, this study suggests that lower species diversity with a higher abundance of L. iners, L. gasseri and G. vaginalis, may contribute to female infertility in our study datasets. However, larger sample sizes are necessary to further evaluate such association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Hasan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Nurjahan Begum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmuda Yasmin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sangita Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Nair VG, Srinandan CS, Rajesh YBRD, Narbhavi D, Anupriya A, Prabhusaran N, Nagarajan S. Biogenic amine tryptamine in human vaginal probiotic isolates mediates matrix inhibition and thwarts uropathogenic E. coli biofilm. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15387. [PMID: 38965339 PMCID: PMC11224256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics offer a promising prophylactic approach against various pathogens and represent an alternative strategy to combat biofilm-related infections. In this study, we isolated vaginal commensal microbiota from 54 healthy Indian women to investigate their probiotic traits. We primarily explored the ability of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from Lactobacilli to prevent Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) colonization and biofilm formation. Our findings revealed that CFS effectively reduced UPEC's swimming and swarming motility, decreased cell surface hydrophobicity, and hindered matrix production by downregulating specific genes (fimA, fimH, papG, and csgA). Subsequent GC-MS analysis identified Tryptamine, a monoamine compound, as the potent bioactive substance from Lactobacilli CFS, inhibiting UPEC biofilms with an MBIC of 4 µg/ml and an MBEC of 8 µg/ml. Tryptamine induced significant changes in E. coli colony biofilm morphology, transitioning from the Red, Dry, and Rough (RDAR) to the Smooth and White phenotype, indicating reduced extracellular matrix production. Biofilm time-kill assays demonstrated a four-log reduction in UPEC viability when treated with Tryptamine, highlighting its potent antibacterial properties, comparable to CFS treatment. Biofilm ROS assays indicated a significant elevation in ROS generation within UPEC biofilms, suggesting a potential antibacterial mechanism. Gene expression studies with Tryptamine-treated samples showed a reduction in expression of curli gene (csgA), consistent with CFS treatment. This study underscores the potential of Tryptamine from probiotic Lactobacilli CFS as a promising antibiofilm agent against UPEC biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena G Nair
- Microbial Biofilm Lab, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
- Antimicrobial Resistance Lab, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - C S Srinandan
- Microbial Biofilm Lab, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Y B R D Rajesh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613 401, India
| | - Dhiviya Narbhavi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, TSRMMCH&RC, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Anupriya
- Department of Microbiology, TSRMMCH&RC, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Prabhusaran
- Research Faculty, Institutional Research Board TSRMMCH&RC, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saisubramanian Nagarajan
- Antimicrobial Resistance Lab, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India.
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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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Kulshrestha S, Narad P, Singh B, Pai SS, Vijayaraghavan P, Tandon A, Gupta P, Modi D, Sengupta A. Biomarker Identification for Preterm Birth Susceptibility: Vaginal Microbiome Meta-Analysis Using Systems Biology and Machine Learning Approaches. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13905. [PMID: 39033501 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13905] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The vaginal microbiome has a substantial role in the occurrence of preterm birth (PTB), which contributes substantially to neonatal mortality worldwide. However, current bioinformatics approaches mostly concentrate on the taxonomic classification and functional profiling of the microbiome, limiting their abilities to elucidate the complex factors that contribute to PTB. METHOD OF STUDY A total of 3757 vaginal microbiome 16S rRNA samples were obtained from five publicly available datasets. The samples were divided into two categories based on pregnancy outcome: preterm birth (PTB) (N = 966) and term birth (N = 2791). Additionally, the samples were further categorized based on the participants' race and trimester. The 16S rRNA reads were subjected to taxonomic classification and functional profiling using the Parallel-META 3 software in Ubuntu environment. The obtained abundances were analyzed using an integrated systems biology and machine learning approach to determine the key microbes, pathways, and genes that contribute to PTB. The resulting features were further subjected to statistical analysis to identify the top nine features with the greatest effect sizes. RESULTS We identified nine significant features, namely Shuttleworthia, Megasphaera, Sneathia, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation pathway, systemic lupus erythematosus pathway, transcription machinery pathway, lepA gene, pepX gene, and rpoD gene. Their abundance variations were observed through the trimesters. CONCLUSIONS Vaginal infections caused by Shuttleworthia, Megasphaera, and Sneathia and altered small metabolite biosynthesis pathways such as lipopolysaccharide folate and retinal may increase the susceptibility to PTB. The identified organisms, genes, pathways, and their networks may be specifically targeted for the treatment of bacterial infections that increase PTB risk.
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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, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Priyanka Narad
- Division of Biomedical Informatics (BMI), Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Brojen Singh
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Somnath S Pai
- Amity Institute of Virology & Immunology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pooja Vijayaraghavan
- Anti-mycotic Drug Susceptibility Laboratory, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ansh Tandon
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Payal Gupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhishek Sengupta
- Systems Biology and Data Analytics Research Lab, Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Gerede A, Nikolettos K, Vavoulidis E, Margioula-Siarkou C, Petousis S, Giourga M, Fotinopoulos P, Salagianni M, Stavros S, Dinas K, Nikolettos N, Domali E. Vaginal Microbiome and Pregnancy Complications: A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3875. [PMID: 38999442 PMCID: PMC11242209 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133875] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There are indications that the microbial composition of the maternal mucosal surfaces is associated with adverse events during pregnancy. The aim of this review is to investigate the link between vaginal microbiome alterations and gestational complication risk. Methods: This comprehensive literature review was performed using Medline and Scopus databases. The following search algorithm was used, "Pregnancy Complications" [Mesh] AND (Vagin*), and after the literature screening, 44 studies were included in the final review. Results: The studies that were included investigated the association between vaginal microbial composition and preterm birth, miscarriage, preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, and preterm premature rupture of membranes. In most of the studies, it was well established that increased microbial diversity is associated with these conditions. Also, the depletion of Lactobacillus species is linked to most of the gestational complications, while the increased relative abundance and especially Lactobacillus crispatus may exert a protective effect in favor of the pregnant woman. Several pathogenic taxa including Gardnerella, Prevotella, Sneathia, Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Bacteria-2, Atopobium, and Megasphera seem to be correlated to higher maternal morbidity. Conclusions: Vaginal microbiome aberrations seem to have an association with pregnancy-related adverse events, but more high-quality homogenous studies are necessary to reliably verify this link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Gerede
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Vavoulidis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Margioula-Siarkou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Petousis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Giourga
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Fotinopoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Salagianni
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dinas
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54640 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolettos
- Unit of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrake, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Domali
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
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10
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Chen Q, Chen T. Simultaneous application of oral and intravaginal probiotics for Helicobacter pylori and its antibiotic-therapy-induced vaginal dysbacteriosis. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 38902244 PMCID: PMC11190290 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00521-9] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent bacterial pathogen globally, implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders. Current recommended antibiotic therapies for H. pylori infection have been proven to be therapeutically insufficient, with low eradication rates and high recurrence rates. Emerging evidence suggests that antibiotic therapy for H. pylori can lead to gastrointestinal and subsequent vaginal dysbiosis, posing challenges for conventional antibiotic approaches. Thus, this article proposes a novel probiotic therapy involving simultaneous oral and intra-vaginal probiotic administration alongside antibiotics for H. pylori treatment, aiming to enhance eradication rates and mitigate dysbiosis. We begin by providing an overview of gastrointestinal and vaginal microbiota and their interconnectedness through the vagina-gut axis. We then review the efficacy of current antibiotic regimens for H. pylori and discuss how antibiotic treatment impacts the vaginal microenvironment. To explore the feasibility of this approach, we evaluate the effectiveness of oral and intra-vaginal probiotics in restoring normal microbiota in the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, respectively. Additionally, we analyze the direct mechanisms by which oral and intra-vaginal probiotics act on their respective tracts and discuss potential cross-tract mechanisms. Considering the potential synergistic therapeutic effects of probiotics in both the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, dual-channel probiotic therapy holds promise as a more effective approach for H. pylori eradication and dysbiosis mitigation, presenting a novel concept in the collaborative treatment of gastrointestinal and genital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- National Engineering Research Centre for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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11
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Javadi K, Ferdosi-Shahandashti E, Rajabnia M, Khaledi M. Vaginal microbiota and gynecological cancers: a complex and evolving relationship. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38877504 PMCID: PMC11179293 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00590-7] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The vagina hosts a community of microorganisms known as the vaginal microbiota. This community is relatively stable and straightforward, with Lactobacillus species being the most dominant members. The vaginal microbiota has various functions that are essential for maintaining human health and balance. For example, it can metabolise dietary nutrients, produce growth factors, communicate with other bacteria, modulate the immune system, and prevent the invasion of harmful pathogens. When the vaginal microbiota is disrupted, it can lead to diseases and infections. The observed disturbance is distinguished by a reduction in the prevalence of Lactobacillus and a concurrent rise in the number of other bacterial species that exhibit a higher tolerance to low oxygen levels. Gynecologic cancers are a group of cancers that affect the female reproductive organs and tissues, such as the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and endometrium. These cancers are a major global health problem for women. Understanding the complex interactions between the host and the vaginal microorganisms may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of gynecologic cancers. This could improve the quality of life and health outcomes for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Javadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ferdosi-Shahandashti
- Biomedical and Microbial Advanced Technologies Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rajabnia
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Mansoor Khaledi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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12
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He J, Zheng J, Huang Y, Li S, Hua L, Jiang X, Che L, Fang Z, Feng B, Lin Y, Xu S, Li J, Wu D. Benefits of maternal pectin supplementation in gestation diet on vaginal microbiota of sows and intestinal health of newborn piglets. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1392399. [PMID: 38895713 PMCID: PMC11183816 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1392399] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pectin is a proven prebiotic and widely used in human health products. This study aims to assess the impact of dietary pectin supplementation during gestation on sow vaginal microbiota and the offspring's intestinal composition. Thirty sows were randomly allocated to two groups and fed a standard diet (CON) or a standard diet supplemented with 3 g/kg pectin (PEC). Blood, feces, and vaginal swab samples from the sows and blood, intestines issue, and colonic content samples from the offspring were collected and analyzed. The results indicate that the relative abundance of vaginal Lactobacillus was notably enhanced in the PEC group and fecal β-glucuronidase (β-G) activity and plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) concentration were also significantly increased in the PEC group. Newborn piglets were found to host different microbial communities as well. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria dominated in the CON group, and Firmicutes was predominant in the PEC group. Newborn piglets in the PEC group had a lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in their plasma. The expression of intestinal cytokines of offspring was improved as well. Villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) in the PEC group were extremely higher than those in the CON group. In conclusion, dietary pectin supplementation can be of benefit to both sows and newborn piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Challa A, Maras JS, Nagpal S, Tripathi G, Taneja B, Kachhawa G, Sood S, Dhawan B, Acharya P, Upadhyay AD, Yadav M, Sharma R, Bajpai M, Gupta S. Multi-omics analysis identifies potential microbial and metabolite diagnostic biomarkers of bacterial vaginosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1152-1165. [PMID: 38284174 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19805] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common clinical manifestation of a perturbed vaginal ecology associated with adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes if left untreated. The existing diagnostic modalities are either cumbersome or require skilled expertise, warranting alternate tests. Application of machine-learning tools to heterogeneous and high-dimensional multi-omics datasets finds promising potential in data integration and may aid biomarker discovery. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of the microbiome and metabolome-derived biomarkers in BV diagnosis. Interpretable machine-learning algorithms were used to evaluate the utility of an integrated-omics-derived classification model. METHODS Vaginal samples obtained from reproductive-age group women with (n = 40) and without BV (n = 40) were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics. The vaginal microbiome and metabolome were characterized, and machine-learning analysis was performed to build a classification model using biomarkers with the highest diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Microbiome-based diagnostic model exhibited a ROC-AUC (10-fold CV) of 0.84 ± 0.21 and accuracy of 0.79 ± 0.18, and important features were Aerococcus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, Sneathia spp., Lactobacillus spp., Prevotella spp., Gardnerella spp. and Fannyhessea vaginae. The metabolome-derived model displayed superior performance with a ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and an accuracy of 0.92 ± 0.08. Beta-leucine, methylimidazole acetaldehyde, dimethylethanolamine, L-arginine and beta cortol were among key predictive metabolites for BV. A predictive model combining both microbial and metabolite features exhibited a high ROC-AUC of 0.97 ± 0.07 and accuracy of 0.94 ± 0.08 with diagnostic performance only slightly superior to the metabolite-based model. CONCLUSION Application of machine-learning tools to multi-omics datasets aid biomarker discovery with high predictive performance. Metabolome-derived classification models were observed to have superior diagnostic performance in predicting BV than microbiome-based biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Challa
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - J S Maras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Nagpal
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Pune, India
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - G Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - B Taneja
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - G Kachhawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Sood
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - B Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - P Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - A D Upadhyay
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - M Yadav
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - R Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - M Bajpai
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Gupta
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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16
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Subi MTM, Selvasudha N, Vasanthi HR. Vaginal drug delivery system: A promising route of drug administration for local and systemic diseases. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104012. [PMID: 38705512 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104012] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Scientists around the globe have done cutting-edge research to facilitate the delivery of poorly absorbed drugs via various routes of administration and different delivery systems. The vaginal route of administration has emerged as a promising mode of drug delivery, attributed to its anatomy and physiology. Novel drug delivery systems overcome the demerits of conventional systems via nanobiotechnology. This review will focus on the disorders associated with women that are currently targeted by vaginal drug delivery systems. In addition, it will provide insights into innovations in drug formulations for the general benefit of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tamil Mani Subi
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Hannah R Vasanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, India.
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17
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Dong W, Wang S, Wang X, Xu G, Liu Q, Li Z, Lv N, Pan Y, Xiong Q, Liu D, Zhu B. Characteristics of Vaginal Microbiota of Women of Reproductive Age with Infections. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1030. [PMID: 38792859 PMCID: PMC11124179 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12051030] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota can be classified into five major community state types (CSTs) based on the bacterial content. However, the link between different CST subtypes and vaginal infection remains unclear. Here, we analyzed 2017 vaginal microbiota samples from women of a reproductive age with vaginal infections that were published in the last decade. We found that L. iners was the most dominant in 34.8% of the vaginal samples, followed by L. crispatus (21.2%). CST I was common in healthy individuals, whereas CST III and IV were associated with dysbiosis and infection. CST III-B, IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C0 were prevalent in patients with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Based on the relative abundance of bacteria at the (sub)genus level, a random forest classifier was developed to predict vaginal infections with an area under the curve of 0.83. We further identified four modules of co-occurring bacterial taxa: L. crispatus, Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Bacteroides. The functional prediction revealed that nucleotide biosynthesis pathways were upregulated in patients with human papilloma virus, and carbohydrate degradation pathways were downregulated in patients with BV. Overall, our study identified the bacterial signatures of healthy and infected vaginal microbiota, providing unique insights into the clinical diagnosis and health status prediction of women of a reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Siyi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guojin Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Qiuying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Zheng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Na Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Yuanlong Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Qian Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
| | - Donglai Liu
- Division II of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, Institute for In Vitro Diagnostics Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Medical Devices, Beijing 100050, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of In Vitro Diagnostics, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (W.D.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250117, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Resistance and Pathogen Genomics, Beijing 100101, China
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18
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Chopra C, Kumar V, Kumar M, Bhushan I. Role of vaginal microbiota in idiopathic infertility: a prospective study. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105308. [PMID: 38311069 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105308] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The causes of idiopathic infertility are still not known; however, it may be associated with microbial etiologies. The present study examines the vaginal microbiota of infertile as well as fertile women longitudinally. METHODOLOGY The study was presented and accepted by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir (India). An observational, prospective, multicenteric investigation was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College Jammu, and its affiliated hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir (India). In order to examine the microbial composition, a cohort of 80 female individuals were involved in the screening process. The investigation involved sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene, which was subsequently analyzed using the Mothur pipeline. RESULTS The study revealed that the vaginal microbiota of infertile women differed from that of healthy women who had previously given birth without any complications. Both populations have variations in their alpha as well as beta diversity and taxonomical composition. The microbial profiles in the cases of infertility are characterized by elevated levels of Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium, and Enterococcus whereas a higher level of Lactobacillus iners was observed in case of fertile women. CONCLUSION In conclusion, it can be inferred that the composition of the vaginal microbiome potentially exerts a significant influence on females afflicted with idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitrakshi Chopra
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Jammu, J&K, 180001, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, 26999, Qatar
| | - Indu Bhushan
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India.
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19
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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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20
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Sakamoto M, Tanaka H, Enomoto S, Takeuchi H, Nishioka M, Tanaka K, Takayama E, Maezawa T, Kondo E, Ikeda T. The efficacy of vaginal treatment for non-Lactobacillus dominant endometrial microbiota-A case-control study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:604-610. [PMID: 38308457 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15897] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM Reduced Lactobacillus occupancy in the uterine microflora has been associated with implantation failure. This study aimed to evaluate a treatment for improving the uterine microflora. METHODS This study included patients diagnosed with repeated implantation failure-defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after two or more transfers of viable embryos-who were classified as non-Lactobacillus dominant. Treatment A comprised oral administration of antibiotics for 1 week, followed by oral probiotic butyrate tablets (3 g/day) for approximately 30 days. Treatment B comprised a 1-week course of oral (750 mg/day) and vaginal (250 mg/day) metronidazole, followed by a 1-week intravaginal administration of probiotic capsules (1 capsule/day) and continued oral administration of probiotics (1 capsule/day). Both treatments were compared in terms of efficacy in improving vaginal flora. Improvement was defined as Lactobacillus occupancy >90% or an increase in Lactobacillus occupancy >20%. RESULTS Seven (41.2%) of 17 patients in the Treatment A group improved in response to the treatment. Contrastingly, 9 (90.0%) of 10 patients improved in the Treatment B group (p = 0.0127). Following treatment, Lactobacillus occupancy in the Treatment B group (62.9% ± 12.7%) was significantly higher than that in the Treatment A group (5.7% ± 9.8%) (p = 0.0242). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining antibiotics and probiotics in vaginal formulations for treating abnormal uterine microflora. However, its potential impact on in vitro fertilization outcomes remains unclear and warrants further investigation through larger, more comprehensive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Sakamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Sayako Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Mikiko Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Kayo Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Erina Takayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maezawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
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21
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Kong Y, Liu S, Wang X, Qie R. Associations between gut microbiota and gynecological cancers: A bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37628. [PMID: 38552081 PMCID: PMC10977594 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has suggested that gut microbiota is associated with gynecologic cancers. However, whether there is a causal relationship between these associations remains to be determined. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) evaluation was carried out to investigate the mechanism associating gut microbiota and 3 prevalent gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer (OC), endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer as well as their subtypes in individuals of European ancestry. The Genome-wide association studies statistics, which are publically accessible, were used. Eligible instrumental single nucleotide polymorphisms that were significantly related to the gut microbiota were selected. Multiple MR analysis approaches were carried out, including inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, Weighted Median methods, and a range of sensitivity analyses. Lastly, we undertook a reverse MR analysis to evaluate the potential of reverse causality. We sifted through 196 bacterial taxa and identified 33 suggestive causal relationships between genetic liability in the gut microbiota and gynecological cancers. We found that 11 of these genera could be pathogenic risk factors for gynecological cancers, while 19 could lessen the risk of cancer. In the other direction, gynecological cancers altered gut microbiota composition. Our MR analysis revealed that the gut microbiota was causally associated with OC, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. This may assist in providing new insights for further mechanistic and clinical studies of microbiota-mediated gynecological cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqian Kong
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shaoxuan Liu
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Qie
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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22
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Prasanchit P, Pongchaikul P, Lertsittichai P, Tantitham C, Manonai J. Vaginal microbiomes of breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors with and without vulvovaginal symptoms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7417. [PMID: 38548910 PMCID: PMC10978846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58118-3] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is the leading cause of vaginal symptoms in breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors. However, there are currently no effective treatment options available for women with a history of breast cancer. Recent research has established that changes in the vaginal microbiome may be linked to GSM. Most studies have assessed the microbiome without accounting for the estrogen status. It remains unknown whether the vaginal microbiome differ among patients with a low estrogenic state with and without vulvovaginal symptoms. To address such research questions, our study compares the vaginal microbiomes among breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors with and without vulvovaginal symptoms. A total of 50 breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors were recruited, among whom 25 had vulvovaginal symptoms and 25 had no vulvovaginal symptoms. Vaginal swabs were collected. DNA extraction, followed by sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, were performed. Differential abundance analysis was conducted by linear discriminant analysis effect size. Taxonomy assignment, alpha diversity and beta diversity were examined. The relative abundance of genus Sneathia and genus Gardnerella was significantly increased in vulvovaginal symptoms group with no differences in bacterial diversity and richness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimpun Prasanchit
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Pisut Pongchaikul
- Ramathibodi Medical School, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 111, Suwannabhumi Canal Rd., Samut Prakan, 10540, Thailand
- Integrative Computational BioScience Center, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Panuwat Lertsittichai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Chananya Tantitham
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jittima Manonai
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama VI Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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23
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Sudhakaran G, Kesavan D, Selvam M, Arasu A, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. Gonorrhea caused due to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae treated using probiotic peptide. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:17. [PMID: 38525049 PMCID: PMC10957827 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00185-x] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease from gonorrhea that lacks treatment; despite the urgency, the absence of adequate drugs, lack of human correlates of protection, and inadequate animal models of infection have delayed progress toward the prevention of gonococcal infection. Lactobacillus crispatus is a lactic acid bacterium typically found in the human vaginal microbiota. Peptides from L. crispatus have shown a potential therapeutic option for targetting N. gonorrhea. Bioinformatics analysis is important for speeding up drug target acquisition, screening refinement, and evaluating adverse effects and drug resistance prediction. Therefore, this study identified an antimicrobial peptide from the bacteriocin immunity protein (BIP) of L. crispatus using the bioinformatics tool and Collection of Antimicrobial Peptide (CAMPR3). Based on the AMP score and highest ADMET properties, the peptide SM20 was chosen for docking analysis. SM20 was docked against multiple proteins from the genome of the AMR bacterium N. gonorrhea using an online tool; protein-peptide interactions were established and visualized using the PyMol visualizing tool. Molecular docking was carried out using the CABSdock tool, and multiple conformations were obtained against the membrane proteins of N. gonorrhoea. The peptide SM20 exhibited higher docking scores and ADMET properties. Therefore, SM20 could be further encapsulated with cellulose; it can be applied topically to the genital tract to target N. gonorrhea infection. The controlled release of the antimicrobial peptide from the gel can provide sustained delivery of the treatment, increasing its efficacy and reducing the risk of resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - D. Kesavan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Madesh Selvam
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Abirami Arasu
- Department of Microbiology, SRM Arts and Science College, Kattankulathur, Chennai, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
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Maduta CS, McCormick JK, Dufresne K. Vaginal community state types (CSTs) alter environmental cues and production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0044723. [PMID: 38334326 PMCID: PMC10955855 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00447-23] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare but life-threatening disease associated with the use of high-absorbency tampons. The production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) superantigen is involved in nearly all cases of mTSS and is tightly controlled by regulators responding to the environment. In the prototypic mTSS strain S. aureus MN8, the major repressor of TSST-1 is the carbon catabolite protein A (CcpA), which responds to glucose concentrations in the vaginal tract. Healthy vaginal Lactobacillus species also depend on glucose for both growth and acidification of the vaginal environment through lactic acid production. We hypothesized that interactions between the vaginal microbiota [herein referred to as community state types (CSTs)] and S. aureus MN8 depend on environmental cues and that these interactions subsequently affect TSST-1 production. Using S. aureus MN8 ΔccpA growing in various glucose concentrations, we demonstrate that the supernatants from different CSTs grown in vaginally defined medium (VDM) could significantly decrease tst expression. When co-culturing CST species with MN8 ∆ccpA, we show that Lactobacillus jensenii completely inhibits TSST-1 production in conditions mimicking healthy menstruation or mTSS. Finally, we show that growing S. aureus in "unhealthy" or "transitional" CST supernatants results in higher interleukin 2 (IL-2) production from T cells. These findings suggest that dysbiotic CSTs may encourage TSST-1 production in the vaginal tract and further indicate that the CSTs are likely important for the protection from mTSS.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we investigate the impact of the vaginal microbiota against Staphylococcus aureus in conditions mimicking the vaginal environment at various stages of the menstrual cycle. We demonstrate that Lactobacillus jensenii can inhibit toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production, suggesting the potential for probiotic activity in treating and preventing menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS). On the other side of the spectrum, "unhealthy" or "transient" bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus iners support more TSST-1 production by S. aureus, suggesting that community state types are important in the development of mTSS. This study sets forward a model for examining contact-independent interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the vaginal microbiota. It also demonstrates the necessity of replicating the environment when studying one as dynamic as the vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Maduta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John K. McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karine Dufresne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Chen P, Hu T, Zheng Z, E. Garfield R, Yang J. Characteristics of cervicovaginal microflora at different cervical maturity during late pregnancy: A nested case-control study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300510. [PMID: 38507418 PMCID: PMC10954133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300510] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mechanism of cervical ripening in late pregnancy is still unclear. The vaginal microbiome has been reported to correlate with the preterm birth and short cervix in pregnant women. However, the associations between the cervical maturity and the vaginal microbiome are still poorly understood. We aim to analyze the cervicovaginal microflora in women with ripe cervix and in those who are unripe when delivering at term. METHODS Cervicovaginal swabs were collected between 40 and 41 weeks of gestation from the following 2 different groups of patients: ripe group (n = 25) and unripe group (n = 25). Samples were tested using 16S ribosomal RNA gene high-throughput sequencing and analyzed by bioinformatics platform. RESULTS This study highlights the relationship between cervical maturity during late pregnancy and the composition of the cervicovaginal microflora. Both α- and β-diversity analyses demonstrated significant differences between women with a ripe cervix and those with an unripe cervix. Notably, the Lactobacillus profile was found to be closely linked to cervical maturity. There was a significant difference in the vaginal community state type, with CST IV being more prevalent in women with an unripe cervix. Furthermore, the association between CST IV and the unripe cervix group, as indicated by the odds ratio of 8.6, underscores its relevance in evaluating cervical maturity, when compared to other Lactobacillus-dominant community state types. Additionally, several bacterial taxa, particularly Lactobacillus, exhibited differential relative abundances between the two groups. CONCLUSION This study provided significant evidence regarding the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and cervical maturity, highlighting the differential diversity, community state types, and specific bacterial taxa, such as Lactobacillus, that are associated with cervical maturation status. These findings contributed to our understanding of the dynamics of the cervicovaginal microflora during late pregnancy and its implications for cervical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Zheng
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Robert E. Garfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Jinying Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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26
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Gonçalves-Nobre JG, Matos A, Carreira M, Santos AC, Veiga LC, Ginete C, Brito M, Pires M, Pereira H, Cardoso C, Bicho M, Bicho MC. The interplay between HPV, other Sexually Transmissible Infections and genital microbiome on cervical microenvironment (MicroCervixHPV study). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1251913. [PMID: 38532749 PMCID: PMC10963500 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1251913] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of Cervicovaginal Microbiota in protecting against infections (such as HPV) is already well established, namely through Lactobacillus spp., as well as the mechanism through which HPV leads to Cervical Neoplasia. However, it is not possible to classify HPV as a complete carcinogen. Thus, the importance of exploring Cervicovaginal dysbiosis with the intention of deciphering this interaction with HPV, takes on greater relevance. The main objectives of this study were: 1) Comparison of the MCV composition of women with or without HPV and women with ASCUS or LSIL; 2) Characterization of cytokines present in the vaginal microenvironment; 3) Evaluation of the blood count ratios as prognostic systemic inflammatory biomarkers; 4) Correlation between MCV, HPV serotypes and cytokines. Methods This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study. CVM analysis was performed by isolation RNA and sequencing on a NGS platform. Cytokine concentrations of CVM were obtained through Multiplex platform. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v 26.0. An α of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Highlighting the core of the study, CVM types of CST I and CST IV were found to influence the emergence of cervical lesions. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio was found to impact the prognosis of ASCUS. Within CVM, Lactobacillus prevent the growth of other CST IV species, while the latter express symbiotic relationships with each other and show affinity for specific HPV serotypes. At last, RANTES chemokine is significantly elevated in cervicovaginal infections. Conclusion The importance of using vaginal cytokine profiles and CVM is highlighted in the hypothesis of prevention of Cervical Neoplasia development, as well as in its use as a prognostic biomarker. Taken together, these insights are one step closer to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Guilherme Gonçalves-Nobre
- Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (IMPSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- PTSurg – Portuguese Surgical Research Collaborative, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Matos
- Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (IMPSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
- Tumour & Microenvironment Interactions Group i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade de Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Carreira
- Amedes MVZ Müenchen GmbH fier Gynaekologie und Pathologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Carolina Santos
- Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (IMPSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luisa Carvalho Veiga
- Health and Technology Research Center, Escola superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ginete
- Health and Technology Research Center, Escola superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- Health and Technology Research Center, Escola superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marina Pires
- Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Hermínia Pereira
- Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cardoso
- Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Manuel Bicho
- Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (IMPSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Clara Bicho
- Institute of Environmental Health (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (IMPSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação Científica Bento da Rocha Cabral, Lisboa, Portugal
- Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Carnaxide, Portugal
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27
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Cohen S, Ost KS, Doran KS. Impact of interkingdom microbial interactions in the vaginal tract. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012018. [PMID: 38457371 PMCID: PMC10923463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shirli Cohen
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kyla S. Ost
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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28
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Das S, Konwar BK. Influence of connatural factors in shaping vaginal microflora and ensuring its health. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:871-886. [PMID: 37676318 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07200-8] [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: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal canal (VC) is exposed to the external environment affected by habitual factors like hygiene and sexual behaviour as well as physiological factors like puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, child birth and menopause. Healthy VC harbours beneficial microflora supported by vaginal epithelium and cervical fluid. Connatural antimicrobial peptide (AMPs) of female reproductive tract (FRT) conjunctly with these beneficial microbes provide protection from a large number of infectious diseases. Such infections may either be caused by native microbes of the VC or transitory microbes like bacteria or virus which are not a part of VC microflora. This review highlight's the role of hormones, enzymes, innate immunological factors, epithelial cells and vaginal mucus that support beneficial microbes over infectious ones thus, helping to maintain homeostasis in VC and further protect the FRT. We also discuss the prospective use of vaginal probiotics and AMPs against pathogens which can serve as a potential cure for vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Das
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, 784028, India.
| | - Bolin K Konwar
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, 784028, India
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Mitra A, Gultekin M, Burney Ellis L, Bizzarri N, Bowden S, Taumberger N, Bracic T, Vieira-Baptista P, Sehouli J, Kyrgiou M. Genital tract microbiota composition profiles and use of prebiotics and probiotics in gynaecological cancer prevention: review of the current evidence, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology prevention committee statement. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e291-e300. [PMID: 38141634 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Female genital tract (FGT) microbiota has been associated with the development of gynaecological cancers. Thus, the possibility of whether manipulation of the FGT microbiota can help in the prevention of disease should be investigated. Various prebiotics, probiotics, and other non-clinician prescribed agents have been reported to have therapeutic effects in cervical disease. Numerous studies have reported an association between human papillomavirus infection and subsequent cervical dysplasia and a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus species. A continuum of microbiota composition is observed from the vagina to the upper parts of the FGT, but no evidence suggests that manipulation of the vaginal microbiota can help to modify the composition of other FGT compartments. Although prebiotics and probiotics have been reported to be beneficial, the studies are small and of varying design, and high-quality evidence to support their use is lacking. Currently, no studies have examined these therapeutics in other gynaecological malignancies. Thus, recommendation of probiotics, prebiotics, or other over-the-counter supplements for the prevention of gynaecological cancers warrants larger, well designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mitra
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Murat Gultekin
- Division of Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Laura Burney Ellis
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicolò Bizzarri
- UOC Ginecologia Oncologica, Dipartimento per la salute della Donna e del Bambino e della Salute Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Bowden
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadja Taumberger
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Hospital Spittal a d Drau, Carinthia, Austria
| | - Taja Bracic
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction - Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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30
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Das S, Konwar BK. Inhibiting pathogenicity of vaginal Candida albicans by lactic acid bacteria and MS analysis of their extracellular compounds. APMIS 2024; 132:161-186. [PMID: 38168754 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13365] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining healthy vaginal microflora post-puberty is critical. In this study we explore the potential of vaginal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their extracellular metabolites against the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. The probiotic culture free supernatant (PCFS) from Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. vaginalis exhibit an inhibitory effect on budding, hyphae, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. LGPCFS manifested the best potential among the LAB PCFS, inhibiting budding for 24 h and restricting hyphae formation post-stimulation. LGPCFS also pre-eminently inhibited biofilm formation. Furthermore, L. gasseri itself grew under RPMI 1640 stimulation suppressing the biofilm formation of C. albicans. The PCFS from the LAB downregulated the hyphal genes of C. albicans, inhibiting the yeast transformation to fungi. Hyphal cell wall proteins HWP1, ALS3, ECE1, and HYR1 and transcription factors BCR1 and CPH1 were downregulated by the metabolites from LAB. Finally, the extracellular metabolome of the LAB was studied by LC-MS/MS analysis. L.gasseri produced the highest antifungal compounds and antibiotics, supporting its best activity against C. albicans. Vaginal LAB and their extracellular metabolites perpetuate C. albicans at an avirulent state. The metabolites produced by these LAB in vitro have been identified, and can be further exploited as a preventive measure against vaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Das
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, India
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31
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Chen L, Li J, Xiao B. The role of sialidases in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis and their use as a promising pharmacological target in bacterial vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367233. [PMID: 38495652 PMCID: PMC10940449 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367233] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the genital tract characterized by disturbance of the normally Lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora due to the overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis, an anaerobic pathogen and the major pathogen of BV, produces sialidases that cleave terminal sialic acid residues off of human glycans. By desialylation, sialidases not only alter the function of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates but also play a vital role in the attachment, colonization and spread of many other vaginal pathogens. With known pathogenic effects, excellent performance of sialidase-based diagnostic tests, and promising therapeutic potentials of sialidase inhibitors, sialidases could be used as a biomarker of BV. This review explores the sources of sialidases and their role in vaginal dysbiosis, in aims to better understand their participation in the pathogenesis of BV and their value in the diagnosis and treatment of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Ashonibare VJ, Akorede BA, Ashonibare PJ, Akhigbe TM, Akhigbe RE. Gut microbiota-gonadal axis: the impact of gut microbiota on reproductive functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346035. [PMID: 38482009 PMCID: PMC10933031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346035] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The influence of gut microbiota on physiological processes is rapidly gaining attention globally. Despite being under-studied, there are available data demonstrating a gut microbiota-gonadal cross-talk, and the importance of this axis in reproduction. This study reviews the impacts of gut microbiota on reproduction. In addition, the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates male and female reproduction are presented. Databases, including Embase, Google scholar, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, were explored using relevant key words. Findings showed that gut microbiota promotes gonadal functions by modulating the circulating levels of steroid sex hormones, insulin sensitivity, immune system, and gonadal microbiota. Gut microbiota also alters ROS generation and the activation of cytokine accumulation. In conclusion, available data demonstrate the existence of a gut microbiota-gonadal axis, and role of this axis on gonadal functions. However, majority of the data were compelling evidences from animal studies with a great dearth of human data. Therefore, human studies validating the reports of experimental studies using animal models are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victory J. Ashonibare
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji A. Akorede
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Precious J. Ashonibare
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Tunmise M. Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Breeding and Genetic Unit, Department of Agronomy, Osun State University, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Prodan-Barbulescu C, Bratosin F, Folescu R, Boeriu E, Popa ZL, Citu C, Ratiu A, Rosca O, Ilie AC. Analysis of Vaginal Microbiota Variations in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Their Correlation with Preterm Birth: A Case-Control Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:417. [PMID: 38399821 PMCID: PMC10892439 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study conducted a detailed analysis of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women to explore its correlation with preterm birth (PTB) outcomes. The primary objective was to identify microbial variations associated with increased PTB risk. Secondary objectives included investigating how changes in microbial composition relate to the local immune environment and PTB. Utilizing a retrospective case-control design, the study involved pregnant women with liveborn infants between 2019 and 2023. In total, 89 women who delivered preterm and 106 term deliveries were included. Data collection focused on third-trimester vaginal cultures. Statistically significant differences were observed between the preterm and full-term groups in several areas. The median white blood cell count (10.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 7.6 × 103/mm3, p = 0.009) and neutrophil count (7.2 × 103/mm3 vs. 5.1 × 103/mm3, p < 0.001) were higher in the preterm group. Vaginal pH was also elevated in preterm births (5.6 vs. 4.4, p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (29.2% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.001) as indicated by the Nugent Score. The study noted a significant association of PTB with the presence of Candida spp. (OR = 1.84, p = 0.018), Gardnerella vaginalis (OR = 2.29, p = 0.003), Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 1.97, p = 0.007), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (OR = 2.43, p = 0.001). Conversely, a reduction in Lactobacillus spp. correlated with a decreased PTB risk (OR = 0.46, p = 0.001). The study provides compelling evidence that specific vaginal microbiota components, particularly certain pathogenic bacteria and an altered Lactobacillus profile, are significantly associated with PTB risk. These findings highlight the potential of targeting microbial factors in strategies aimed at reducing PTB rates. Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex interplay between microbial dynamics, host immunity, and PTB outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Prodan-Barbulescu
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- IInd Surgery Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department I, Discipline of Anatomy and Embriology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Folescu
- Department of Family Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Estera Boeriu
- Department of Pediatrics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Adrian Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (Z.L.P.); (C.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Cosmin Ilie
- Department III Functional Sciences, Division of Public Health and Management, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Cocomazzi G, Del Pup L, Contu V, Maggio G, Parmegiani L, Ciampaglia W, De Ruvo D, Faioli R, Maglione A, Baldini GM, Baldini D, Pazienza V. Gynecological Cancers and Microbiota Dynamics: Insights into Pathogenesis and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2237. [PMID: 38396914 PMCID: PMC10889201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042237] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the relationship between the microbiota and various aspects of health has become a focal point of scientific investigation. Although the most studied microbiota concern the gastrointestinal tract, recently, the interest has also been extended to other body districts. Female genital tract dysbiosis and its possible impact on pathologies such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and gynecological cancers have been unveiled. The incursion of pathogenic microbes alters the ecological equilibrium of the vagina, triggering inflammation and compromising immune defense, potentially fostering an environment conducive to cancer development. The most common types of gynecological cancer include cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, which occur in women of any age but especially in postmenopausal women. Several studies highlighted that a low presence of lactobacilli at the vaginal level, and consequently, in related areas (such as the endometrium and ovary), correlates with a higher risk of gynecological pathology and likely contributes to increased incidence and worse prognosis of gynecological cancers. The complex interplay between microbial communities and the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies is a burgeoning field not yet fully understood. The intricate crosstalk between the gut microbiota and systemic inflammation introduces a new dimension to our understanding of gynecologic cancers. The objective of this review is to focus attention on the association between vaginal microbiota and gynecological malignancies and provide detailed knowledge for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cocomazzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy;
| | - Lino Del Pup
- Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility, University Sanitary Agency Friuli Central (ASUFC), Via Pozzuolo, 330, 33100 Udine, FVG, Italy;
| | - Viviana Contu
- Integrative Medicine Unit, Humanitas Gradenigo, Corso Regina Margherita 8/10, 10153 Torino, FC, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Maggio
- Pia Fondazione Cardinale Giovanni Panico, Via S. Pio X, 4, 73039 Tricase, LE, Italy;
| | - Lodovico Parmegiani
- Next Fertility GynePro, NextClinics International Via T. Cremona 8, 40137 Bologna, RE, Italy; (L.P.); (W.C.)
| | - Walter Ciampaglia
- Next Fertility GynePro, NextClinics International Via T. Cremona 8, 40137 Bologna, RE, Italy; (L.P.); (W.C.)
| | - Daniele De Ruvo
- Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine Affidea Promea, Via Menabrea 14, 10126 Torino, TO, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Faioli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy; (R.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Annamaria Maglione
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy; (R.F.); (A.M.)
| | - Giorgio Maria Baldini
- IVF Center, Momò Fertilife, 76011 Bisceglie Via Cala dell’Arciprete, 76011 Bisceglie, BT, Italy; (G.M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Domenico Baldini
- IVF Center, Momò Fertilife, 76011 Bisceglie Via Cala dell’Arciprete, 76011 Bisceglie, BT, Italy; (G.M.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Valerio Pazienza
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy;
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Vivekanandan V, Khan ZH, Venugopal G, Musunuru B, Mishra P, Srivastava S, Ramadass B, Subhadra B. VagiBIOM Lactobacillus suppository improves vaginal health index in perimenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis: a randomized control trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3317. [PMID: 38336815 PMCID: PMC10858244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53770-1] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause vaginal dysbiosis that may influence general vaginal health and pregnancy complications. Balancing vaginal microbiome using Lactobacillus spp. may be a new way to prevent and treat mild BV. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study aimed at evaluating the effect of the product VagiBIOM, a multi-Lactobacillus vaginal suppository, on peri- and premenopausal women with BV in restoring vaginal pH and overall vaginal health by resetting the vaginal microbiome composition. Sixty-six peri- and premenopausal women with BV symptoms were randomized with a 2:1 ratio to be treated with VagiBIOM or placebo suppositories. Vaginal pH, VAS itching score, total Nugent score, and vaginal health index (VHI) were measured. Vaginal microbiome changes before and after the treatment were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. After 4 weeks of intervention with VagiBIOM or a placebo, the mean score for vaginal pH, VAS itching, and total Nugent score was significantly decreased from the baseline. Compared to the baseline scores, the VHI scores improved significantly following 28-day intervention (p < 0.001). Our results revealed two Lactobacillus species, L. hamsteri, and L. helveticus, as indicator species occurring differentially in the VagiBIOM-treated group. Furthermore, the regression and species network analyses revealed significant bacterial associations after VagiBIOM treatment. Lactobacillus hamsteri was positively associated with the Nugent score and negatively associated with vaginal pH. L. iners and L. salivarius were positively and inversely associated with VHI. As is typical, Bacteroides fragilis was positively associated with vaginal pH and negatively associated with the Nugent score. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus spp. diversity improved after VagiBIOM treatment. The VagiBIOM suppository treatment for peri- and premenopausal women with BV significantly relieved vaginal itching by decreasing vaginal pH and Nugent scores and improving the overall VHI after 4 weeks' intervention. This effect was primarily the result of VagiBIOM improving vaginal Lactobacillus diversity.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05060029, first registration 09/28/2021: Title: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lactobacillus Species Suppositories on Vaginal Health and pH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaiba Hasan Khan
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Giriprasad Venugopal
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Bhavana Musunuru
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Priyanka Mishra
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Shalini Srivastava
- Vedic LifeSciences, Clinical Research, Andheri (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Balamurugan Ramadass
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Microbiome Research (CCMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Bobban Subhadra
- Biom Pharmaceutical Corporation, 2203 Industrial Blvd, Sarasota, FL, USA.
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Liu Y, Li Z. Vaginal pH value can affect the susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:176. [PMID: 38331746 PMCID: PMC10854022 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being responsible for its progression. In healthy, pre-menopausal women, the vaginal pH value is maintained at 3.8-4.5, but various factors can affect it. Previous studies have suggested the relationship between vaginal pH value and HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between vaginal pH and susceptibility of HPV infection. METHODS In our study, we retrospectively collected medical information from women who underwent leukorrhea examination at our hospital. We excluded women with infectious diseases or cancer, those who were pregnant or within 6 months post-delivery, and those without HPV test results within 6 months. The association between percentage of HPV infection and vaginal pH value was analyzed. Furthermore, we prepared HPV pseudovirus (PsVs) by co-transfecting structure plasmids and report plasmids in 293FT cells. In vitro, we changed the pH value of cell culture medium to investigate its influence on HPV PsVs infection. In vivo, we changed mouse's vaginal pH value to investigate its influence on HPV PsVs infection. RESULTS Our retrospective study included 3115 women aged 20-78, including 2531 women with HPV negative and 584 women with HPV positive. The percentages of both HPV infection and high-risk HPV infection were higher in women with a vaginal pH value ≥5.0 compared to those with a pH value < 5.0. In vitro, HPV PsVs infection rate was higher in cell culture medium of higher pH value, dominantly due to the influence of pH value on the stage of HPV PsVs adhering to cell surface. Neither of the cell surface HPV receptors Syndecan-1 nor integrin α6 was found to be changed obviously in different pH values. In vivo, more HPV PsVs were adhered to the mouse's vaginal epithelial cells with the increase of the vaginal pH value. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a possible association between vaginal pH value and HPV infection. The pH value can influence the susceptibility of HPV PsVs infection by affecting the adhering of HPV PsVs to cells in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the cell surface HPV receptors Syndecan-1 and Integrin α6 do not seem to be affected by pH value, and the specific mechanism needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxia Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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Fong Amaris WM, de Assumpção PP, Valadares LJ, Moreira FC. Microbiota changes: the unseen players in cervical cancer progression. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1352778. [PMID: 38389527 PMCID: PMC10881787 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1352778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally with high-risk human papillomaviruses implicated in nearly 99% of cases. However, hidden players such as changes in the microbiota are now being examined as potential markers in the progression of this disease. Researchers suggest that changes in the vaginal microbiota might correlate with cervical cancer. This review provides a comprehensive look at the microbiota changes linked with the advancement of cervical cancer. It also scrutinizes the databases from past studies on the microbiota during healthy and cancerous stages, drawing connections between prior findings concerning the role of the microbiota in the progression of cervical cancer. Preliminary findings identify Fusobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Campylobacter spp., and Haemophilus spp., as potential biomarkers for cervical cancer progression. Alloscardovia spp., Eubacterium spp., and Mycoplasma spp. were identified as potential biomarkers for HPVs (+), while Methylobacterium spp. may be indicative of HPV (-). However, the study's limitations, including potential biases and methodological constraints, underscore the need for further research to validate these findings and delve deeper into the microbiota's role in HPV development. Despite these limitations, the review provides valuable insights into microbiota trends during cervical cancer progression, offering direction for future research. The review summarizes key findings from previous studies on microbiota during healthy and cancerous stages, as well as other conditions such as CIN, SIL, HPV (+), and HPV (-), indicating a promising area for further investigation. The consistent presence of HPV across all reported cervical abnormalities, along with the identification of distinct bacterial genera between cancerous and control samples, suggests a potential link that merits further exploration. In conclusion, a more profound understanding of the microbial landscape could elucidate the pathogenesis of cervical diseases and inform future strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Fong Amaris
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Paulo Pimentel de Assumpção
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Jacomo Valadares
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Vicariotto F, Malfa P, Viciani E, Dell’Atti F, Squarzanti DF, Marcante A, Castagnetti A, Ponchia R, Governini L, De Leo V. Efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 in the Amelioration of Vaginal Microbiota in Post-Menopausal Women: A Prospective Observational Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2024; 16:402. [PMID: 38337685 PMCID: PMC10857347 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030402] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The menopausal transition marks a significant physiological shift in women. Menopause-related symptoms can significantly affect a woman's quality of life and probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue. This study aims to investigate the benefits of probiotics in improving vaginal well-being and microbiota composition in post-menopausal women. A prospective observational clinical trial was carried out enrolling 50 post-menopausal healthy women, aged between 45 and 65 years old, taking a supplement containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (3B CFU/day) for 28 days. Vaginal swabs were collected to evaluate microbiota fluctuation and the inflammatory pattern was recorded. A Vaginal Health Index was provided to evaluate vaginal well-being throughout the trial. Clinical outcomes revealed a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Significant improvements were observed across various parameters: a 50% enhancement in the VHI score (p < 0.0001), alongside substantial reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels. An 87.8% decrease in IL-6, 57.6% in IL-1β, and 40.8% in TNF-α was observed (p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic intervention facilitated the restoration of vaginal microbiota, evidenced by an increase in lactobacilli abundance. In conclusion, the combination of these specific probiotic strains, previously clinically tested in childbearing-age women, showed to be effective also for post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Malfa
- R&D Department, SynBalance Srl, 21040 Origgio, VA, Italy;
| | - Elisa Viciani
- Wellmicro Srl, 40138 Bologna, BO, Italy; (E.V.); (A.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Federica Dell’Atti
- Immunomics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, NO, Italy;
| | | | - Andrea Marcante
- Wellmicro Srl, 40138 Bologna, BO, Italy; (E.V.); (A.M.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, SI, Italy; (R.P.); (L.G.); (V.D.L.)
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, SI, Italy; (R.P.); (L.G.); (V.D.L.)
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, SI, Italy; (R.P.); (L.G.); (V.D.L.)
- Medical Policlinic Colledoro, 53100 Siena, SI, Italy
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Teh HE, Pung CK, Arasoo VJT, Yap PSX. A Landscape View of the Female Genital Tract Microbiome in Healthy Controls and Women With Reproductive Health Conditions Associated With Ectopic Pregnancy. Br J Biomed Sci 2024; 80:12098. [PMID: 38283642 PMCID: PMC10811206 DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2023.12098] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of the female genital microbiome is associated with several pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm onset of labour, and tubal pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a known cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, but early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy remain a challenge. Despite growing established associations between genital microbiome and female reproductive health, few studies have specifically focused on its link with ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, the current review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the female genital microbiome in healthy and fertile women compared to those in ectopic pregnancy and its associated risk factors. The microbial diversity from various sites of the female genital tract was explored for a reliable proxy of female reproductive health in sequencing-based ectopic pregnancy research. Our report confirmed the predominance of Lactobacillus in the vagina and the cervix among healthy women. The relative abundance decreased in the vaginal and cervical microbiome in the disease state. In contrast, there were inconsistent findings on the uterine microbiome across studies. Additionally, we explore a spectrum of opportunities to enhance our understanding of the female genital tract microbiome and reproductive conditions. In conclusion, this study identifies gaps within the field and emphasises the need for visionary solutions in metagenomic tools for the early detection of ectopic pregnancy and other gynaecological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Polly Soo Xi Yap
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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Vardeman ET, Kennelly EJ, Vandebroek I. Haitian women in New York City use global food plants for women's health. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:8. [PMID: 38217006 PMCID: PMC10785501 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00648-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of mainstream biomedical healthcare in New York City (NYC), community-based ethnomedicine practices remain a low-cost, culturally relevant treatment for many immigrants. Previous urban ethnobotany research in NYC has established that several Caribbean communities continue using medicinal plants for women's health after immigration. This study sought to address to what extent: (1) NYC Haitian women continue using medicinal plants for women's health after migration; (2) their plants and the conditions treated were similar to those identified in an earlier survey with NYC immigrants from the Dominican Republic. METHODS Through an ethnobotanical survey, 100 Haitian women living in NYC and born in Haiti were interviewed about their knowledge of medicinal plants for women's health conditions. Reported species were purchased based on local names in NYC Haitian stores and markets, vouchered, and identified. RESULTS Nearly all Haitian women (97%) reported using medicinal plants while living in Haiti. Most Haitian women continued using medicinal plants after coming to the USA (83%). The 14% decrease, although significant (z = 3.3; p = 0.001), was mainly due to logistical difficulties with sourcing plants after recent immigration. Popular medicinal plant species reported were primarily global food plants, re-emphasizing the intertwined food-medicine relationship in Caribbean diasporas. Comparison with data from NYC Dominicans identified childbirth and puerperium, gynecological infections, and vaginal cleansing as priority Haitian women's health concerns treated with plants. CONCLUSION Our findings support the global nature of Caribbean migrant plant pharmacopeia, predominantly centered around food plants and adapted to transnational urban settings. They underscore cultural diversity, dispelling the notion of one uniform traditional knowledge system labeled "Caribbean." The importance of preventative medicine for women's health, particularly the regular consumption of "healthy" foods or teas highlights the role food plants play in maintaining health without seeking treatment for a particular condition. Cross-cultural comparisons with other NYC Caribbean immigrants emphasize the importance of conducting ethnobotanical surveys to ground-truth plant use in the community. Such surveys can also identify culture-specific health priorities treated with these plants. Healthcare providers can leverage these insights to formulate culturally relevant and community-tailored healthcare strategies aligned with Haitian women's health beliefs and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella T Vardeman
- The Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Edward J Kennelly
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Ina Vandebroek
- The Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA.
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Life Sciences and Caribbean Centre for Research in Bioscience (CCRIB), Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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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: 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: 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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Rahman N, Mian MF, Nazli A, Kaushic C. Human vaginal microbiota colonization is regulated by female sex hormones in a mouse model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1307451. [PMID: 38156321 PMCID: PMC10753781 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1307451] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinically, a Lactobacillus rich vaginal microbiota (VMB) is considered optimal for reproductive outcomes, while a VMB populated by anaerobes is associated with dysbiosis and the clinical condition bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is linked to increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and adverse reproductive outcomes. Mouse models that mimic eubiotic and dysbiotic VMB are currently lacking but could play a critical role in improving protective interventions. Methods In this study, probiotic, eubiotic, and dysbiotic models were developed in C57BL/6 mice, using probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, eubiotic Lactobacillus crispatus, or dysbiotic Gardnerella vaginalis strains. Endogenous sex hormones were manipulated by either ovariectomizing (OVX) mice or administering 17β-estradiol or progesterone pellets in OVX mice. Hormone-altered mice were inoculated with probiotic Lactobacillus species, L. crispatus, or G. vaginalis, and colonization was tracked using quantitative plating assays. Glycogen and MUC-1 levels in hormone-treated mice were determined with ELISA and MUC-1 staining. Results Following a single administration, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri persisted in the mouse vaginal tract for up to eight days, L. crispatus persisted for up to three days, and G. vaginalis persisted for up to two days, as measured by quantitative plating assays and qPCR. Colonization of G. vaginalis was facilitated by the presence of mucin. The lack of endogenous hormones in OVX mice dramatically decreased VMB bacterial load compared to normal mice. None of the exogenous bacteria including Lactobacilli could colonize OVX mice for more than 24 hours. Treatment with 17β-estradiol but not progesterone restored the endogenous VMB and colonization with Lactobacilli and G. vaginalis. Interestingly, 17β-estradiol treated mice had significantly increased levels of glycogen compared to OVX and progesterone-treated mice. Discussion Based on the results, we have shown that estrogen played a significant role in the ability for human VMB species to colonize in our mouse models, potentially through a glycogen mediated mechanism. These results suggest there is a dynamic interaction between sex hormones and the VMB, which can affect bacterial diversity and the ability for a VMB to colonize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Rahman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M. Firoz Mian
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Aisha Nazli
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Yu Y, Ma M, Zhou Q. The relationship between vaginal microenvironment and pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J 2023; 34:2849-2858. [PMID: 37650904 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05635-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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on the combined effects of the vaginal microenvironment on pelvic dysfunctional diseases. METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China Knowledge Network (CNKI) databases were systematically searched up to January 2023 using the following MeSH terms: "pelvic organ prolapse", "stress urinary incontinence" and "vaginal microenvironment", "microenvironment", "vaginal cleanliness", "vaginitis", "lactobacillus" and other related keywords. Study methods were limited to case-control studies or cross-sectional studies. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS A total of eight articles were included in this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA), which involved a total of 7298 study participants. The pooled results of this meta-analysis showed that the vaginal microenvironment (number of vaginal lactobacilli, leukorrhea cleanliness, and presence of vaginitis) were all statistically significantly associated with pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women. CONCLUSION This review indicates that the vaginal microenvironment has an impact on the development of PFD in Chinese women. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol of this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) has been registered in PROSPERO databases with the Registration number of CRD42023407251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yu
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - MingRong Ma
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- The First Clinical College of Medicine, Chongqing Medical University / The First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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King AM, Zhang Z, Glassey E, Siuti P, Clardy J, Voigt CA. Systematic mining of the human microbiome identifies antimicrobial peptides with diverse activity spectra. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2420-2434. [PMID: 37973865 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Human-associated bacteria secrete modified peptides to control host physiology and remodel the microbiota species composition. Here we scanned 2,229 Human Microbiome Project genomes of species colonizing skin, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, mouth and trachea for gene clusters encoding RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). We found 218 lanthipeptides and 25 lasso peptides, 70 of which were synthesized and expressed in E. coli and 23 could be purified and functionally characterized. They were tested for activity against bacteria associated with healthy human flora and pathogens. New antibiotics were identified against strains implicated in skin, nasal and vaginal dysbiosis as well as from oral strains selectively targeting those in the gut. Extended- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics were found against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Mining natural products produced by human-associated microbes will enable the elucidation of ecological relationships and may be a rich resource for antimicrobial discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M King
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhengan Zhang
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emerson Glassey
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Piro Siuti
- Synthetic Biology Group, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jon Clardy
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Zou X, Nakura Y, Kawaguchi H, Nishiumi F, Wu HN, Yanagihara I. Comparison of databases useful for the analysis of vaginal microbiota in Japanese women using next-generation sequencing data (QIIME 2 software). J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad283. [PMID: 38012110 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad283] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Approximately 10% of children are born prematurely, and bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery. Highly accurate species-level vaginal microflora analysis helps control bacteria-induced preterm birth. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a bioinformatic analysis of gene sequences using 16S databases and compare their efficacy in comprehensively identifying potentially pathogenic vaginal microbiota in Japanese women. METHODS AND RESULTS The 16 s rRNA databases, Silva, Greengenes, and the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) were compared to determine whether the classification quality could be improved using the V3-V4 region next-generation sequencing (NGS) sequences. It was found that NGS data were aligned using the BLAST database with the QIIME 2 platform, whose classification quality was higher than that of Silva, and the combined Silva and Greengenes databases based on the mutual complementarity of the two databases. CONCLUSIONS The reference database selected during the bioinformatic processing influenced the recognized sequence percentage, taxonomic rankings, and accuracy. This study showed that the BLAST database was the best choice for NGS data analysis of Japanese women's vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianya Zou
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
- Department of Pediatric and Neonatal-Perinatal Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakura
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Haruna Kawaguchi
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Fumiko Nishiumi
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Heng Ning Wu
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Itaru Yanagihara
- Department of Developmental Medicine, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi City, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
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Lee J, Peesh P, Quaicoe V, Tan C, Banerjee A, Mooz P, Ganesh BP, Petrosino J, Bryan RM, McCullough LD, Venna VR. Estradiol mediates colonic epithelial protection in aged mice after stroke and is associated with shifts in the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2271629. [PMID: 37910478 PMCID: PMC10730206 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2271629] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut is a major source of bacteria and antigens that contribute to neuroinflammation after brain injury. Colonic epithelial cells (ECs) are responsible for secreting major cellular components of the innate defense system, including antimicrobial proteins (AMP) and mucins. These cells serve as a critical regulator of gut barrier function and maintain host-microbe homeostasis. In this study, we determined post-stroke host defense responses at the colonic epithelial surface in mice. We then tested if the enhancement of these epithelial protective mechanisms is beneficial in young and aged mice after stroke. AMPs were significantly increased in the colonic ECs of young males, but not in young females after experimental stroke. In contrast, mucin-related genes were enhanced in young females and contributed to mucus formation that maintains the distance between the host and gut bacteria. Bacterial community profiling was done using universal amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences. The sex-specific colonic epithelial defense responses after stroke in young females were reversed with ovariectomy and led to a shift from a predominately mucin response to the enhanced AMP expression seen in males after stroke. Estradiol (E2) replacement prior to stroke in aged females increased mucin gene expression in the colonic ECs. Interestingly, we found that E2 treatment reduced stroke-associated neuronal hyperactivity in the insular cortex, a brain region that interacts with visceral organs such as the gut, in parallel to an increase in the composition of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut microbiota. This is the first study demonstrating sex differences in host defense mechanisms in the gut after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juneyoung Lee
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pedram Peesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Victoria Quaicoe
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunfeng Tan
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anik Banerjee
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick Mooz
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bhanu P. Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Petrosino
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert M. Bryan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Venugopal Reddy Venna
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Hong X, Qin P, Gao L, Huang L, Shi Y, Peng D, Wang B. Change of the vaginal microbiome with oral contraceptive therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a 6-month longitudinal cohort study. BMC Med 2023; 21:478. [PMID: 38041079 PMCID: PMC10693170 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03196-9] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between the vaginal microbiome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is reported, but the longitudinal changes in the vaginal microbiome that accompany oral contraceptive therapy have not been described. METHODS This cohort study included 50 PCOS patients who wanted to make their menstrual periods more regular and accepted only oral contraceptive therapy and lifestyle coaching, then they were successfully followed up for 6 months. Venous blood was collected, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (T), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and estradiol (E2) were assayed at baseline and at months 3 and 6. Vaginal swabs were collected at baseline and at months 3 and 6. 16S rRNA genes were sequenced to identify the microbiota structure. Latent class trajectory models were used to explore the trajectory of the changes in Lactobacillus abundance. RESULTS At 3 months, all patients reported regular periods, and the improvement lasted until 6 months. The body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio decreased with treatment (P < 0.01), and the AMH and T levels showed downward trends. We did not find a statistically significant relationship between hormone levels at the previous time point and the vaginal microbiota at subsequent time points (P > 0.05). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased with treatment, and trajectory analysis revealed five classes of Lactobacillus changes. Class 1, stable high level, accounted for 26%; class 2, decrease followed by increase, accounted for 18%; class 3, stable low level, accounted for 10%; class 4, increase, accounted for 20%; class 5, increase followed by decrease, accounted for 26%. Logistic models showed that compared to class 1, a higher baseline T level was associated with a reduced risk of class 2 change (odds ratio (OR) = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.01-0.52) and class 4 change (OR = 0.10, 95% CI:0.01-0.93). CONCLUSIONS The abundance of Lactobacilli increased with PCOS treatment; however, the trajectory was inconsistent for each individual. Evidence of the effects of female hormone levels on the vaginal microbiome is insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengfei Qin
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liting Gao
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danhong Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Boahen A, Chew SY, Neela VK, Than LTL. Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29A Cell-Free Supernatant Antibiofilm and Antagonistic Effects in Murine Model of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1681-1699. [PMID: 36881331 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal dysbiosis advocates burgeoning of devious human vaginal pathobionts like Candida species that possess multiple virulence properties and metabolic flexibility to cause infections. Inevitably, antifungal resistance may emerge due to their innate nature (e.g., biofilm formation), which assists in their virulence as well as the formation of persister cells after dispersal. In consequence, the phenomenon of biofilm involvement in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its recurrence is becoming paramount. Lactic acid bacteria and their derivatives have proven to be hostile to Candida species. Here, we throw more light on the potency of the derivatives, i.e., cell-free supernatant (CFS) produced by an indigenously isolated vaginal Lactobacillus strain, Limosilactobacillus reuteri 29A. In the present study, we investigated the antibiofilm and antagonistic effects of L. reuteri 29A CFS, against biofilms of Candida species and in murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis. In our in vitro biofilm study, the CFS disrupted and inhibited preformed biofilms of C. albicans and C. glabrata. Scanning electron microscopy displayed the destruction of preformed biofilms and impediment of C. albicans morphogenesis by the CFS. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed multiple key compounds that may act singly or synergistically. In vivo, the CFS showed no collateral damage to uninfected mice; the integrity of infected vaginal tissues was restored by the administration of the CFS as seen from the cytological, histopathological, and electron microscopical analyses. The results of this study document the potential use of CFS as an adjuvant or prophylactic option in addressing vaginal fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Boahen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Division, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400 UPM, Malaysia.
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, 43400, Malaysia.
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Moraru A, Dima ȘO, Tritean N, Oprița EI, Prelipcean AM, Trică B, Oancea A, Moraru I, Constantinescu-Aruxandei D, Oancea F. Bioactive-Loaded Hydrogels Based on Bacterial Nanocellulose, Chitosan, and Poloxamer for Rebalancing Vaginal Microbiota. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1671. [PMID: 38139798 PMCID: PMC10748236 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Biocompatible drug-delivery systems for soft tissue applications are of high interest for the medical and pharmaceutical fields. The subject of this research is the development of hydrogels loaded with bioactive compounds (inulin, thyme essential oil, hydro-glycero-alcoholic extract of Vitis vinifera, Opuntia ficus-indica powder, lactic acid, citric acid) in order to support the vaginal microbiota homeostasis. The nanofibrillar phyto-hydrogel systems developed using the biocompatible polymers chitosan (CS), never-dried bacterial nanocellulose (NDBNC), and Poloxamer 407 (PX) incorporated the water-soluble bioactive components in the NDBNC hydrophilic fraction and the hydrophobic components in the hydrophobic core of the PX fraction. Two NDBNC-PX hydrogels and one NDBNC-PX-CS hydrogel were structurally and physical-chemically characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and rheology. The hydrogels were also evaluated in terms of thermo-responsive properties, mucoadhesion, biocompatibility, and prebiotic and antimicrobial effects. The mucin binding efficiency of hydrogel base systems was determined by the periodic acid/Schiff base (PAS) assay. Biocompatibility of hydrogel systems was determined by the MTT test using mouse fibroblasts. The prebiotic activity was determined using the probiotic strains Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum. Antimicrobial activity was also assessed using relevant microbial strains, respectively, E. coli and C. albicans. TEM evidenced PX micelles of around 20 nm on NDBNC nanofibrils. The FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that the binary hydrogels are dominated by PX signals, and that the ternary hydrogel is dominated by CS, with additional particular fingerprints for the biocompounds and the hydrogel interaction with mucin. Rheology evidenced the gel transition temperatures of 18-22 °C for the binary hydrogels with thixotropic behavior and, respectively, no gel transition, with rheopectic behavior for the ternary hydrogel. The adhesion energies of the binary and ternary hydrogels were evaluated to be around 1.2 J/m2 and 9.1 J/m2, respectively. The hydrogels exhibited a high degree of biocompatibility, with the potential to support cell proliferation and also to promote the growth of lactobacilli. The hydrogel systems also presented significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Moraru
- Faculty of Biotechnologies, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, Bd. Mărăști Nr. 59, Sector 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- S.C. Laboratoarele Medica Srl, Strada Frasinului Nr. 11, 075100 Otopeni, Romania;
| | - Ștefan-Ovidiu Dima
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Naomi Tritean
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 91-95, Sector 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Iulia Oprița
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Ana-Maria Prelipcean
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Bogdan Trică
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Anca Oancea
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Ionuț Moraru
- S.C. Laboratoarele Medica Srl, Strada Frasinului Nr. 11, 075100 Otopeni, Romania;
| | - Diana Constantinescu-Aruxandei
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Florin Oancea
- Faculty of Biotechnologies, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, Bd. Mărăști Nr. 59, Sector 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
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Holm JB, France MT, Gajer P, Ma B, Brotman RM, Shardell M, Forney L, Ravel J. Integrating compositional and functional content to describe vaginal microbiomes in health and disease. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:259. [PMID: 38031142 PMCID: PMC10688475 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiome provides the first line of defense against adverse genital tract health outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms by which the vaginal microbiome modulates protection, as prior work mostly described its composition through morphologic assessment and marker gene sequencing methods that do not capture functional information. To address this gap, we developed metagenomic community state types (mgCSTs) which use metagenomic sequences to describe and define vaginal microbiomes based on both composition and functional potential. RESULTS MgCSTs are categories of microbiomes classified using taxonomy and the functional potential encoded in their metagenomes. MgCSTs reflect unique combinations of metagenomic subspecies (mgSs), which are assemblages of bacterial strains of the same species, within a microbiome. We demonstrate that mgCSTs are associated with demographics such as age and race, as well as vaginal pH and Gram stain assessment of vaginal smears. Importantly, these associations varied between mgCSTs predominated by the same bacterial species. A subset of mgCSTs, including three of the six predominated by Gardnerella vaginalis mgSs, as well as mgSs of L. iners, were associated with a greater likelihood of bacterial vaginosis diagnosed by Amsel clinical criteria. This L. iners mgSs, among other functional features, encoded enhanced genetic capabilities for epithelial cell attachment that could facilitate cytotoxin-mediated cell lysis. Finally, we report a mgSs and mgCST classifier for which source code is provided and may be adapted for use by the microbiome research community. CONCLUSIONS MgCSTs are a novel and easily implemented approach to reduce the dimension of complex metagenomic datasets while maintaining their functional uniqueness. MgCSTs enable the investigation of multiple strains of the same species and the functional diversity in that species. Future investigations of functional diversity may be key to unraveling the pathways by which the vaginal microbiome modulates the protection of the genital tract. Importantly, our findings support the hypothesis that functional differences between vaginal microbiomes, including those that may look compositionally similar, are critical considerations in vaginal health. Ultimately, mgCSTs may lead to novel hypotheses concerning the role of the vaginal microbiome in promoting health and disease, and identify targets for novel prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies to improve women's genital health. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna B Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T France
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bing Ma
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Shardell
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Larry Forney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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