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Yu H, Wang X, Tian R, Li X, Xu C, Fei J, Li T, Yin Z. Myometrium infection decreases TREK1 through NHE1 and increases contraction in pregnant mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1106-C1119. [PMID: 38344766 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00598.2023] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Intrauterine infection during pregnancy can enhance uterine contractions. A two-pore K+ channel TREK1 is crucial for maintaining uterine quiescence and reducing contractility, with its properties regulated by pH changes in cell microenvironment. Meanwhile, the sodium hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) plays a pivotal role in modulating cellular pH homeostasis, and its activation increases smooth muscle tension. By establishing an infected mouse model of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we used Western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence to detect changes of TREK1 and NHE1 expression in the myometrium, and isometric recording measured the uterus contraction. The NHE1 inhibitor cariporide was used to explore the effect of NHE1 on TREK1. Finally, cell contraction assay and siRNA transfection were performed to clarify the relationship between NHE1 and TREK1 in vitro. We found that the uterine contraction was notably enhanced in infected mice with E. coli and LPS administration. Meanwhile, TREK1 expression was reduced, whereas NHE1 expression was upregulated in infected mice. Cariporide alleviated the increased uterine contraction and promoted myometrium TREK1 expression in LPS-injected mice. Furthermore, suppression of NHE1 with siRNA transfection inhibited the contractility of uterine smooth muscle cells and activated the TREK1. Altogether, our findings indicate that infection increases the uterine contraction by downregulating myometrium TREK1 in mice, and the inhibition of TREK1 is attributed to the activation of NHE1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Present work found that infection during pregnancy will increase myometrium contraction. Infection downregulated NHE1 and followed TREK1 expression and activation decrease in myometrium, resulting in increased myometrium contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruixian Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenyi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajia Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tengteng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongzhi Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Marti DT, Bratosin F, Rosca O, Folescu R, Citu C, Ratiu A, Popa ZL. Impact of Genital Infections and Antibiotic Use on Incidence of Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Observational Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38534675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030240] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the complex interplay among genital infections, antibiotic usage, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify common genital pathogens associated with preterm births, assess the impact of various antibiotic treatments on pregnancy outcomes, and understand antibiotic resistance patterns among these pathogens. This study included 71 pregnant women who experienced preterm birth and 94 women with genital infections who delivered at term. Various maternal characteristics, medical history, signs and symptoms, gestational weight, gestational age, type of birth, vaginal pH, Nugent scores, and vaginal flora were analyzed. Antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated microorganisms were also examined. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and genital herpes was significantly higher in the preterm group. Preterm births were associated with fever, pelvic pain, vaginal spotting, and fatigue. Vaginal pH levels and Nugent scores were significantly higher in the preterm group, indicating disturbed vaginal flora. The presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) was a particularly strong risk factor, increasing by more than four times the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.45, p = 0.001). Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) presence was another critical factor, with a four-fold increase in the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.01, p = 0.034). The overall presence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) organisms significantly increased the odds of preterm birth (OR = 3.73, p = 0.001). Specific pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis (OR = 3.12, p = 0.020) and Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 3.64, p = 0.006) were also identified as significant risk factors. Ureaplasma urealyticum also showed a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (OR = 2.76, p = 0.009). This study highlights the importance of screening for and treating genital infections during pregnancy, especially STDs and genital herpes, as they can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, the presence of specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns plays an essential role in preterm birth risk. Early detection and targeted antibiotic treatment may help mitigate this risk and improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teodora Marti
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Arad County, 310037 Arad, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis University of Medicine, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Folescu
- Department of Family Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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De Guadalupe Quintana-Coronado M, Bravo C, Álvarez-Mon M, Ortega MA, De León-Luis JA. News in pharmacology for the main medical pathologies of gestation. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1240032. [PMID: 38239189 PMCID: PMC10794658 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1240032] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Obstetric diseases represent a highly complex medical challenge, especially regarding its clinical approach. The use of pharmacological agents during pregnancy is one of the main therapeutic alternatives in this group of patients; however, there is a general lack of knowledge about its use, efficacy, and possible adverse effects that may occur in routine clinical practice, even among medical professionals themselves. The high percentage of pregnant women who undergo drugs at some point during pregnancy, together with the developments that have occurred in recent years in the field of pharmacology, show the need for a detailed analysis that shows the existing current knowledge and helps in the clinical decision making. In this sense, the aim of this work is to conduct a review of the available scientific literature on the novelties in pharmacology for the main medical pathologies of pregnancy. Thus, the role of this field in analgesia, antibiotic therapy, digestive, respiratory, urological, psychiatric and neurological pathologies will be detailed, evaluating the indications, precautions and considerations that must be taken into account for its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María De Guadalupe Quintana-Coronado
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Coral Bravo
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. De León-Luis
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Zhang Y, Zhao L, Wu A, Lin P, Fan J, Chen J, Wang X, Zeng X. Abnormal M1 polarization of placental macrophage induced by IL-15/STAT5 activation in VVC may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105232. [PMID: 37802467 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105232] [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] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) may experience adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature delivery, intrauterine infection, abortion, and neonatal infection. Therefore, finding new treatments for VVC in pregnancy is a public health priority. We aimed to study the adverse consequences of Candida albicans (C. albicans) vaginal infection in pregnant mice and explore the mechanisms by which C. albicans affects macrophages. Our findings contribute to the development of new approaches to treat VVC during pregnancy. We established an animal model of vaginal infection by C. albicans in pregnant mice and observed adverse pregnancy outcomes such as decreased body weight, reduced implantation number, and increased abortion rates. Additionally, we infected mouse macrophage line RAW264.7 cells with C. albicans and established a cell model. We employed RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining to verify the changes in the IL-15/STAT5 signaling pathway and the role it played on the M1 polarization of C. albicans-infected macrophages at both the gene and protein levels. Our results indicate that the adverse pregnancy outcomes in VVC may be linked to changes in the IL-15/STAT5 pathway induced by C. albicans, which could impact macrophage M1 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Aiwen Wu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Pingping Lin
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jianing Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xin Zeng
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China.
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5
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Ma H, Zhao W, Song T, Baijiu Z, Zhang Z. Comparative Analysis of the Pre-Parturition and Post-Parturition Genital Tract Microbiota in Plateau Bangor Sewa Sheep. Vet Sci 2023; 10:523. [PMID: 37624310 PMCID: PMC10459245 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080523] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bangor Sewa sheep are an economically significant livestock species on the plateau. The roles of microbiota in reproduction are complex and critical for animal health. But little is known currently about the microbiome of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep. The purpose of this study was to discover the changes in the genital tract microbiota of pre- and post-partum Bangor Sewa sheep. (2) Methods: Samples from the birth canal were obtained for 16S rRNA sequencing, three days before and after delivery, respectively. (3) Results: The results showed that there was a noticeable difference in three phyla and 74 genera between the pre- and post-parturition groups in the microbiota of Bangor Sewa sheep. The changes included a decrease in the abundance of genera related to health (unclassified_Cellulomonadaceae, Cellulomonas, Fibrobacti, Flavobacterium, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Acetitomaculum, Aeromicrobium, Dietzia, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus, etc.) and an increased abundance of negatively related genera (Nocardioides, unclassified_Clostridia, Sphingobacteriaceae, unclassified_Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae_UCG_004, Micromonospora, Streptococcus, Facklamia, Bosea, etc.) spp. (4) Conclusions: Microbes can serve as indicators of the physical state of Bangor Sewa sheep. These findings laid the foundation for deciphering the effects of microbial changes during birth on the reproductive health of plateau Bangor Sewa sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcai Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region Academy of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lhasa 850009, China; (H.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region Academy of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lhasa 850009, China; (H.M.); (T.S.)
| | - Zhaxi Baijiu
- Cultural Service Center of Maqian Township, Nagqu 852599, China;
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
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6
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Gai S, Wu Q, Zhang H. The change of inflammatory status and vaginal flora in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37097838 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Premature rupture of the membrane (PROM) can trigger significant maternal complications, even maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality.Hypothesis. Inflammatory status and vaginal flora might be utilized to predict the occurrence of PROM.Aim. To explore the association between the occurrence of PROM and vaginal flora and inflammatory status alteration.Methodology. A case-control cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 pregnant women with or without PROM. Socio-demographic characteristics, vaginal flora assessment, pregnant outcomes and Apgar score information were retrieved.Results. Pregnant women with PROM showed an increased incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), trichomonas vaginitis (TV) and bacterial vaginitis (BV) with dysregulated vaginal flora and diminished fetal tolerance of labour indicated by down-regulated Apgar score. The increased rate of prematurity, puerperal infection and neonatal infection could be detected in PROM patients with imbalanced vaginal flora compared with PROM patients with normal vaginal flora. ROC analysis suggested IL-6 and TNF-α yielded the best discrimination for the prediction of PROM.Conclusion. Altered vaginal and inflammatory status are associated with PROM, and IL-6 and TNF-α can predict the occurrence of PROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Gai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, Shandong, PR China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, Shandong, PR China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangding East Road, Yantai 264000, Shandong, PR China
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7
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AbdRabou MA, Alrashdi BM, Alruwaili HK, Elmazoudy RH, Alwaili MA, Othman SI, Alghamdi FA, Fahmy GH. Exploration of Maternal and Fetal Toxicity Risks for Metronidazole-Related Teratogenicity and Hepatotoxicity through an Assessment in Albino Rats. TOXICS 2023; 11:303. [PMID: 37112529 PMCID: PMC10141390 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Metronidazole is the primary antimicrobial drug for treating acute and chronic vaginal pathogens during pregnancy; however, there has been insufficient research on placental disorders, early pregnancy loss, and preterm birth. Here, the potential activity of metronidazole on pregnancy outcomes was investigated. 130 mg/kg body weight of metronidazole was orally given individually to pregnant rats on gestation days 0-7, 7-14, and 0-20. Pregnancy outcome evaluations were carried out on gestation day 20. It was demonstrated that metronidazole could induce maternal and fetal hepatotoxicity. There is a significant increase in the activities of maternal hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), total cholesterol, and triglycerides compared with the control. These biochemical findings were evidenced by maternal and fetal liver histopathological alterations. Furthermore, metronidazole caused a significant decrease in the number of implantation sites and fetal viability, whereas it caused an increase in fetal lethality and the number of fetal resorptions. In addition, a significant decrease in fetal weight, placental weight, and placental diameter was estimated. Macroscopical examination revealed placental discoloration and hypotrophy in the labyrinth zone and the degeneration of the basal zone. The fetal defects are related to exencephaly, visceral hernias, and tail defects. These findings suggest that the administration of metroniazole during gestation interferes with embryonic implantation and fetal organogenesis and enhances placental pathology. We can also conclude that metronidazole has potential maternal and fetal risks and is unsafe during pregnancy. Additionally, it should be strictly advised and prescribed, and further consideration should be given to the associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervat A. AbdRabou
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box 2014, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Barakat M. Alrashdi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box 2014, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel K. Alruwaili
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box 2014, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda H. Elmazoudy
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A. Alwaili
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah I. Othman
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawzyah A. Alghamdi
- Biology Department, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehan H. Fahmy
- Biology Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Gao J, Peng Y, Jiang N, Shi Y, Ying C. High-Throughput Sequencing-Based Analysis of Changes in the Vaginal Microbiome during the Disease Course of Patients with Bacterial Vaginosis: A Case-Control Study. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121797. [PMID: 36552306 PMCID: PMC9775478 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: The vaginal microbiome is closely associated with the onset and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). In the present study, the state of vaginal microbiota during the onset and post-treatment asymptomatic stages of BV were compared to that of a healthy population to evaluate the changes in different characteristic bacteria during the onset, progression, and remission of BV. Methods: A case−control study was performed to explore these changes. Women with clinical symptoms of BV were divided into the disease group (M) and case−control group (C) based on the Nugent score. Subjects in the disease group whose symptoms were resolved after the treatment were assigned to the treated group (T) and healthy subjects were recruited into the normal control (N) group. The V3−V4 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Results: The N harbored the highest number of detected species and a higher abundance of microbiota; they had a significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus and different bacterial community composition compared to the other three groups. In group M, Gardnerella vaginalis was the dominant species, whereas Lactobacillus iners was predominant in the other three groups. While Lactobacillus was more commonly present in Group C compared to group M. it was significantly increased in group T. Alpha diversity analysis of bacterial communities revealed significant differences in community richness and diversity among all four groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the distribution of various bacterial communities among the different groups were also observed (p < 0.05). Specifically, the abundance of eight bacterial taxa (Megasphaera, Aerococcus christensenii, Clostridiales, Gardnerella, Peptostreptococcus, Veillonellaceae, Akkermansia, Coriobacteriales) differed significantly among the four groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences in the composition and alpha diversity of the vaginal microbiota at different stages of BV and the distribution of bacterial communities were observed among the investigated groups. In addition to Gardnerella, Sneathia sanguinegens and Prevotella timonensis play an important role in the pathogenesis of BV. The appearance of BV-like clinical symptoms was closely associated with the decrease in Prevotella and Atopobium vaginae populations.
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9
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Peixoto JF, dos Santos DG, Ribeiro L, de Oliveira VSC, Nunes-da-Fonseca R, Nepomuceno-Silva JL. Establishment of suitable reference genes for studying relative gene expression during the transition from trophozoites to cyst-like stages and first evidences of stress-induced expression of meiotic genes in Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitology 2021; 148:934-946. [PMID: 33827719 PMCID: PMC11010144 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000585] [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: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasite of the human urogenital tract and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease of worldwide importance. This parasite is usually found as a motile flagellated trophozoite. However, when subjected to stressful microenvironmental conditions, T. vaginalis trophozoites can differentiate into peculiar cyst-like stages, which exhibit notable physiological resistance to unfavourable conditions. Although well documented in morphological and proteomic terms, patterns of gene expression changes involved in the cellular differentiation into cyst-like stages are mostly unknown. The real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is recognized as a sensitive and accurate method for quantification of gene expression, providing fluorescence-based data that are proportional to the amount of a target RNA. However, the reliability of relative expression studies depends on the validation of suitable reference genes, which RNAs exhibit a minimum of variation between tested conditions. Here, we attempt to determine suitable reference genes to be used as controls of invariant expression during cold-induced in vitro differentiation of T. vaginalis trophozoites into cyst-like forms. Furthermore, we reveal that the mRNA from the meiotic recombinase Dmc1 is upregulated during this process, indicating that cryptic sexual events may take place in cyst-like stages of T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Figueiredo Peixoto
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda (LIBHM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele Graças dos Santos
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda (LIBHM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
| | - Lupis Ribeiro
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
| | - Vitor Silva Cândido de Oliveira
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda (LIBHM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes-da-Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
| | - José Luciano Nepomuceno-Silva
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda (LIBHM), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM/UFRJ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé/RJ, Brazil
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10
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Ding C, Yu Y, Zhou Q. Bacterial Vaginosis: Effects on reproduction and its therapeutics. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 50:102174. [PMID: 34087449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection. A large amount of evidence shows that the anatomical scope of BV's pathogenic effect is far beyond the lower reproductive tract. BV is closely related to adverse reproductive outcomes, which may be due to the infection of the vaginal flora ascending to the upper genital tract. In addition, the incidence of BV is relatively high in infertile women. The vaginal microbiome also plays an important role in women's health and diseases. For most women, the normal vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus, which can maintain a healthy vaginal environment by producing lactic acid, H2O2 and bacteriocin, etc. BV is characterized by the imbalanced vaginal flora. It changes the acidic environment that is normally dominated by Lactobacillus, and causes an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae. Studies have shown that bacterial infections in the vagina can spread to upper genital tract and cause adverse fertility outcome. Therefore, early diagnosis and therapeutics of symptomatic BV is helpful to improve the outcome of poor fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng Ding
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Vaginal Probiotics for Reproductive Health and Related Dysbiosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071461. [PMID: 33918150 PMCID: PMC8037567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of probiotics in reproductive-related dysbiosis is an area of continuous progress due to the growing interest from clinicians and patients suffering from recurrent reproductive microbiota disorders. An imbalance in the natural colonization sites related to reproductive health—vaginal, cervicovaginal, endometrial, and pregnancy-related altered microbiota—could play a decisive role in reproductive outcomes. Oral and vaginal administrations are in continuous discussion regarding the clinical effects pursued, but the oral route is used and studied more often despite the need for further transference to the colonization site. The aim of the present review was to retrieve the standardized protocols of vaginal probiotics commonly used for investigating their microbiota modulation capacities. Most of the studies selected focused on treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) as the most common dysbiosis; a few studies focused on vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and on pretreatment during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Vaginal probiotic doses administered were similar to oral probiotics protocols, ranging from ≥107 CFU/day to 2.5 × 1010 CFU/day, but were highly variable regarding the treatment duration timing. Moderate vaginal microbiota modulation was achieved; the relative abundance of abnormal microbiota decreased and Lactobacillus species increased.
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12
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Caruso G, Giammanco A, Virruso R, Fasciana T. Current and Future Trends in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1038. [PMID: 33503917 PMCID: PMC7908473 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to exert a considerable public health and social burden globally, particularly for developing countries. Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the limitations of symptom-based (syndromic) diagnosis, confirmation of infection using laboratory tools is essential to choose the most appropriate course of treatment and to screen at-risk groups. Numerous laboratory tests and platforms have been developed for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital mycoplasmas, herpesviruses, and human papillomavirus. Point-of-care testing is now a possibility, and microfluidic and high-throughput omics technologies promise to revolutionize the diagnosis of STIs. The scope of this paper is to provide an updated overview of the current laboratory diagnostic tools for these infections, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and point-of-care adaptability. The diagnostic applicability of the latest molecular and biochemical approaches is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Caruso
- U.O.C. of Microbiology and Virology, ARNAS “Civico, Di Cristina and Benfratelli”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Giammanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (T.F.)
| | - Roberta Virruso
- U.O.C. of Microbiology, Virology and Parassitology, A.O.U.P. “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Teresa Fasciana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.G.); (T.F.)
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13
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Sroka-Oleksiak A, Gosiewski T, Pabian W, Gurgul A, Kapusta P, Ludwig-Słomczyńska AH, Wołkow PP, Brzychczy-Włoch M. Next-Generation Sequencing as a Tool to Detect Vaginal Microbiota Disturbances during Pregnancy. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111813. [PMID: 33217908 PMCID: PMC7698737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological microbiota of the vagina is responsible for providing a protective barrier, but Some factors can disturb the balance in its composition. At that time, the amounts of the genus Lactobacillus decrease, which may lead to the development of infection and severe complications during pregnancy. The aim of the study was the analysis of the bacterial composition of the vagina in 32 Caucasian women at each trimester of pregnancy using the next-generation sequencing method and primers targeting V3-V4 regions. In the studied group, the dominant species were Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillusplantarum. Statistically significant differences in the quantitative composition between trimesters were observed in relation to Lactobacillus jensenii,Streptococcus agalactiae, Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella spp. Out of the 32 patients, 20 demonstrated fluctuations within the genus Lactobacillus, and 9 of them, at different stages of pregnancy, exhibited the presence of potentially pathogenic microbiota, among others: Streptococcus agalactiae, Gardnerella spp., Atopobium vaginae, and Enterococcus faecalis. The composition of the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy was subject to partial changes over trimesters. Although in one-third of the studied patients, both the qualitative and quantitative composition of microbiota was relatively constant, in the remaining patients, physiological and potentially pathogenic fluctuations were distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sroka-Oleksiak
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (A.S.-O.); (T.G.)
| | - Tomasz Gosiewski
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (A.S.-O.); (T.G.)
| | - Wojciech Pabian
- Clinical Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Gynecology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 23, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Artur Gurgul
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1c, 30-248 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Kapusta
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7c, 31-034 Krakow, Poland; (P.K.); (A.H.L.-S.); (P.P.W.)
| | - Agnieszka H. Ludwig-Słomczyńska
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7c, 31-034 Krakow, Poland; (P.K.); (A.H.L.-S.); (P.P.W.)
| | - Paweł P. Wołkow
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7c, 31-034 Krakow, Poland; (P.K.); (A.H.L.-S.); (P.P.W.)
| | - Monika Brzychczy-Włoch
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (A.S.-O.); (T.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-1263-325-67
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