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Leoni C, Vinci L, Marzano M, D’Erchia AM, Dellino M, Cox SN, Vitagliano A, Visci G, Notario E, Filomena E, Cicinelli E, Pesole G, Ceci LR. Endometrial Cancer: A Pilot Study of the Tissue Microbiota. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1090. [PMID: 38930472 PMCID: PMC11205883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endometrium remains a difficult tissue for the analysis of microbiota, mainly due to the low bacterial presence and the sampling procedures. Among its pathologies, endometrial cancer has not yet been completely investigated for its relationship with microbiota composition. In this work, we report on possible correlations between endometrial microbiota dysbiosis and endometrial cancer. METHODS Women with endometrial cancer at various stages of tumor progression were enrolled together with women with a benign polymyomatous uterus as the control. Analyses were performed using biopsies collected at two specific endometrial sites during the surgery. This study adopted two approaches: the absolute quantification of the bacterial load, using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and the analysis of the bacterial composition, using a deep metabarcoding NGS procedure. RESULTS ddPCR provided the first-ever assessment of the absolute quantification of bacterial DNA in the endometrium, confirming a generally low microbial abundance. Metabarcoding analysis revealed a different microbiota distribution in the two endometrial sites, regardless of pathology, accompanied by an overall higher prevalence of pathogenic bacterial genera in cancerous tissues. CONCLUSIONS These results pave the way for future studies aimed at identifying potential biomarkers and gaining a deeper understanding of the role of bacteria associated with tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Leoni
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola n. 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Lorenzo Vinci
- 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.); (A.V.); (E.C.)
| | - Marinella Marzano
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola n. 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Anna Maria D’Erchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari A. Moro, Via Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.M.D.); (S.N.C.); (G.V.); (E.F.); (G.P.)
| | - Miriam Dellino
- 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.); (A.V.); (E.C.)
| | - Sharon Natasha Cox
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari A. Moro, Via Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.M.D.); (S.N.C.); (G.V.); (E.F.); (G.P.)
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.); (A.V.); (E.C.)
| | - Grazia Visci
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari A. Moro, Via Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.M.D.); (S.N.C.); (G.V.); (E.F.); (G.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Notario
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola n. 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Ermes Filomena
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari A. Moro, Via Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.M.D.); (S.N.C.); (G.V.); (E.F.); (G.P.)
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- 2nd Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari “A. Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.); (A.V.); (E.C.)
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari A. Moro, Via Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.M.D.); (S.N.C.); (G.V.); (E.F.); (G.P.)
| | - Luigi Ruggiero Ceci
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola n. 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (E.N.)
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Rokhsartalab Azar P, Karimi S, Haghtalab A, Taram S, Hejazi M, Sadeghpour S, Pashaei MR, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Taheri-Anganeh M. The role of the endometrial microbiome in embryo implantation and recurrent implantation failure. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 162:104192. [PMID: 38215650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104192] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
There is a suggested pathophysiology associated with endometrial microbiota in cases where repeated implantation failure of high-quality embryos is observed. However, there is a suspected association between endometrial microbiota and the pathogenesis of implantation failure. However, there is still a lack of agreement on the fundamental composition of the physiological microbiome within the uterine cavity. This is primarily due to various limitations in the studies conducted, including small sample sizes and variations in experimental designs. As a result, the impact of bacterial communities in the endometrium on human reproduction is still a subject of debate. In this discourse, we undertake a comprehensive examination of the existing body of research pertaining to the uterine microbiota and its intricate interplay with the process of embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarmad Karimi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arian Haghtalab
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saman Taram
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Milad Hejazi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sonia Sadeghpour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pashaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Deng J, Liu YJ, Wei WT, Huang QX, Zhao LP, Luo LY, Zhu Q, Zhang L, Chen Y, Ren YL, Jia SG, Lin YL, Yang J, Lv FH, Zhang HP, Li FE, Li L, Li MH. Single-cell transcriptome and metagenome profiling reveals the genetic basis of rumen functions and convergent developmental patterns in ruminants. Genome Res 2023; 33:1690-1707. [PMID: 37884341 PMCID: PMC10691550 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278239.123] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The rumen undergoes developmental changes during maturation. To characterize this understudied dynamic process, we profiled single-cell transcriptomes of about 308,000 cells from the rumen tissues of sheep and goats at 17 time points. We built comprehensive transcriptome and metagenome atlases from early embryonic to rumination stages, and recapitulated histomorphometric and transcriptional features of the rumen, revealing key transitional signatures associated with the development of ruminal cells, microbiota, and core transcriptional regulatory networks. In addition, we identified and validated potential cross-talk between host cells and microbiomes and revealed their roles in modulating the spatiotemporal expression of key genes in ruminal cells. Cross-species analyses revealed convergent developmental patterns of cellular heterogeneity, gene expression, and cell-cell and microbiome-cell interactions. Finally, we uncovered how the interactions can act upon the symbiotic rumen system to modify the processes of fermentation, fiber digestion, and immune defense. These results significantly enhance understanding of the genetic basis of the unique roles of rumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ya-Jing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wen-Tian Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qi-Xuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li-Ping Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ling-Yun Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan-Ling Ren
- Shandong Binzhou Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Binzhou 256600, China
| | - Shan-Gang Jia
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu-Luan Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ji Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Feng-Hua Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Feng-E Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Meng-Hua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
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Kaya YA, de Zoete MR, Steba GS. Advanced Technologies for Studying Microbiome-Female Reproductive Tract Interactions: Organoids, Organoids-on-a-Chip, and Beyond. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:160-171. [PMID: 38262440 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778067] [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: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT) is home to diverse microbial communities that play a pivotal role in reproductive health and disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, and cervical cancer. To understand the complex host-microbiota interactions within the FRT, models that authentically replicate the FRT's environment, including the interplay between the microbiota, mucus layer, immune system, and hormonal cycle, are key. Recent strides in organoid and microfluidic technologies are propelling research in this domain, offering insights into FRT-microbiota interactions and potential therapeutic avenues. This review delves into the current state of FRT organoid models and microbe integration techniques, evaluating their merits and challenges for specific research objectives. Emphasis is placed on innovative approaches and applications, including integrating organoids with microfluidics, and using patient-derived biobanks, as this offers potential for deeper mechanistic insights and personalized therapeutic strategies. Modeling various FRT properties in organoids is explored, from encompassing age-related epithelial features, oxygen levels, and hormonal effects to mucus layers, immune responses, and microbial interactions, highlighting their potential to transform reproductive health research and predict possible outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel R de Zoete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gaby S Steba
- Division of Female and Baby, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Armeanu T, Stoian IL, Anton N, Babici RG, Ilea C. A Narrative Review Discussing the Obstetric Repercussions Due to Alterations of Personalized Bacterial Sites Developed within the Vagina, Cervix, and Endometrium. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5069. [PMID: 37568471 PMCID: PMC10419759 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive tract microbiota that evolved as an integrative component has been studied intensively in the last decade. As a result, novel research, clinical opportunities, and perspectives have been derived following the close investigation of this microecological environment. This has paved the way for an update to and improvement of the management strategies and therapeutic approaches. However, obscurities, contradictions, and controversies arise regarding the ascension route from the vagina to the endometrium via the cervix, with finality in adverse obstetric outcomes. METHODS Starting from these considerations, we aimed to gather all existing data and information from four major academic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) published in the last 13 years (2010-2023) using a controlled vocabulary and dedicated terminology to enhance the coverage, identification, and sorting of potentially eligible studies. RESULTS Despite the high number of returned entries (n = 804), only a slight percentage (2.73%) of all manuscripts were deemed eligible following two rounds of evaluation. Cumulatively, a low level of Lactobacillus spp. and of other core microbiota members is mandatory, with a possible eubiosis-to-dysbiosis transition leading to an impairment of metabolic and endocrine network homeostasis. This transposes into a change in the pro-inflammatory landscape and activation of signaling pathways due to activity exerted by the bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs)/endotoxins that further reflect a high risk of miscarriage in various stages. While the presence of some pathogenic entities may be suggestive of an adverse obstetric predisposition, there are still pros and cons of the role of specific strains, as only the vagina and cervix have been targeted as opposed to the endometrium, which recently started to be viewed as the key player in the vagina-cervix-endometrium route. Consequently, based on an individual's profile, diet, and regime, antibiotics and probiotics might be practical or not. CONCLUSIONS Resident bacteria have a dual facet and are beneficial for women's health, but, at the same time, relaying on the abundance, richness, and evenness that are definitory indexes standing as intermediaries of a miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Theodora Armeanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina-Liviana Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Anton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona-Geanina Babici
- Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ilea
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
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Canha-Gouveia A, Pérez-Prieto I, Rodríguez CM, Escamez T, Leonés-Baños I, Salas-Espejo E, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Sánchez-Ferrer ML, Coy P, Altmäe S. The female upper reproductive tract harbors endogenous microbial profiles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1096050. [PMID: 37415669 PMCID: PMC10321600 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1096050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The female reproductive tract harbours unique microbial communities (known as microbiota) which have been associated with reproductive functions in health and disease. While endometrial microbiome studies have shown that the uterus possesses higher bacterial diversity and richness compared to the vagina, the knowledge regarding the composition of the Fallopian tubes (FT) is lacking, especially in fertile women without any underlying conditions. Methods To address this gap, our study included 19 patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for benign uterine pathology, and 5 women who underwent tubal ligation as a permanent contraceptive method at Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA). We analyzed the microbiome of samples collected from the FT and endometrium using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Our findings revealed distinct microbiome profiles in the endometrial and FT samples, indicating that the upper reproductive tract harbors an endogenous microbiome. However, these two sites also shared some similarities, with 69% of the detected taxa Being common to both. Interestingly, we identified seventeen bacterial taxa exclusively present in the FT samples, including the genera Enhydrobacter, Granulicatella, Haemophilus, Rhizobium, Alistipes, and Paracoccus, among others. On the other hand, 10 bacterial taxa were only found in the endometrium, including the genera Klebsiella, Olsenella, Oscillibacter and Veillonella (FDR <0.05). Furthermore, our study highlighted the influence of the endometrial collection method on the findings. Samples obtained transcervically showed a dominance of the genus Lactobacillus, which may indicate potential vaginal contamination. In contrast, uterine samples obtained through hysterescopy revealed higher abundance of the genera Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Coprococcus, Methylobacterium, Prevotella, Roseburia, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Discussion Although the upper reproductive tract appears to have a low microbial biomass, our results suggest that the endometrial and FT microbiome is unique to each individual. In fact, samples obtained from the same individual showed more microbial similarity between the endometrium and FT compared to samples from different women. Understanding the composition of the female upper reproductive microbiome provides valuable insights into the natural microenvironment where processes such as oocyte fertilization, embryo development and implantation occur. This knowledge can improve in vitro fertilization and embryo culture conditions for the treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Pérez-Prieto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez Rodríguez
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
- Genomics Unit, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Teresa Escamez
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
- BiobancMur-Nodo 1, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB)-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
- Spanish Biobank Platform, Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Leonés-Baños
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Salas-Espejo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Prieto-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, “Virgen de la Arrixaca” University Clinical Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Sánchez-Ferrer
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, “Virgen de la Arrixaca” University Clinical Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", Murcia, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mori R, Hayakawa T, Hirayama M, Ozawa F, Yoshihara H, Goto S, Kitaori T, Ozaki Y, Sugiura-Ogasawara M. Cervicovaginal microbiome in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 157:103944. [PMID: 37060795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
There have been few studies concerning an association between unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the microbiome. A recent study including 67 patients demonstrated that an increase in Ureaplasma species in the endometrium raised the risk of miscarriage with an euploid karyotype. While endometrial sampling is invasive, cervicovaginal sampling is not. We compared vaginal and cervical microbiomes with a 16 S ribosomal RNA sequence between 88 patients with unexplained RPL and 17 healthy women with no history of miscarriage. We prospectively assessed risk factors for maternal colonization at a subsequent miscarriage without an aneuploid karyotype in patients. Cervicovaginal bacteria were dominated by Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Bifidobacterium breve in Japanese population. The proportions of Delftia and unknown bacteria in the cervix were significantly higher in patients with RPL than in controls. Streptococcus, Microbacterium, Delftia, Anaerobacillus and Chloroplast in the cervix were significantly higher in patients with a history of chorioamnionitis compared to the controls. The abundance of Cutibacterium and Anaerobacillus in the cervix was significantly higher in patients who had subsequently miscarried compared to those who gave birth. The miscarriage rate in patients with higher proportions of both Cutibacterium and Anaerobacillus (66.7%, 2/3) was significantly greater than that of patients who lacked these bacteria (9.2%, 6/65, adjusted odds ratio 16.90, 95% confidence interval 1.27-225.47, p = 0.032). The presence of certain bacteria could be a predictor of subsequent miscarriage without an aneuploid karyotype. The cervicovaginal microbiome might be useful for investigating a possible cause of RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hirayama
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Shinobu Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Tamao Kitaori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ozaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya 462-8508, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sugiura-Ogasawara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
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Xiao L, Zhao F. Microbial transmission, colonisation and succession: from pregnancy to infancy. Gut 2023; 72:772-786. [PMID: 36720630 PMCID: PMC10086306 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-328970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The microbiome has been proven to be associated with many diseases and has been used as a biomarker and target in disease prevention and intervention. Currently, the vital role of the microbiome in pregnant women and newborns is increasingly emphasised. In this review, we discuss the interplay of the microbiome and the corresponding immune mechanism between mothers and their offspring during the perinatal period. We aim to present a comprehensive picture of microbial transmission and potential immune imprinting before and after delivery. In addition, we discuss the possibility of in utero microbial colonisation during pregnancy, which has been highly debated in recent studies, and highlight the importance of the microbiome in infant development during the first 3 years of life. This holistic view of the role of the microbial interplay between mothers and infants will refine our current understanding of pregnancy complications as well as diseases in early life and will greatly facilitate the microbiome-based prenatal diagnosis and treatment of mother-infant-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of System Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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Inversetti A, Zambella E, Guarano A, Dell’Avanzo M, Di Simone N. Endometrial Microbiota and Immune Tolerance in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032995. [PMID: 36769318 PMCID: PMC9917440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the uterus has its own microbiota. However, there is no consensus on endometrial microbiota composition, thus its role in the healthy uterine environment is still a frontier topic. Endometrial receptivity is key to embryo implantation, and in this specific context immunological tolerance against fetal antigens and the tightly regulated expression of inflammatory mediators are fundamental. According to recent evidence, endometrial microbiota may interact in a very dynamic way with the immune system during the peri-conceptional stage and later during pregnancy. For this reason, a condition of dysbiosis might lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which the endometrial microbiota may interact with the immune system. For this purpose, the link between dysbiosis and reproductive disorders, such as infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), and preterm birth, will be discussed. In conclusion, the most recent findings from molecular analyses will be reported to illustrate and possibly overcome the intrinsic limitations of uterine microbiota detection (low endometrial biomass, high risk of contamination during sampling, and lack of standardization).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Zambella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Guarano
- Humanitas San Pio X, Via Francesco Nava 31, 20159 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Wang L, Chen J, He L, Liu H, Liu Y, Luan Z, Li H, Liu W, Luo M. Association between the vaginal and uterine microbiota and the risk of early embryonic arrest. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1137869. [PMID: 37032888 PMCID: PMC10073571 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137869] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the microecological distribution and differences in the uterus and vaginal microbiome in women with early embryonic arrest and those with normal pregnancy by high-throughput sequencing. We systematically sampled the vaginal and uterine microbiomes of 56 pregnant women, namely, 38 patients with early embryonic arrest and 18 pregnant women with normal pregnancy-induced abortion. We obtained colonization data by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In the vagina, Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes and Helicobacter exhibited significant differences between the groups. We further found that Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii were the most dominant Lactobacillus species and that L. iners was significantly different between the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that Ensifer had the highest predictive value for early embryonic arrest. In the uterine cavity, we determined that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria at the phylum level and that Bacteroides, Pseudarthrobacter, Lactobacillus and Ralstonia were the dominant genera. Further classification of Lactobacillus revealed that L. iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii were the main species. There was a significant difference in L. jensenii between the normal pregnancy group and early embryonic arrest group. Random forest analysis revealed 18 different genera in the uterus, and ROC curve analysis indicated that Candidatus Symbiobacter, Odoribacter, Blautia, Nocardioides and Ileibacterium had a certain predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanbo Liu
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zonghui Luan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, The Affiliated Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, The Affiliated Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Weixin Liu,
| | - Mengjun Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Mengjun Luo,
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11
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Liu FT, Yang S, Yang Z, Zhou P, Peng T, Yin J, Ye Z, Shan H, Yu Y, Li R. An Altered Microbiota in the Lower and Upper Female Reproductive Tract of Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0046222. [PMID: 35604131 PMCID: PMC9241707 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00462-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a complex multifactorial disease. Recently, the microbiota of the female reproductive tract, as an emerging factor in RSA, has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Here, we reported that the microbiota of the lower and upper female reproductive tracts from patients with RSA showed no significant differences in alpha diversity compared to that of controls. Beta diversity was significantly higher in the RSA group than in the control group in the vaginal microbiota (P = 0.036), cervical microbiota (P = 0.010) and microbiota from uterine lavage fluid (P = 0.001). In addition, dramatic decreases in gamma interferon and interleukin-6 cytokine levels were observed in the RSA group. In conclusion, our data suggested altered microbial biodiversity in the vagina, cervix and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group. Alterations in the microbiota in the uterine cavity could be associated with altered cytokine levels, which might be a risk factor for RSA pathogenesis. Moreover, the microbiota composition differed markedly from the lower genital tract to the uterine cavity, and the microbiota in the uterine cavity also distinctly varied between endometrial tissue and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group. Hence, sampling with these two methods simultaneously allowed a more comprehensive perspective of microbial colonization in the uterine cavity. IMPORTANCE As an obstacle to pregnancy, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) can be caused by a variety of factors, and a current understanding of the etiology of RSA is still lacking; half of cases have an unknown cause. A substantial fraction of patients show no improvement after treatment. Since the microbiota of the female reproductive tract has been proposed as an emerging factor in RSA patients, further investigation is needed to provide guidance for clinical therapy. In general, this is the first report describing the distinct alterations of the vaginal, cervical, and uterine microbiota in RSA, not just that in the vagina. Furthermore, another major strength of this study derived from the further in-depth investigation and analysis of the characteristics of the microbiota colonizing the upper female genital tract in RSA, which provided a more comprehensive view for investigating the uterine microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Ting Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianliu Peng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Sobstyl M, Brecht P, Sobstyl A, Mertowska P, Grywalska E. The Role of Microbiota in the Immunopathogenesis of Endometrial Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105756. [PMID: 35628566 PMCID: PMC9143279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract hosts a specific microbiome, which plays a crucial role in sustaining equilibrium and good health. In the majority of reproductive women, the microbiota (all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other single-celled organisms within the human body) of the vaginal and cervical microenvironment are dominated by Lactobacillus species, which benefit the host through symbiotic relationships, in comparison to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which may contain a low-biomass microbiome with a diverse mixture of microorganisms. Although disruption to the balance of the microbiota develops, the altered immune and metabolic signaling may cause an impact on diseases such as cancer. These pathophysiological modifications in the gut–uterus axis may spark gynecological cancers. New information displays that gynecological and gastrointestinal tract dysbiosis (disruption of the microbiota homeostasis) can play an active role in the advancement and metastasis of gynecological neoplasms, such as cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Understanding the relationship between microbiota and endometrial cancer is critical for prognosis, diagnosis, prevention, and the development of innovative treatments. Identifying a specific microbiome may become an effective method for characterization of the specific microbiota involved in endometrial carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to summarize the current state of knowledge that describes the correlation of microbiota with endometrial cancer with regard to the formation of immunological pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Sobstyl
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-037 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Peet Brecht
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Sobstyl
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.B.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.B.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (E.G.)
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13
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Papadopoulos PD, Tsigalou C, Valsamaki PN, Konstantinidis TG, Voidarou C, Bezirtzoglou E. The Emerging Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Knowledge and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050948. [PMID: 35625685 PMCID: PMC9139035 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The collection of normally non-pathogenic microorganisms that mainly inhabit our gut lumen shapes our health in many ways. Structural and functional perturbations in the gut microbial pool, known as “dysbiosis”, have been proven to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although therapeutic regimes are available to treat this group of diseases, they have long been the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While age, sex, genetics, diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are major contributors (World Health Organization, 2018), they cannot explain all of the consequences of CVD. In addition to the abovementioned traditional risk factors, the constant search for novel preventative and curative tools has shed light on the involvement of gut bacteria and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of CVD. In this narrative review, we will discuss the established interconnections between the gut microbiota and CVD, as well as the plausible therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis D. Papadopoulos
- Master Programme Food, Nutrition and Microbiome, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.D.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Christina Tsigalou
- Master Programme Food, Nutrition and Microbiome, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.D.P.); (E.B.)
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Pipitsa N. Valsamaki
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | | | | | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Master Programme Food, Nutrition and Microbiome, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.D.P.); (E.B.)
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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14
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Tanaka SE, Sakuraba Y, Kitaya K, Ishikawa T. Differential Vaginal Microbiota Profiling in Lactic-Acid-Producing Bacteria between Infertile Women with and without Chronic Endometritis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040878. [PMID: 35453926 PMCID: PMC9030043 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Chronic endometritis (CE) is an infectious and inflammatory disorder associated with infertility of unknown etiology, repeated implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss. In the current clinical practice, intrauterine interventions such as endometrial biopsy/histopathologic examinations and/or hysteroscopy are required for the diagnosis of CE. In this study, we analyzed the microbiota in vaginal secretions (VS) as a potential prediction tool for CE in infertile women. Methods: Using next-generation sequencing analysis, we compared the VS and endometrial fluid (EF) microbiota in infertile women with (n = 20) or without CE (n = 103). Results: The detection rate of Streptococcus and Enterococcus as well as the bacterial abundance of Atopobium and Bifidobacterium in the VS microbiota was significantly lower in the CE group than in the non-CE group. Meanwhile, the detection rate and bacterial abundance of Lactobacillus in the EF and VS microbiota were at similar levels between the two groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that VS microbiota in infertile women with CE is characterized by the reduction in Bifidobacterium and lactic-acid-producing bacteria other than Lactobacillus. Our results hold promise for the prediction of CE, not by somewhat interventional intrauterine procedures, but by less invasive VS sampling. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000029449 (registration date 6 October 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suguru E. Tanaka
- Varinos Inc., DiverCity Tokyo Office Tower, 12F, 1-1-20 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan;
| | - Yoshiyuki Sakuraba
- Varinos Inc., DiverCity Tokyo Office Tower, 12F, 1-1-20 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kotaro Kitaya
- Reproduction Clinic Osaka, Grand Front Osaka Tower-A 15F, 4-20 Oofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Japan; (K.K.); (T.I.)
| | - Tomomoto Ishikawa
- Reproduction Clinic Osaka, Grand Front Osaka Tower-A 15F, 4-20 Oofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Japan; (K.K.); (T.I.)
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15
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Bolte EE, Moorshead D, Aagaard KM. Maternal and early life exposures and their potential to influence development of the microbiome. Genome Med 2022; 14:4. [PMID: 35016706 PMCID: PMC8751292 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-01005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At the dawn of the twentieth century, the medical care of mothers and children was largely relegated to family members and informally trained birth attendants. As the industrial era progressed, early and key public health observations among women and children linked the persistence of adverse health outcomes to poverty and poor nutrition. In the time hence, numerous studies connecting genetics ("nature") to public health and epidemiologic data on the role of the environment ("nurture") have yielded insights into the importance of early life exposures in relation to the occurrence of common diseases, such as diabetes, allergic and atopic disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. As a result of these parallel efforts in science, medicine, and public health, the developing brain, immune system, and metabolic physiology are now recognized as being particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition and stressful environments from the start of pregnancy to 3 years of age. In particular, compelling evidence arising from a diverse array of studies across mammalian lineages suggest that modifications to our metagenome and/or microbiome occur following certain environmental exposures during pregnancy and lactation, which in turn render risk of childhood and adult diseases. In this review, we will consider the evidence suggesting that development of the offspring microbiome may be vulnerable to maternal exposures, including an analysis of the data regarding the presence or absence of a low-biomass intrauterine microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bolte
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - David Moorshead
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
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16
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Toson B, Simon C, Moreno I. The Endometrial Microbiome and Its Impact on Human Conception. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010485. [PMID: 35008911 PMCID: PMC8745284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the female genital tract microbiome are consistently correlated to gynecological and obstetrical pathologies, and tract dysbiosis can impact reproductive outcomes during fertility treatment. Nonetheless, a consensus regarding the physiological microbiome core inside the uterine cavity has not been reached due to a myriad of study limitations, such as sample size and experimental design variations, and the influence of endometrial bacterial communities on human reproduction remains debated. Understanding the healthy endometrial microbiota and how changes in its composition affect fertility would potentially allow personalized treatment through microbiome management during assisted reproductive therapies, ultimately leading to improvement of clinical outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the uterine microbiota and how it relates to human conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Av. Menendez y Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation/INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Narcis Monturiol Estarriol 11B, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Av. Blásco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Igenomix Foundation/INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Narcis Monturiol Estarriol 11B, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (I.M.)
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17
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KIECKA ANETA, MACURA BARBARA, SZCZEPANIK MARIAN. Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage? Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:431-446. [PMID: 35003275 PMCID: PMC8702604 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric problem. Significant causes of miscarriage include genetic and epigenetic disorders of the embryo, immunological and endocrine factors, uterine malformations, improper embryo selection, and lifestyle. Perhaps a hitherto underappreciated cause of miscarriage may be an abnormal microbiota composition of the female reproductive system. Lactobacillus spp. is the most common bacteria within the reproductive tract. However, the protective role of Lactobacilli in the vagina has been well described in the literature, while it is still unknown what function Lactobacilli may have in the uterus. Moreover, new research shows that Lactobacillus spp. can have a role in miscarriage. However, both molecular and immunological mechanisms of host-Lactobacillus spp. interactions are not fully understood. Understanding these relationships will help address the importance and extent of the protective role of Lactobacillus spp. in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- ANETA KIECKA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - BARBARA MACURA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - MARIAN SZCZEPANIK
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
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18
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Salliss ME, Farland LV, Mahnert ND, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. The role of gut and genital microbiota and the estrobolome in endometriosis, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:92-131. [PMID: 34718567 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic, burdensome condition that is historically understudied. Consequently, there is a lack of understanding of the etiology of the disease and its associated symptoms, including infertility and chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Endometriosis development is influenced by estrogen metabolism and inflammation, which are modulated by several factors including the microbiome and the estrobolome (the collection of genes encoding estrogen-metabolizing enzymes in the gut microbiome). Therefore, there is increasing interest in understanding the role of microbiota in endometriosis etiology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To date, there is no cure for endometriosis and treatment options often are ineffective. This manuscript will review the potential relationship between the microbiome and endometriosis, infertility and CPP and highlight the available data on the microbiome in relation to endometriosis and its related symptoms. The overarching goal of this manuscript is to inform future microbiome research that will lead to a deeper understanding of the etiology of the disease and possible diagnostic modalities and treatments. The potential impact of the microbiome on estrogen regulation modulated by the estrobolome, as well as inflammation and other endometriosis-promoting mechanisms within the genital tract, will be reviewed. The methodological limitations of microbiome-related studies will be critically assessed to provide improved guidelines for future microbiome and clinical studies. SEARCH METHODS PubMed databases were searched using the following keywords: endometriosis AND microbiome, infertility AND microbiome, pelvic pain AND microbiome, IVF (in-vitro fertilization) AND microbiome, endometriosis AND infertility. Clinical and preclinical animal trials that were eligible for review, and related to microbiome and endometriosis, infertility or CPP were included. All available manuscripts were published in 2002-2021. OUTCOMES In total, 28 clinical and 6 animal studies were included in the review. In both human and animal studies, bacteria were enriched in endometriosis groups, although there was no clear consensus on specific microbiota compositions that were associated with endometriosis, and no studies included infertility or CPP with endometriosis. However, bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria and Lactobacillus depletion in the cervicovaginal microbiome were associated with endometriosis and infertility in the majority (23/28) of studies. Interpretation of endometrial studies is limited owing to a variety of methodological factors, discussed in this review. In addition, metadata outlining antibiotic usage, age, race/ethnicity, menopausal status and timing of sample collection in relation to diagnosis of endometriosis was not consistently reported. Animal studies (6/6) support a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and endometriosis onset and progression. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is evidence that a dysbiotic gut or genital microbiota is associated with multiple gynecologic conditions, with mounting data supporting an association between the microbiome and endometriosis and infertility. These microbiomes likely play a role in the gut-brain axis, which further supports a putative association with the spectrum of symptoms associated with endometriosis, including infertility and CPP. Collectively, this review highlights the demand for more rigorous and transparent methodology and controls, consistency across the field, and inclusion of key demographic and clinical characteristics of disease and comparison participants. Rigorous study designs will allow for a better understanding of the potential role of the microbiome in endometriosis etiology and the relationship to other disorders of the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Salliss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona-College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Bath University, Bath, UK
| | - Leslie V Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona-College of Medicine Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nichole D Mahnert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona-College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona-College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona-College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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19
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Punzón-Jiménez P, Labarta E. The impact of the female genital tract microbiome in women health and reproduction: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2519-2541. [PMID: 34110573 PMCID: PMC8581090 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this review is to gather the available research focusing on female genital tract (FGT) microbiome. Research question focuses in decipher which is the role of FGT microbiota in eubiosis, assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs), and gynaecological disorders, and how microbiome could be utilised to improve reproduction outcomes and to treat fertility issues. METHODS PubMed was searched for articles in English from January 2004 to April 2021 for "genital tract microbiota and reproduction", "endometrial microbiome", "microbiome and reproduction" and "microbiota and infertility". Manual search of the references within the resulting articles was performed. RESULTS Current knowledge confirms predominance of Lactobacillus species, both in vagina and endometrium, whereas higher variability of species is both found in fallopian tubes and ovaries. Microbial signature linked to different disorders such endometriosis, bacterial vaginosis, and gynaecological cancers are described. Broadly, low variability of species and Lactobacillus abundance within the FGT is associated with better reproductive and ART outcomes. CONCLUSION Further research regarding FGT microbiome configuration needs to be done in order to establish a more precise link between microbiota and eubiosis or dysbiosis. Detection of bacterial species related with poor reproductive outcomes, infertility or gynaecological diseases could shape new tools for their diagnosis and treatment, as well as resources to assess the pregnancy prognosis based on endometrial microbiota. Data available suggest future research protocols should be standardised, and it needs to include the interplay among microbiome, virome and mycobiome, and the effect of antibiotics or probiotics on the microbiome shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Punzón-Jiménez
- IVI Global Education, Edificio Bipolo, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Elena Labarta
- IVIRMA Valencia, Plaza de la Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Foundation - IIS La Fe, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
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20
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Chen W, Wei K, He X, Wei J, Yang L, Li L, Chen T, Tan B. Identification of Uterine Microbiota in Infertile Women Receiving in vitro Fertilization With and Without Chronic Endometritis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:693267. [PMID: 34485281 PMCID: PMC8409574 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.693267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important assisted reproductive technology in treating infertility, whose failure rate is still high. Studies suggested that uterine microbiota are related to women’s reproductive diseases and persisting intrauterine bacterial infectious conditions, such as chronic endometritis (CE), impairing the pregnant processes. However, the relationship between uterine microbiota and IVF outcomes is still an open question. In the present study, 94 patients diagnosed with infertility were enrolled and were divided into CE (E group, n = 25) and non-CE (NE group, n = 69) groups depending on the hysteroscopy and immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, E (Ep, n = 8 and Enp, n = 17) and NE (NEp, n = 41 and NEnp, n = 28) groups were divided into pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups depending on the IVF outcomes, respectively. The uterine fluids were collected and microbial profiles were examined through the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. The results demonstrated that patients with CE had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate compared with the non-CE patients (32 vs. 58.42%, p = 0.0014). The relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were higher in the non-CE group, whereas high abundances of Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria were observed in the CE group at the phylum level. At the genus level, high relative abundances of Gardnerella were observed in the CE group and non-pregnancy groups, which significantly referred to the negative IVF outcome. In conclusion, CE may be a key factor for the negative outcome after IVF, of which the uterine microbiota plays a pivotal role, and the microbial diversity in uterine may serve as a biomarker to forecast the success of IVF outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Kehong Wei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xia He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lin Li
- The Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Buzhen Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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21
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Manzari C, Oranger A, Fosso B, Piancone E, Pesole G, D'Erchia AM. Accurate quantification of bacterial abundance in metagenomic DNAs accounting for variable DNA integrity levels. Microb Genom 2021; 6. [PMID: 32749951 PMCID: PMC7660251 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The quantification of the total microbial content in metagenomic samples is critical for investigating the interplay between the microbiome and its host, as well as for assessing the accuracy and precision of the relative microbial composition which can be strongly biased in low microbial biomass samples. In the present study, we demonstrate that digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) can provide accurate quantification of the total copy number of the 16S rRNA gene, the gene usually exploited for assessing total bacterial abundance in metagenomic DNA samples. Notably, using DNA templates with different integrity levels, as measured by the DNA integrity number (DIN), we demonstrated that 16S rRNA copy number quantification is strongly affected by DNA quality and determined a precise correlation between quantification underestimation and DNA degradation levels. Therefore, we propose an input DNA mass correction, according to the observed DIN value, which could prevent inaccurate quantification of 16S copy number in degraded metagenomic DNAs. Our results highlight that a preliminary evaluation of the metagenomic DNA integrity should be considered before performing metagenomic analyses of different samples, both for the assessment of the reliability of observed differential abundances in different conditions and to obtain significant functional insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Manzari
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Annarita Oranger
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Bruno Fosso
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Piancone
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Graziano Pesole
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy.,Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Erchia
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/D-O, 70126 Bari, Italy.,Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
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22
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Mate A, Reyes-Goya C, Santana-Garrido Á, Sobrevia L, Vázquez CM. Impact of maternal nutrition in viral infections during pregnancy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166231. [PMID: 34343638 PMCID: PMC8325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Other than being a physiological process, pregnancy is a condition characterized by major adaptations of maternal endocrine and metabolic homeostasis that are necessary to accommodate the fetoplacental unit. Unfortunately, all these systemic, cellular, and molecular changes in maternal physiology also make the mother and the fetus more prone to adverse outcomes, including numerous alterations arising from viral infections. Common infections during pregnancy that have long been recognized as congenitally and perinatally transmissible to newborns include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses (originally coined as ToRCH infections). In addition, enterovirus, parvovirus B19, hepatitis virus, varicella-zoster virus, human immunodeficiency virus, Zika and Dengue virus, and, more recently, coronavirus infections including Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infections (especially the novel SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), constitute relevant targets for current research on maternal-fetal interactions in viral infections during pregnancy. Appropriate maternal education from preconception to the early postnatal period is crucial to promote healthy pregnancies in general and to prevent and/or reduce the impact of viral infections in particular. Specifically, an adequate lifestyle based on proper nutrition plans and feeding interventions, whenever possible, might be crucial to reduce the risk of virus-related gestational diseases and accompanying complications in later life. Here we aim to provide an overview of the emerging literature addressing the impact of nutrition in the context of potentially harmful viral infections during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Mate
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Claudia Reyes-Goya
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Álvaro Santana-Garrido
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen M Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
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23
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Rizzo AE, Gordon JC, Berard AR, Burgener AD, Avril S. The Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome-Implications for Gynecologic Cancers and Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2021; 11:546. [PMID: 34208337 PMCID: PMC8231212 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial colonization of the lower female reproductive tract has been extensively studied over the past few decades. In contrast, the upper female reproductive tract including the uterine cavity and peritoneum where the ovaries and fallopian tubes reside were traditionally assumed to be sterile under non-pathologic conditions. However, recent studies applying next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene have provided convincing evidence for the existence of an upper female reproductive tract microbiome. While the vaginal microbiome and its importance for reproductive health outcomes has been extensively studied, the microbiome of the upper female reproductive tract and its relevance for gynecologic cancers has been less studied and will be the focus of this article. This targeted review summarizes the pertinent literature on the female reproductive tract microbiome in gynecologic malignancies and its anticipated role in future research and clinical applications in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E. Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Jennifer C. Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Alicia R. Berard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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24
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW In recent years there has been significant progress in the study of endometrial microbiota. This line of investigation has not been free of controversy and discussion. It is a key for clinicians involved to remain updated with the most recent findings in microbiome and its clinical implications to be able to offer patients all possible treatments. RECENT FINDINGS The existence of endometrial microbiota now seems undisputed. Current lines of work are centered on dysbiosis and its connection to other pathologies. It is in the field of assisted reproductive technology where this research plays an even more crucial role. In this case, we are focusing our attention toward the study of ectopic pregnancies, searching for similarities in their etiopathogenesis and alterations in the endometrial microbiota. SUMMARY Ectopic pregnancy has great repercussions for patients and for the healthcare system. We must continue researching to offer patients techniques and behaviors that can prevent it. The increase in its incidence makes ectopic pregnancy an entity that we must study.
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25
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Sola-Leyva A, Andrés-León E, Molina NM, Terron-Camero LC, Plaza-Díaz J, Sáez-Lara MJ, Gonzalvo MC, Sánchez R, Ruíz S, Martínez L, Altmäe S. Mapping the entire functionally active endometrial microbiota. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1021-1031. [PMID: 33598714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does endometrium harbour functionally active microorganisms and whether the microbial composition differs between proliferative and mid-secretory phases? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrium harbours functionally alive microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi whose composition and metabolic functions change along the menstrual cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Resident microbes in the endometrium have been detected, where microbial dysfunction has been associated with reproductive health and disease. Nevertheless, the core microorganismal composition in healthy endometrium is not determined and whether the identified bacterial DNA sequences refer to alive/functionally active microbes is not clear. Furthermore, whether there are cyclical changes in the microbial composition remains an open issue. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data from 14 endometrial paired samples from healthy women, 7 samples from the mid-secretory phase and 7 samples from the consecutive proliferative phase were analysed for the microbial RNA sequences. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The raw RNAseq data were converted into FASTQ format using SRA Toolkit. The unmapped reads to human sequences were aligned to the reference database Kraken2 and visualised with Krona software. Menstrual phase taxonomic differences were performed by R package metagenomeSeq. The functional analysis of endometrial microbiota was obtained with HUMANn2 and the comparison between menstrual phases was conducted by one-way ANOVA. Human RNAseq analysis was performed using miARma-Seq and the functional enrichment analysis was carried out using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA; HumanCyc). The integration of metabolic pathways between host and microbes was investigated. The developed method of active microbiota mapping was validated in independent sample set. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE With the novel metatranscriptomic approach, we mapped the entire alive microbiota composing of >5300 microorganisms within the endometrium of healthy women. Microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea were identified. The validation of three independent endometrial samples from different ethnicity confirmed the findings. Significant differences in the microbial abundances in the mid-secretory vs. proliferative phases were detected with possible metabolic activity in the host-microbiota crosstalk in receptive phase endometrium, specifically in the prostanoid biosynthesis pathway and L-tryptophan metabolism. LARGE SCALE DATA The raw RNAseq data used in the current study are available at GEO GSE86491 and at BioProject PRJNA379542. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These pioneering results should be confirmed in a bigger sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study confirms the presence of active microbes, bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea in the healthy human endometrium with implications in receptive phase endometrial functions, meaning that microbial dysfunction could impair the metabolic pathways important for endometrial receptivity. The results of this study contribute to the better understanding of endometrial microbiota composition in healthy women and its possible role in endometrial functions. In addition, our novel methodological pipeline for analysing alive microbes with transcriptional and metabolic activities could serve to inspire new analysis approaches in reproductive medicine. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER): grants RYC-2016-21199 and ENDORE SAF2017-87526-R; FEDER/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento: MENDO (B-CTS-500-UGR18) and by the University of Granada Plan Propio de Investigación 2016 - Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) (SOMM17/6107/UGR). A.S.-L. and N.M.M. are funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PRE2018-0854409 and FPU19/01638). S.A. has received honoraria for lectures from Merck. The funder had no role in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Laura Carmen Terron-Camero
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra", CSIC (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - María José Sáez-Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), "José Mataix Verdú" Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Armilla, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - María Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Rocío Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Susana Ruíz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Luís Martínez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Unidad Reproducción, UGC Laboratorio clínico y UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología. Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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Gut and Reproductive Tract Microbiota Adaptation during Pregnancy: New Insights for Pregnancy-Related Complications and Therapy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030473. [PMID: 33668738 PMCID: PMC7996258 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by maternal adaptations that are necessary to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for the fetus. Studies have highlighted how the microbiota modulates several networks in humans through complex molecular interactions and how dysbiosis (defined as quantitative and qualitative alterations of the microbiota communities) is related to human pathologies including gynecological diseases. This review analyzed how maternal uterine, vaginal, and gut microbiomes could impact on fetus health during the gestational period. We evaluated the role of a dysbiotic microbiota in preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. For many years it has been hypothesized that newborns were sterile organisms but in the past few years this paradigm has been questioned through the demonstration of the presence of microbes in the placenta and meconium. In the future, we should go deeper into the concept of in utero colonization to better understand the role of microbiota through the phases of pregnancy. Numerous studies in the literature have already showed interesting results regarding the role of microbiota in pregnancy. This evidence gives us the hope that microbiota modulation could be a novel strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy complications in the future.
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Molina NM, Sola-Leyva A, Haahr T, Aghajanova L, Laudanski P, Castilla JA, Altmäe S. Analysing endometrial microbiome: methodological considerations and recommendations for good practice. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:859-879. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
There is growing evidence that the upper female genital tract is not sterile, harbouring its own microbial communities. However, the significance and the potential effect of endometrial microorganisms on reproductive functions remain to be fully elucidated. Analysing the endometrial microbiome, the microbes and their genetic material present in the endometrium, is an emerging area of study. The initial studies suggest it is associated with poor reproductive outcomes and with different gynaecological pathologies. Nevertheless, studying a low-biomass microbial niche as is endometrium, the challenge is to conduct well-designed and well-controlled experiments in order to avoid and adjust for the risk of contamination, especially from the lower genital tract. Herein, we aim to highlight methodological considerations and propose good practice recommendations for future endometrial microbiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
| | - Thor Haahr
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive 7800, Denmark
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA
| | - Piotr Laudanski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-015, Poland
| | - Jose Antonio Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada 18012, Spain
- CEIFER Biobanco—NextClinics, Granada 18004, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada 18014, Spain
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia
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Plant Health and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Effects of the Bionematicide Aphanocladium album in Tomato Plants Infested by Meloidogyne javanica. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121922. [PMID: 33287243 PMCID: PMC7761678 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The artificial introduction in the soil of antagonistic microorganisms can be a successful strategy, alternative to agrochemicals, for the control of the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and for preserving plant health. On the other hand, plant roots and the associated rhizosphere constitute a complex system in which the contribution of microbial community is fundamental to plant health and development, since microbes may convert organic and inorganic substances into available plant nutrients. In the present study, the potential nematicidal activity of the biopesticide Aphanocladium album (A. album strain MX-95) against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in infected tomato plants was investigated. Specifically, the effect of the A. album treatment on plant fitness was evaluated observing the plant morphological traits and also considering the nematode propagation parameters, the A. album MX-95 vitality and population density. In addition, the treatment effects on the rhizosphere microbiome were analysed by a metabarcoding procedure. Treatments with A. album isolate MX-95 significantly decreased root gall severity index and soil nematode population. The treatment also resulted in increased rhizosphere microbial populations. A. album MX-95 can be favourably considered as a new bionematicide to control M. javanica infestation.
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Bohbot JM, Brami G, Goubard A, Harvey T. [Ten questions about bacterial vaginosis]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2020; 48:693-702. [PMID: 32438010 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The physiopathology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the ultimate stage of vaginal dysbiosis, has benefited from recent advances in molecular biology, highlighting, among others, the important role of A. vaginae. Certain immunological specificities (variants of TLR4, elevation of IL-1β, for example) explain the variations in the prevalence of this infection, the poor clinical and cellular inflammatory response and the promoting influence of BV on the acquisition and progression of some sexually transmitted infections. These advances do not fully elucidate the causes of the high rate of recurrences. Some risk factors for relapses of BV have been identified such as tobacco use, stress or hygienic errors have been associated to relapses of BV. However, other paths are beginning to be explored such as the role of sexual transmission, the resistance of certain bacteria associated to BV to nitroimidazoles or the lack of efficacy of conventional treatments on dysbiosis itself. Taking into acount this vaginal dysbiosis appears to be important or even essential to better control the natural history of HPV-hr infection or improve the success rate of IVF, for example. Despite heterogeneous results, the use of probiotics as a complement to conventional treatments (nitroimidazoles, dequalinium chloride) has demonstrated a preventive effect on BV recurrences. Further studies are needed to customize the contribution of probiotics (or synbiotics) according to the individual specificities of the vaginal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-M Bohbot
- Institut Fournier, 25, boulevard Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - G Brami
- Institut Fournier, 25, boulevard Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - A Goubard
- Institut Fournier, 25, boulevard Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - T Harvey
- Maternité des Diaconnesses, 12-18, rue du Sergent Bauchat, 75012 Paris, France
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A Differential Metabarcoding Approach to Describe Taxonomy Profiles of Bacteria and Archaea in the Saltern of Margherita di Savoia (Italy). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060936. [PMID: 32580393 PMCID: PMC7356649 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms inhabiting saline environments are an interesting ecological model for the study of the adaptation of organisms to extreme living conditions and constitute a precious resource of enzymes and bioproducts for biotechnological applications. We analyzed the microbial communities in nine ponds with increasing salt concentrations (salinity range 4.9–36.0%) of the Saltern of Margherita di Savoia (Italy), the largest thalassohaline saltern in Europe. A deep-metabarcoding NGS procedure addressing separately the V5-V6 and V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene of Bacteria and Archaea, respectively, and a CARD-FISH (catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis allowed us to profile the dynamics of microbial populations at the different salt concentrations. Both the domains were detected throughout the saltern, even if the low relative abundance of Archaea in the three ponds with the lowest salinities prevented the construction of the relative amplicon libraries. The highest cell counts were recorded at 14.5% salinity for Bacteria and at 24.1% salinity for Archaea. While Bacteria showed the greatest number of genera in the first ponds (salinity range 4.9–14.5%), archaeal genera were more numerous in the last ponds of the saltern (salinity 24.1–36.0%). Among prokaryotes, Salinibacter was the genus with the maximum abundance (~49% at 34.6% salinity). Other genera detected at high abundance were the archaeal Haloquadratum (~43% at 36.0% salinity) and Natronomonas (~18% at 13.1% salinity) and the bacterial “Candidatus Aquiluna” (~19% at 14.5% salinity). Interestingly, “Candidatus Aquiluna” had not been identified before in thalassohaline waters.
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Theis KR, Romero R, Winters AD, Jobe AH, Gomez-Lopez N. Lack of Evidence for Microbiota in the Placental and Fetal Tissues of Rhesus Macaques. mSphere 2020; 5:e00210-20. [PMID: 32376701 PMCID: PMC7203455 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00210-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevailing paradigm in obstetrics has been the sterile womb hypothesis. However, some are asserting that the placenta, intra-amniotic environment, and fetus harbor microbial communities. The objective of this study was to determine whether the fetal and placental tissues of rhesus macaques harbor bacterial communities. Fetal, placental, and uterine wall samples were obtained from cesarean deliveries without labor (∼130/166 days gestation). The presence of bacteria in the fetal intestine and placenta was investigated through culture. The bacterial burden and profiles of the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetal brain, heart, liver, and colon were determined through quantitative real-time PCR and DNA sequencing. These data were compared with those of the uterine wall as well as to negative and positive technical controls. Bacterial cultures of fetal and placental tissues yielded only a single colony of Cutibacterium acnes This bacterium was detected at a low relative abundance (0.02%) in the 16S rRNA gene profile of the villous tree sample from which it was cultured, yet it was also identified in 12/29 background technical controls. The bacterial burden and profiles of fetal and placental tissues did not exceed or differ from those of background technical controls. By contrast, the bacterial burden and profiles of positive controls exceeded and differed from those of background controls. Among the macaque samples, distinct microbial signals were limited to the uterine wall. Therefore, using multiple modes of microbiologic inquiry, there was not consistent evidence of bacterial communities in the fetal and placental tissues of rhesus macaques.IMPORTANCE Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (i.e., intra-amniotic infection) has been causally linked to pregnancy complications, especially preterm birth. Therefore, if the placenta and the fetus are typically populated by low-biomass microbial communities, current understanding of the role of microbes in reproduction and pregnancy outcomes will need to be fundamentally reconsidered. Could these communities be of benefit by competitively excluding potential pathogens or priming the fetal immune system for the microbial bombardment it will experience upon delivery? If so, what properties (e.g., microbial load and community membership) of these microbial communities preclude versus promote intra-amniotic infection? Given the ramifications of the in utero colonization hypothesis, critical evaluation is required. In this study, using multiple modes of microbiologic inquiry (i.e., culture, quantitative real-time PCR [qPCR], and DNA sequencing) and controlling for potential background DNA contamination, we did not find consistent evidence for microbial communities in the placental and fetal tissues of rhesus macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew D Winters
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Molina NM, Sola-Leyva A, Saez-Lara MJ, Plaza-Diaz J, Tubić-Pavlović A, Romero B, Clavero A, Mozas-Moreno J, Fontes J, Altmäe S. New Opportunities for Endometrial Health by Modifying Uterine Microbial Composition: Present or Future? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E593. [PMID: 32290428 PMCID: PMC7226034 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge suggests that the uterus harbours its own microbiota, where the microbes could influence the uterine functions in health and disease; however, the core uterine microbial composition and the host-microbial relationships remain to be fully elucidated. Different studies are indicating, based on next-generation sequencing techniques, that microbial dysbiosis could be associated with several gynaecological disorders, such as endometriosis, chronic endometritis, dysfunctional menstrual bleeding, endometrial cancer, and infertility. Treatments using antibiotics and probiotics and/or prebiotics for endometrial microbial dysbiosis are being applied. Nevertheless there is no unified protocol for assessing the endometrial dysbiosis and no optimal treatment protocol for the established dysbiosis. With this review we outline the microbes (mostly bacteria) identified in the endometrial microbiome studies, the current treatments offered for bacterial dysbiosis in the clinical setting, and the future possibilities such as pro- and prebiotics and microbial transplants for modifying uterine microbial composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea M. Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
| | - Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
| | - Maria Jose Saez-Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- “José Mataix Verdú” Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- “José Mataix Verdú” Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Barbara Romero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Mozas-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Fontes
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Unidad de Reproducción, UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.M.M.); (A.S.-L.); (M.J.S.-L.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18014 Granada, Spain; (J.P.-D.); (B.R.); (A.C.); (J.M.-M.); (J.F.)
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50410 Tartu, Estonia
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Tsigalou C, Konstantinidis T, Stavropoulou E, Bezirtzoglou EE, Tsakris A. Potential Elimination of Human Gut Resistome by Exploiting the Benefits of Functional Foods. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:50. [PMID: 32117102 PMCID: PMC7026006 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in technology over the last decades have strived to elucidate the diverse and abundant ecosystem of the human microbiome. The intestinal microbiota represents a densely inhabited environment that offers a plethora of beneficial effects to the host's wellbeing. On the other hand, it can serve as a potential reservoir of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria and their antibiotic-resistant genes (ARgenes), which comprise the "gut resistome." ARgenes, like antibiotics, have been omnipresent in the environment for billions of years. In the context of the gut microbiome, these genes may conflate into exogenous MDR or emerge in commensals due to mutations or gene transfers. It is currently generally accepted that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. It is of paramount importance that researchers focus on, amongst other parameters, elaborating strategies to manage the gut resistome, particularly focusing on the diminution of AMR. Potential interventions in the gut microbiome field by Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) or functional foods are newly emerged candidates for the uprooting of MDR strains and restoring dysbiosis and resilience. Probiotic nutrition is thought to diminish gut colonization from pathobionts. Yet only a few studies have explored the effects of antibiotics use on the reservoir of AR genes and the demanding time for return to normal by gut microbiota-targeted strategies. Regular administration of probiotic bacteria has recently been linked to restoration of the gut ecosystem and decrease of the gut resistome and AR genes carriers. This review summarizes the latest information about the intestinal resistome and the intriguing methods of fighting against AMR through probiotic-based methods and gut microbial shifts that have been proposed. This study contains some key messages: (1) AMR currently poses a lethal threat to global health, and it is pivotal for the scientific community to do its utmost in fighting against it; (2) human gut microbiome research, within the last decade especially, seems to be preoccupied with the interface of numerous diseases and identifying a potential target for a variety of interventions; (3) the gut resistome, comprised of AR genesis, presents very early on in life and is prone to shifts due to the use of antibiotics or dietary supplements; and (4) future strategies involving functional foods seem promising for the battle against AMR through intestinal resistome diminution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tsigalou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theocharis Konstantinidis
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Eugenia E. Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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