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Meloncelli N, O'Connor H, de Jersey S, Rushton A, Pateman K, Gallaher S, Kearney L, Wilkinson S. Designing a behaviour change intervention using COM-B and the Behaviour Change Wheel: Co-designing the Healthy Gut Diet for preventing gestational diabetes. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024. [PMID: 39054768 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that modulating the gut microbiota during pregnancy may help prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The Healthy Gut Diet study is a complex behaviour change intervention co-designed with women who have a lived experience of GDM. The aim of the study was to describe the development of the behaviour change dietary intervention, the Healthy Gut Diet. METHODS This study followed the process for designing behaviour change interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel. Six researchers and 12 women with lived experience participated in online workshops to co-design the Healthy Gut Diet intervention. This included "diagnosing" the barriers and enablers to two target behaviours: eating more plant foods and eating less ultra processed/saturated fat containing foods. Content analysis of the workshop transcripts and activities was undertaken, underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). RESULTS Barriers and enablers to the target behaviours were described across all six COM-B components and 10 TDF domains. The intervention functions for the Healthy Gut Diet were education, enablement, environmental restructuring, persuasion and incentivisation. Forty behaviour change techniques were integrated into five modes of delivery for the Healthy Gut Diet intervention. The feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of the Healthy Gut Diet is being tested within a randomised controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS Using the Behaviour Change Wheel process in partnership with consumers resulted in a clearly described complex intervention targeting barriers and enablers of dietary behaviour change to improve the gut microbiota diversity in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Meloncelli
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Office of the Chief Allied Health Practitioner, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Hannah O'Connor
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Dietetics and Foodservices, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Susan de Jersey
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Dietetics and Foodservices, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Alita Rushton
- Office of the Chief Allied Health Practitioner, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelsey Pateman
- Centre for Allied Health Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Lauren Kearney
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Women's and Newborn Service Group, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Shelley Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetric Medicine, Mater Mothers Hospitals, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Sugino KY, Hernandez TL, Barbour LA, Kofonow JM, Frank DN, Friedman JE. Distinct Plasma Metabolomic and Gut Microbiome Profiles after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diet Treatment: Implications for Personalized Dietary Interventions. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1369. [PMID: 39065137 PMCID: PMC11278888 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) triggers alterations in the maternal microbiome. Alongside metabolic shifts, microbial products may impact clinical factors and influence pregnancy outcomes. We investigated maternal microbiome-metabolomic changes, including over 600 metabolites from a subset of the "Choosing Healthy Options in Carbohydrate Energy" (CHOICE) study. Women diagnosed with GDM were randomized to a diet higher in complex carbohydrates (CHOICE, n = 18, 60% complex carbohydrate/25% fat/15% protein) or a conventional GDM diet (CONV, n = 16, 40% carbohydrate/45% fat/15% protein). All meals were provided. Diets were eucaloric, and fiber content was similar. CHOICE was associated with increases in trimethylamine N-oxide, indoxyl sulfate, and several triglycerides, while CONV was associated with hippuric acid, betaine, and indole propionic acid, suggestive of a healthier metabolome. Conversely, the microbiome of CHOICE participants was enriched with carbohydrate metabolizing genes and beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis, while CONV was associated with inflammatory pathways including antimicrobial resistance and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. We also identified latent metabolic groups not associated with diet: a metabolome associated with less of a decrease in fasting glucose, and another associated with relatively higher fasting triglycerides. Our results suggest that GDM diets produce specific microbial and metabolic responses during pregnancy, while host factors also play a role in triglycerides and glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron Y. Sugino
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Teri L. Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (T.L.H.); (L.A.B.)
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Linda A. Barbour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (T.L.H.); (L.A.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Kofonow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.M.K.); (D.N.F.)
| | - Daniel N. Frank
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.M.K.); (D.N.F.)
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Ahmad S, Munawar A. Postpartum Depression and Antibiotics Overuse in Pakistan: Exploring a Potential Nexus. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 44:446-447. [PMID: 38875440 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
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Mihori S, Nichols F, Provatas A, Matz A, Zhou B, Blesso CN, Panier H, Daddi L, Zhou Y, Clark RB. Microbiome-derived bacterial lipids regulate gene expression of proinflammatory pathway inhibitors in systemic monocytes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1415565. [PMID: 38989285 PMCID: PMC11233717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1415565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
How the microbiome regulates responses of systemic innate immune cells is unclear. In the present study, our purpose was to document a novel mechanism by which the microbiome mediates crosstalk with the systemic innate immune system. We have identified a family of microbiome Bacteroidota-derived lipopeptides-the serine-glycine (S/G) lipids, which are TLR2 ligands, access the systemic circulation, and regulate proinflammatory responses of splenic monocytes. To document the role of these lipids in regulating systemic immunity, we used oral gavage with an antibiotic to decrease the production of these lipids and administered exogenously purified lipids to increase the systemic level of these lipids. We found that decreasing systemic S/G lipids by decreasing microbiome Bacteroidota significantly enhanced splenic monocyte proinflammatory responses. Replenishing systemic levels of S/G lipids via exogenous administration returned splenic monocyte responses to control levels. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that S/G lipids regulate monocyte proinflammatory responses at the level of gene expression of a small set of upstream inhibitors of TLR and NF-κB pathways that include Trem2 and Irf4. Consistent with enhancement in proinflammatory cytokine responses, decreasing S/G lipids lowered gene expression of specific pathway inhibitors. Replenishing S/G lipids normalized gene expression of these inhibitors. In conclusion, our results suggest that microbiome-derived S/G lipids normally establish a level of buffered signaling activation necessary for well-regulated innate immune responses in systemic monocytes. By regulating gene expression of inflammatory pathway inhibitors such as Trem2, S/G lipids merit broader investigation into the potential dysfunction of other innate immune cells, such as microglia, in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Mihori
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Frank Nichols
- Department of Periodontology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Anthony Provatas
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Institute of the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Alyssa Matz
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Beiyan Zhou
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Christopher N. Blesso
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Hunter Panier
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Lauren Daddi
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Yanjiao Zhou
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Robert B. Clark
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
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Gorczyca K, Kozioł MM, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Kępa J, Satora M, Rekowska AK, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Premature rupture of membranes and changes in the vaginal microbiome - Probiotics. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100899. [PMID: 38805904 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100899] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Preterm birth affects approximately 15 million women worldwide, of which 30 % is due to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The reasons for shortening the duration of pregnancy are seen in genetic, hormonal, immunological and socio-economic conditions. Recent years have provided a lot of evidence on the impact of the microbiota and whole microbiome on pregnant women, suggesting that the microorganisms inhabiting the vagina significantly affect the risk of preterm delivery. The aim of the study was to review studies evaluating the composition of the vaginal microflora and its role in the occurrence of preterm labor caused by PPROM, and to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of probiotics on preventing the development of preterm labor. Vaginal microbial dysbiosis is observed in PPROM, which, due to its association with a high risk of prematurity and infection, increases neonatal morbidity and mortality. Further research on biomarkers for screening, early prognosis and diagnosis of PPROM seems advisable. Probiotics as a potential intervention can prevent the development of pathological vaginal flora, reducing the risk of infection in women planning pregnancy and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Gorczyca
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata M Kozioł
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kępa
- Students Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- Students Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna K Rekowska
- Students Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bożena Leszczyńska-Gorzelak
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Xiao L, Zuo Z, Zhao F. Microbiome in Female Reproductive Health: Implications for Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 22:qzad005. [PMID: 38862423 PMCID: PMC11104452 DOI: 10.1093/gpbjnl/qzad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome plays a critical role in the process of conception and the outcomes of pregnancy. Disruptions in microbiome homeostasis in women of reproductive age can lead to various pregnancy complications, which significantly impact maternal and fetal health. Recent studies have associated the microbiome in the female reproductive tract (FRT) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and restoring microbiome balance has been shown to improve fertility in infertile couples. This review provides an overview of the role of the microbiome in female reproductive health, including its implications for pregnancy outcomes and ARTs. Additionally, recent advances in the use of microbial biomarkers as indicators of pregnancy disorders are summarized. A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the microbiome before and during pregnancy and its impact on reproductive health will greatly promote maternal and fetal health. Such knowledge can also contribute to the development of ARTs and microbiome-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Deady C, McCarthy FP, Barron A, McCarthy CM, O’Keeffe GW, O’Mahony SM. An altered gut microbiome in pre-eclampsia: cause or consequence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1352267. [PMID: 38774629 PMCID: PMC11106424 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1352267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, are a leading cause of serious and debilitating complications that affect both the mother and the fetus. Despite the occurrence and the health implications of these disorders there is still relatively limited evidence on the molecular underpinnings of the pathophysiology. An area that has come to the fore with regard to its influence on health and disease is the microbiome. While there are several microbiome niches on and within the body, the distal end of the gut harbors the largest of these impacting on many different systems of the body including the central nervous system, the immune system, and the reproductive system. While the role of the microbiome in hypertensive disorders, including pre-eclampsia, has not been fully elucidated some studies have indicated that several of the symptoms of these disorders are linked to an altered gut microbiome. In this review, we examine both pre-eclampsia and microbiome literature to summarize the current knowledge on whether the microbiome drives the symptoms of pre-eclampsia or if the aberrant microbiome is a consequence of this condition. Despite the paucity of studies, obvious gut microbiome changes have been noted in women with pre-eclampsia and the individual symptoms associated with the condition. Yet further research is required to fully elucidate the role of the microbiome and the significance it plays in the development of the symptoms. Regardless of this, the literature highlights the potential for a microbiome targeted intervention such as dietary changes or prebiotic and probiotics to reduce the impact of some aspects of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Deady
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergus P. McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- The Infant Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aaron Barron
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Cathal M. McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard W. O’Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Cork Neuroscience Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhain M. O’Mahony
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Gupta A, Chan SY, Toh R, Low JM, Liu IMZ, Lim SL, Lee LY, Swarup S. Gestational diabetes-related gut microbiome dysbiosis is not influenced by different Asian ethnicities and dietary interventions: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9855. [PMID: 38684759 PMCID: PMC11058859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60386-y] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiome dysbiosis contributes to the pathophysiology of both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its associated adverse outcomes in the woman and offspring. Even though GDM prevalence, complications, and outcomes vary among different ethnic groups, limited information is available about the influence of ethnicity on gut microbiome dysbiosis in pregnancies complicated by GDM. This pilot prospective cohort study examined the impact of ethnicity on gut dysbiosis in GDM among three Asian ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, Indian) living in Singapore, and investigated the potential modulatory roles of diet and lifestyle modifications on gut microbiome post-GDM diagnosis. Women with GDM (n = 53) and without GDM (n = 16) were recruited. Fecal samples were collected at 24-28- and 36-40-weeks' gestation and analyzed by targeted 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) analysis was performed to evaluate differences between groups. Differentially abundant taxa were identified by DeSeq2 based analysis. Functional prediction was performed using the phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt2). Among women with GDM, gut microbiome from different ethnicities harbored common microbial features. However, among those without GDM, there was contrasting microbiome composition between ethnic groups. Microbial members such as Collinsella, Blautia, Ruminococcus, Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus torques, and Eubacterium hallii groups were differentially enriched (p < 0.05) in women with GDM compared to those without. Among women with GDM, no differences in alpha- and beta- diversity were observed when comparing 24-28 weeks' samples with 36-40 weeks' samples, a period covering intense dietary and lifestyle modification, suggesting an inability to modulate gut microbiota through classic GDM management. Women with GDM have a distinct gut microbiome profile which harbours common features across different Asian ethnic groups, consistent with the notion that specific microbes are involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory conditions, and other metabolic dysregulation known to be present in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gupta
- Singapore Centre For Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Shiao Yng Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Toh
- Department of Neonatology, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Ming Low
- Department of Neonatology, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Isabella Ming Zhen Liu
- Department of Neonatology, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Lin Lim
- Department of Dietetics, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Le Ye Lee
- Foundation Healthcare Holdings, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjay Swarup
- Singapore Centre For Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Shen W, Chen Q, Lin R, Hu Z, Luo M, Ren Y, Huang K, Wang L, Chen S, Wang L, Ruan Y, Feng L. Imbalance of gut microbiota in gestational diabetes. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:226. [PMID: 38561737 PMCID: PMC10983739 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06423-0] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the differences in gut microbiota composition among nonpregnant women of reproductive age, healthy pregnant women, and gestational diabetes (GD) patients. METHODS A total of 45 outpatients were enrolled and divided into three groups: nonpregnant women of reproductive age (control group, n = 23), healthy pregnant women (normal group, n = 10), and GD patients (GD group, n = 12). Faecal samples were collected and sequenced using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyse the microbial composition. RESULTS (1) Pregnant patients exhibited an increase in the abundance of Streptococcus (Pnormal = 0.01286, PGD = 0.002965) and Blautia (Pnormal = 0.0003924, PGD = 0.000246) but a decrease in the abundance of Roseburia (Pnormal = 0.0361, PGD = 0.007075), Phascolarctobacterium (Pnormal = 0.0003906, PGD = 0.02499) and Lachnoclostridium (Pnormal = 0.0003906, PGD = 0.03866). (2) Compared with healthy pregnant women, GD patients had an excessive increase in Streptococcus abundance and decrease in Roseburia abundance. The increase in Blautia abundance and the decrease in Phascolarctobacterium and Lachnoclostridium abundance in GD patients were less than those in healthy pregnant women. (3) The abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased significantly in GD patients (PGD = 0.02985) but not in healthy pregnant patients (Pnormal = 0.1643). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal increases and decreases in the abundances of gut microbiota components, especially Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, were observed in GD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION The cross-sectional research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Clinical Trials and Biomedical Ethics Committee. The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900026164, 24/09/2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43,455 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Shen
- Department of Pathology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center of Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qianyi Chen
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Renbin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, 310005, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhefang Hu
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Man Luo
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanwei Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Keren Huang
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shujie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center of Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
- Prevention and Treatment Research Center of Senescent Disease, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Ruan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lijun Feng
- Department of Nutriology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Tian Z, Zhang X, Yao G, Jin J, Zhang T, Sun C, Wang Z, Zhang Q. Intestinal flora and pregnancy complications: Current insights and future prospects. IMETA 2024; 3:e167. [PMID: 38882493 PMCID: PMC11170975 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the pivotal roles of intestinal microbiota in many physiopathological processes through complex interactions with the host. As a unique period in a woman's lifespan, pregnancy is characterized by changes in hormones, immunity, and metabolism. The gut microbiota also changes during this period and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Consequently, anomalies in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, namely, gut microbiota dysbiosis, can predispose individuals to various pregnancy complications, posing substantial risks to both maternal and neonatal health. However, there are still many controversies in this field, such as "sterile womb" versus "in utero colonization." Therefore, a thorough understanding of the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota in pregnancy and its complications is essential to safeguard the health of both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in gut microbiota during pregnancy, its abnormalities in common pregnancy complications, and potential etiological implications. It also explores the potential of gut microbiota in diagnosing and treating pregnancy complications and examines the possibility of gut-derived bacteria residing in the uterus/placenta. Our aim is to expand knowledge in maternal and infant health from the gut microbiota perspective, aiding in developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy complications based on intestinal microecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Tian
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Xinjie Zhang
- Department of Biology University College London London UK
| | - Guixiang Yao
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Jiajia Jin
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Tongxue Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Chunhua Sun
- Department of Health Management Center, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Geriatrics Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University Jinan China
| | - Qunye Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Jinan China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University Jinan China
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11
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Song Y, Bai Y, Liu C, Zhai X, Zhang L. The impact of gut microbiota on autoimmune thyroiditis and relationship with pregnancy outcomes: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1361660. [PMID: 38505287 PMCID: PMC10948601 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1361660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) is a T-cell-mediated, organ- specific autoimmune disease caused by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Patients with AITD show thyroid lymphocyte infiltration and an increase in the titer of thyroid autoimmune antibodies, thereby altering the integrity of thyroid follicle epithelial cells and dysregulating their metabolism and immune function, leading to a decrease in multi-tissue metabolic activity. Research has shown that patients with AITD have a significantly higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as infertility and miscarriage. Levothyroxine(LT4) treatment can improve the pregnancy outcomes of normal pregnant women with thyroid peroxidase antibodies(TPOAb) positivity, but it is not effective for invitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with normal thyroid function and positive TPOAb. Other factors may also influence pregnancy outcomes of patients with AITD. Recent studies have revealed that the gut microbiota participates in the occurrence and development of AITD by influencing the gut-thyroid axis. The bacterial abundance and diversity of patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) were significantly reduced, and the relative abundances of Bacteroides, fecal Bacillus, Prevotella, and Lactobacillus also decreased. The confirmation of whether adjusting the composition of the gut microbiota can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with AITD is still pending. This article reviews the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with AITD and the current research on its impact in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Le Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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12
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Zhang Y, Deng Y, Hao Y, Fang J, Feng J. Effects of Supplementation with Oregano Essential Oil during Late Gestation and Lactation on Serum Metabolites, Antioxidant Capacity and Fecal Microbiota of Sows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:753. [PMID: 38473138 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A total of 20 healthy white × landrace sows were evenly and randomly divided into two groups, and fed basal diets unsupplemented or supplemented with 500 g/t Meriden-Stim® from day 100 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Serum and fecal samples were collected from the sows on the final day for subsequent analysis. Compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in the sows' performances; however, an increase was observed in the piglets' weight at weaning (p = 0.08). Moreover, oregano essential oil (OEO) significantly reduced the levels of urea (UREA) (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p < 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) in serum. In terms of antioxidant indexes in serum, the catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels showed significant increases (p < 0.05) while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level exhibited a decrease tendency (p = 0.09). 16S rRNA analysis identified the specific bacteria taxa in feces. OEO significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level (p < 0.05). At the genus level, OEO significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotellaceae UCG 003 and UCG 005, while decreasing that of Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05). Taken together, OEO supplementation in maternal diets during late gestation and lactation improved serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and regulated the intestinal-flora balance of sows, thereby tending to increase the piglets' weight at weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuhang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yubin Hao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- Keqiao Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute, Shaoxing 312030, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Katsoudas N, Tavakoli P, Wu N, Shapiro A, Leach ST, Williams AJ, Paramsothy R, Ghaly S, Connor SJ, Samocha-Bonet D, Lambert K, Hold GL. Dietary Emulsifier Exposure in People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Compared With Healthy Controls: Is There a Cause for Concern? Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024:izad318. [PMID: 38244236 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emulsifiers are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Few studies have examined emulsifier intake in people with existing IBD. We aimed to describe the frequency of exposure to 6 selected emulsifiers in a contemporary cohort of people with IBD and compare intake with healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Baseline food records from participants in an Australian prospective cohort study examining the microbiome of IBD patients and HCs were analyzed. Exposure to inflammatory emulsifiers polysorbate-80 (P80); carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); carrageenan; xanthan gum (XG); lecithin (soy and sunflower) and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (MDGs) were determined by examining ingredient lists. Frequency of emulsifier exposure between groups (IBD vs HC, Crohn's disease [CD] vs ulcerative colitis [UC], IBD children vs adults, active disease vs remission) was examined after controlling for confounders. RESULTS Records from 367 participants were analyzed (n = 176 IBD, of which there were 101 CD, 75 UC, and 191 HC patients). In total, 5022 unique food items were examined, with 18% containing 1 or more emulsifier of interest. Inflammatory bowel disease participants had significantly higher total daily emulsifier exposure compared with HCs (2.7 ± 1.8 vs 2.3 ± 1.6, P = .02). In IBD participants, emulsifiers with the highest daily exposure were MDGs (1.2 ± 0.93), lecithin (0.85 ± 0.93), and XG (0.38 ± 0.42). There were no recorded exposures to P80. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory bowel disease participants were exposed to more emulsifiers than HCs. Intake of inflammatory emulsifiers were low or nonexistent, suggesting their presence in the food supply are not as common as frequently stated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Katsoudas
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Science, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paris Tavakoli
- Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nan Wu
- Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Shapiro
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven T Leach
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Astrid-Jane Williams
- Liverpool Hospital Dept of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ramesh Paramsothy
- Centre for Gastrointestinal Health Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Ghaly
- St Vincent's Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan J Connor
- Liverpool Hospital Dept of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dorit Samocha-Bonet
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, University of New South Wales Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kelly Lambert
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Science, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgina L Hold
- Microbiome Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Barrientos G, Ronchi F, Conrad ML. Nutrition during pregnancy: Influence on the gut microbiome and fetal development. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13802. [PMID: 38282608 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a finely tuned process, with the health and well-being of the developing fetus determined by the metabolic status and dietary intake of the mother. The maternal gut microbiome is remodeled during pregnancy, and this, coupled with the maternal nutrient intake during gestation shapes the production of metabolites that can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. As posited by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis, such environmental influences can have major effects on the developing organ systems. When occurring at particularly sensitive gestational time points, these developmental programming events can have long lasting effects on offspring adaptation to the postnatal environment, and major health implications later in life. This review will summarize current knowledge on how pregnancy and maternal dietary intake intrinsically and extrinsically modify maternal gut microbiota composition and metabolite production. Further, we will assess how these factors shape the fetal landscape and ultimately contribute to offspring health. DOHaD, fetal development, metabolites, microbiome, nutrition, pregnancy, short-chain fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francesca Ronchi
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie L Conrad
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Wu N, Liu J, Sun Y, Fan X, Zang T, Richardson BN, Bai J, Xianyu Y, Liu Y. Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23096. [PMID: 38252939 DOI: 10.1071/rd23096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCFA levels are poorly understood in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). AIMS To evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic SCFAs in women who received assisted reproduction treatment. METHODS Sixty-three pregnant women with spontaneous pregnancy (SP) and nine with ART pregnancy were recruited to provide fecal samples. Gut microbiota abundance and SCFA levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KEY RESULTS The ART group showed decreased alpha diversity (the species richness or evenness in a sample). The principal coordinates analysis (a method of analysing beta diversity) showed significant difference in gut microbiota between the ART group versus the SP group (unweighted UniFrac distance, R 2 =0.04, P =0.003). Proteobacteria , Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were enriched in the ART group, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria Faecalibacterium was lower than in the SP group. Different modes of conception were associated with several SCFAs (valeric acid (r =-0.280; P =0.017); isocaproic acid (r =-0.330; P =0.005); caproic acid (r =-0.336; P =0.004)). Significantly different SCFAs between the two groups were synchronously associated with the differential gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in women undergoing ART decreased. IMPLICATIONS The application of ART shaped the microbial composition and metabolism, which may provide critical information for understanding the biological changes that occur in women with assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fan
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianzi Zang
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jinbing Bai
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Yanqun Liu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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16
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Dorsey AF, Miller EM. Revisiting geophagy: An evolved sickness behavior to microbiome-mediated gastrointestinal inflammation. Evol Anthropol 2023; 32:325-335. [PMID: 37661330 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Geophagy, the consumption of clay or similar substances, is known as an evolved behavior that protects vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, against gastrointestinal injury. However, perplexing questions remain, like the presence of geophagy in the absence of overt gastrointestinal infection and the potential causal relationship between geophagy and iron deficiency anemia. In this review, we hypothesize that geophagy is an inflammation-mediated sickness behavior regulated via the vagus nerve. We further hypothesize that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in mediating the relationship between inflammation and geophagy. By including inflammation and the microbiome within the existing protection hypothesis, we can explain how subclinical gastrointestinal states induce geophagy. Furthermore, we can explain how gastrointestinal inflammation is responsible for both geophagy and iron-deficiency anemia, explaining why the two phenomena frequently co-occur. Ultimately, defining geophagy as a sickness behavior allows us to integrate the gut-brain axis into geophagy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achsah F Dorsey
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Miller
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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17
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Buthgamuwa I, Fenelon JC, Roser A, Meer H, Johnston SD, Dungan AM. Gut microbiota in the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) shows stability across gestation. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1392. [PMID: 38129978 PMCID: PMC10721944 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Indigenous gut microbial communities (microbiota) play critical roles in health and may be especially important for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Monotremes, such as the short-beaked echidna, have evolved to lay and incubate an egg, which hatches in their pouch where the young feeds. Since both feces and eggs pass through the cloaca, the fecal microbiota of female echidnas provides an opportunity for vertical transmission of microbes to their offspring. Here, we characterize the gut/fecal microbiome of female short-beaked echidnas and gain a better understanding of the changes that may occur in their microbiome as they go through pregnancy. Fecal samples from four female and five male echidnas were obtained from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland and sequenced to evaluate bacterial community structure. We identified 25 core bacteria, most of which were present in male and female samples. Genera such as Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus were consistently abundant, regardless of sex or gestation stage, accounting for 58.00% and 56.14% of reads in male and female samples, respectively. The echidna microbiome remained stable across the different gestation stages, though there was a significant difference in microbiota composition between male and female echidnas. This study is the first to describe the microbiome composition of short-beaked echidnas across reproductive phases and allows the opportunity for this novel information to be used as a metric of health to aid in the detection of diseases triggered by microbiota dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isini Buthgamuwa
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jane C. Fenelon
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Colossal Laboratories and BiosciencesDallasTexasUSA
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryCurrumbinQueenslandAustralia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife SanctuaryCurrumbinQueenslandAustralia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of EnvironmentThe University of QueenslandGattonQueenslandAustralia
- School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of QueenslandGattonQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ashley M. Dungan
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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18
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Cordero-Varela JA, Reyes-Corral M, Lao-Pérez M, Fernández-Santos B, Montenegro-Elvira F, Sempere L, Ybot-González P. Analysis of Gut Characteristics and Microbiota Changes with Maternal Supplementation in a Neural Tube Defect Mouse Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:4944. [PMID: 38068802 PMCID: PMC10708240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate nutrient supply is crucial for the proper development of the embryo. Although nutrient supply is determined by maternal diet, the gut microbiota also influences nutrient availability. While currently there is no cure for neural tube defects (NTDs), their prevention is largely amenable to maternal folic acid and inositol supplementation. The gut microbiota also contributes to the production of these nutrients, which are absorbed by the host, but its role in this context remains largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a functional and morphological analysis of the intestinal tract of loop-tail mice (Vangl2 mutants), a mouse model of folate/inositol-resistant NTDs. In addition, we investigated the changes in gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing regarding (1) the host genotype; (2) the sample source for metagenomics analysis; (3) the pregnancy status in the gestational window of neural tube closure; (4) folic acid and (5) D-chiro-inositol supplementation. We observed that Vangl2+/Lp mice showed no apparent changes in gastrointestinal transit time or fecal output, yet exhibited increased intestinal length and cecal weight and gut dysbiosis. Moreover, our results showed that the mice supplemented with folic acid and D-chiro-inositol had significant changes in their microbiota composition, which are changes that could have implications for nutrient absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Cordero-Varela
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Reyes-Corral
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Miguel Lao-Pérez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Santos
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Fernando Montenegro-Elvira
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Lluis Sempere
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Patricia Ybot-González
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spain
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Alsharairi NA, Li L. Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Probiotic Supplementation in Fetal Growth Restriction-A Comprehensive Review of Human and Animal Studies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2239. [PMID: 38137841 PMCID: PMC10745050 DOI: 10.3390/life13122239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological state that represents a fetus's inability to achieve adequate growth during pregnancy. Several maternal, placental, and fetal factors are likely associated with FGR etiology. FGR is linked to severe fetal and neonatal complications, as well as adverse health consequences in adulthood. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated improved growth in FGR fetuses with promising treatment strategies such as maternal micronutrient, amino acid, and nitric oxide supplementation. Elevated inflammation in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR has been associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may result in increased FGR-related inflammation. Probiotic treatment may relieve FGR-induced inflammation and improve fetal growth. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the gut microbiota and inflammatory profiles associated with FGR and explore the potential of probiotics in treating FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser A. Alsharairi
- Heart, Mind and Body Research Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Li Li
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia;
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20
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. The Impact of Maternal Gut Microbiota during Pregnancy on Fetal Gut-Brain Axis Development and Life-Long Health Outcomes. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2199. [PMID: 37764043 PMCID: PMC10538154 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota plays a critical role in physiological regulation throughout life and is specifically modified to meet the demands of individual life stages and during pregnancy. Maternal gut microbiota is uniquely adapted to the pregnancy demands of the mother and the developing fetus. Both animal studies in pregnant germ-free rodents and human studies have supported a critical association between the composition of maternal microbiota during pregnancy and fetal development. Gut microbiota may also contribute to the development of the fetal gut-brain axis (GBA), which is increasingly recognized for its critical role in health and disease. Most studies consider birth as the time of GBA activation and focus on postnatal GBA development. This review focuses on GBA development during the prenatal period and the impact of maternal gut microbiota on fetal GBA development. It is hypothesized that adaptation of maternal gut microbiota to pregnancy is critical for the GBA prenatal development and maturation of GBA postnatally. Consequently, factors affecting maternal gut microbiota during pregnancy, such as maternal obesity, diet, stress and depression, infection, and medication, also affect fetal GBA development and are critical for GBA activity postnatally. Altered maternal gut microbiota during gestation has been shown to have long-term impact postnatally and multigenerational effects. Thus, understanding the impact of maternal gut microbiota during pregnancy on fetal GBA development is crucial for managing fetal, neonatal, and adult health, and should be included among public health priorities.
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21
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Cao Y, Zang T, Qiu T, Xu Z, Chen X, Fan X, Zhang Q, Huang Y, Liu J, Wu N, Shen N, Bai J, Li G, Huang J, Liu Y. Does PM 1 exposure during pregnancy impact the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116304. [PMID: 37268213 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116304] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollutant exposure can change the composition of gut microbiota at 6-months of age, but there is no epidemiological evidence on the impacts of exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤1 μm (PM1) during pregnancy on gut microbiota in mothers and neonates. We aimed to determine if gestational PM1 exposure is associated with the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates. METHODS Leveraging a mother-infant cohort from the central region of China, we estimated the exposure concentrations of PM1 during pregnancy based on residential address records. The gut microbiota of mothers and neonates was analyzed using 16 S rRNA V3-V4 gene sequences. Functional pathway analyses of 16 S rRNA V3-V4 bacterial communities were conducted using Tax4fun. The impact of PM1 exposure on α-diversity, composition, and function of gut microbiota in mothers and neonates was evaluated using multiple linear regression, controlling for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). Permutation multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was used to analyze the interpretation degree of PM1 on the sample differences at the OTU level using the Bray-Curtis distance algorithm. RESULTS Gestational PM1 exposure was positively associated with the α-diversity of gut microbiota in neonates and explained 14.8% (adj. P = 0.026) of the differences in community composition among neonatal samples. In contrast, gestational PM1 exposure had no impact on the α- and β-diversity of gut microbiota in mothers. Gestational PM1 exposure was positively associated with phylum Actinobacteria of gut microbiota in mothers, and genera Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Streptococcus, Faecalibacterium of gut microbiota in neonates. At Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway level 3, the functional analysis results showed that gestational PM1 exposure significantly down-regulated Nitrogen metabolism in mothers, as well as Two-component system and Pyruvate metabolism in neonates. While Purine metabolism, Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Pyrimidine metabolism, and Ribosome in neonates were significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first evidence that exposure to PM1 has a significant impact on the gut microbiota of mothers and neonates, especially on the diversity, composition, and function of neonatal meconium microbiota, which may have important significance for maternal health management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Cao
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tianzi Zang
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tianlai Qiu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhihu Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiangxu Chen
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fan
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qianping Zhang
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yingjuan Huang
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ni Wu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Natalie Shen
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jinbing Bai
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Guoxing Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yanqun Liu
- Center for Women's and Children's Health, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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22
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Wierzchowska-Opoka M, Grunwald A, Rekowska AK, Łomża A, Mekler J, Santiago M, Kabała Z, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Impact of Obesity and Diabetes in Pregnant Women on Their Immunity and Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1247. [PMID: 37515062 PMCID: PMC10385489 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes are at increased risk of developing infections and other complications during pregnancy. Several mechanisms are involved in the immunological mechanisms that contribute to reduced immunity in these populations. Both obesity and diabetes are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that can lead to an overactive immune response. Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes often have an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, leptin, and resistin, which are involved in the inflammatory response. Insulin resistance can also affect the functioning of immune cells. Furthermore, both conditions alter the composition of the gut microbiome, which produces a variety of biomolecules, including short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, and other metabolites. These substances may contribute to immune dysfunction. In addition to increasing the risk of infections, obesity and diabetes can also affect the efficacy of vaccinations in pregnant women. Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes are at increased risk of developing severe illness and complications from COVID-19, but COVID-19 vaccination may help protect them and their fetuses from infection and its associated risks. Since both obesity and diabetes classify a pregnancy as high risk, it is important to elucidate the impact of these diseases on immunity and vaccination during pregnancy. Research examining the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in a high-risk pregnant population should be of particular value to obstetricians whose patients are hesitant to vaccinate during pregnancy. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and to develop effective interventions to improve immune function in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arkadiusz Grunwald
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna K Rekowska
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Łomża
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Julia Mekler
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Miracle Santiago
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kabała
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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23
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Hu R, Liu Z, Geng Y, Huang Y, Li F, Dong H, Ma W, Song K, Zhang M, Song Y. Gut Microbiota and Critical Metabolites: Potential Target in Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? Microorganisms 2023; 11:1725. [PMID: 37512897 PMCID: PMC10385493 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071725] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an intractable issue that negatively impacts the quality of pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is on the rise, becoming a major health burden for both mothers and children. However, the specific etiology and pathophysiology of GDM remain unknown. Recently, the importance of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules has gained prominence. Studies have indicated that women with GDM have significantly distinct gut microbiota and gut metabolites than healthy pregnant women. Given that the metabolic pathways of gut flora and related metabolites have a substantial impact on inflammation, insulin signaling, glucose, and lipid metabolism, and so on, gut microbiota or its metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, may play a significant role in both pathogenesis and progression of GDM. Whereas the role of intestinal flora during pregnancy is still in its infancy, this review aims to summarize the effects and mechanisms of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules involved in GDM, thus providing potential intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kunkun Song
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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24
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Strobel KM, Juul SE, Hendrixson DT. Maternal Nutritional Status and the Microbiome across the Pregnancy and the Post-Partum Period. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1569. [PMID: 37375071 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061569] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and the post-partum period is vital for both the mothers and their offspring. Both under- and over-nourished status may have important microbial implications on the maternal and infant gut microbiomes. Alterations in the microbiome can have implications for a person's risk of obesity and metabolic diseases. In this review, we examine alterations in the maternal gut, vaginal, placental, and milk microbiomes in the context of pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, body composition, gestational diabetes, and maternal diet. We also investigate how the infant gut microbiome may be altered by these different parameters. Many of the microbial changes seen in under- and over-nourished states in birthing parents may result in long-term implications for the health of offspring. Differences in diet appear to be a major driver of the maternal and subsequently milk and offspring microbiomes. Further prospective longitudinal cohort studies are needed to examine nutrition and the microbiome to better understand its implications. Additionally, trials involving dietary interventions in child-bearing age adults should be explored to improve the mother and child's risks for metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Strobel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sandra E Juul
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David Taylor Hendrixson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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25
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Stupak A, Kwaśniewski W. Evaluating Current Molecular Techniques and Evidence in Assessing Microbiome in Placenta-Related Health and Disorders in Pregnancy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:911. [PMID: 37371491 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is of great interest due to its potential influence on the occurrence and treatment of some human illnesses. It may be regarded as disruptions to the delicate equilibrium that humans ordinarily maintain with their microorganisms or the microbiota in their environment. The focus of this review is on the methodologies and current understanding of the functional microbiome in pregnancy outcomes. We present how novel techniques bring new insights to the contemporary field of maternal-fetal medicine with a critical analysis. The maternal microbiome in late pregnancy has been extensively studied, although data on maternal microbial changes during the first trimester are rare. Research has demonstrated that, in healthy pregnancies, the origin of the placental microbiota is oral (gut) rather than vaginal. Implantation, placental development, and maternal adaptation to pregnancy are complex processes in which fetal and maternal cells interact. Microbiome dysbiosis or microbial metabolites are rising as potential moderators of antenatal illnesses related to the placenta, such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and others, including gestational diabetes and preterm deliveries. However, because of the presence of antimicrobial components, it is likely that the bacteria identified in placental tissue are (fragments of) bacteria that have been destroyed by the placenta's immune cells. Using genomic techniques (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics), it may be possible to predict some properties of a microorganism's genome and the biochemical (epigenetic DNA modification) and physical components of the placenta as its environment. Despite the results described in this review, this subject needs further research on some major and crucial aspects. The phases of an in utero translocation of the maternal gut microbiota to the fetus should be explored. With a predictive knowledge of the impacts of the disturbance on microbial communities that influence human health and the environment, genomics may hold the answer to the development of novel therapies for the health of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Stupak
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica Str. 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kwaśniewski
- Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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26
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Aparicio A, Gold DR, Weiss ST, Litonjua AA, Lee-Sarwar K, Liu YY. Association of Vitamin D Level and Maternal Gut Microbiome during Pregnancy: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Vitamin D Supplementation. Nutrients 2023; 15:2059. [PMID: 37432235 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Shifts in the maternal gut microbiome and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy have been associated, separately, with health problems for both the mother and the child. Yet, they have rarely been studied simultaneously. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiome (from stool samples obtained in late pregnancy) and vitamin D level (from blood samples obtained both in early and late pregnancy) data of pregnant women in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, to investigate the association of vitamin D status on the pregnant women's microbiome. To find associations, we ran linear regressions on alpha diversity measures, PERMANOVA tests on beta diversity distances, and used the ANCOM-BC and Maaslin2 algorithms to find differentially abundant taxa. Analyses were deemed significant using a cut-off p-value of 0.05. We found that gut microbiome composition is associated with the vitamin D level in early pregnancy (baseline), the maternal gut microbiome does not show a shift in response to vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, and that the genus Desulfovibrio is enriched in women without a substantial increase in vitamin D level between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy. We conclude that increasing the vitamin D level during pregnancy could be protective against the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfovibrio, which has been associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders. More in-depth investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aparicio
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diane R Gold
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Golisano Children's Hospital at University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Kathleen Lee-Sarwar
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yang-Yu Liu
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Artificial Intelligence and Modeling, The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA
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27
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Shima H, Doi T, Okamoto T, Inoue T, Tashiro M, Wariishi S, Kawahara K, Okada K, Minakuchi J. Successful treatment of nephrotic syndrome due to pregnancy-related crescentic IgA nephropathy: a case report. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:92. [PMID: 37038123 PMCID: PMC10084611 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03152-y] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crescentic immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, defined as > 50% of the glomeruli with crescents, often has a poor renal prognosis. Because of the high prevalence of pre-eclampsia in the second trimester of pregnancy, we often fail to investigate the new onset of glomerulonephritis and the aggravation of subclinical nephropathies. We report a case of nephrotic syndrome suggestive of crescentic IgA nephropathy possibly triggered by pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION A 33-year-old multipara was referred for persistent proteinuria, hematuria, and hypoalbuminemia two months postpartum. The patient was diagnosed with proteinuria for the first time at 36 weeks of gestation. The patient was normotensive during pregnancy. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic IgA nephropathy, with cellular crescents in 80% of the glomeruli and no global sclerosis. After treatment with pulse steroids followed by high-dose oral glucocorticoids and tonsillectomy, a gradual improvement was seen in proteinuria, hematuria, and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSION Although the precise mechanism remains unclear, pregnancy possibly triggered the new onset of crescentic IgA nephropathy or the aggravation of subclinical IgA nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Shima
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan.
| | - Toshio Doi
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Takuya Okamoto
- Department of Laboratory, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Tomoko Inoue
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Manabu Tashiro
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Wariishi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kawahara
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Okada
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
| | - Jun Minakuchi
- Department of Kidney Disease, Kawashima Hospital, 6-1 Kitasakoichiban-Cho, Tokushima, 770-0011, Japan
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28
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Aparicio A, Gold DR, Weiss ST, Litonjua AA, Lee-Sarwar K, Liu YY. Association of vitamin D level and maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy: Findings from a randomized controlled trial of antenatal vitamin D supplementation. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.04.23288136. [PMID: 37066333 PMCID: PMC10104212 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.04.23288136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Shifts in the maternal gut microbiome and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy have been associated, separately, with health problems for both the mother and the child. Yet, they have rarely been studied simultaneously. Here, we analyzed gut microbiome (from stool samples obtained in late pregnancy) and vitamin D level (from blood samples obtained both in early and late pregnancy) data of pregnant women in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, to investigate the association of vitamin D status on the pregnant women’s microbiome. To find associations we ran linear regressions on alpha diversity measures, PERMANOVA tests on beta diversity distances, and used the ANCOM-BS and Maaslin2 algorithms to find differentially abundant taxa. Analyses were deemed significant using a cut-off p-value of 0.05. We found that gut microbiome composition is associated with the vitamin D level in early pregnancy (baseline), the maternal gut microbiome does not show a shift in response to vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, and that the genus Desulfovibrio is enriched in women without a substantial increase in vitamin D level between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy. We conclude that increasing the vitamin D level during pregnancy could be protective against the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfovibrio , which has been associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders. More in-depth investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
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29
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Nascimento DC, Alves-Filho JC. Gut microbiota in pregnancy, please don't change me now. Immunity 2023; 56:232-234. [PMID: 36792568 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy predisposes women to develop severe sepsis. However, the mechanisms regulating this remain unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Chen et al. describe the critical role of gut dysbiosis during pregnancy in driving excessive macrophage pyroptosis, increasing susceptibility to sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele C Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil; Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
| | - Jose C Alves-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil; Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
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30
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Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204303. [PMID: 36296986 PMCID: PMC9608451 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)is one of the most common perinatal pathologies, with a prevalence of 5–20% depending on the population or diagnostic standards. It is diagnosed when glucose intolerance is first detected during pregnancy. In the pathogenesis of GDM, genetic, environmental, and pregnancy-related factors (excessive fat storage and increased adipokine and cytokine secretion) play important roles. A growing amount of scientific data has indicated the role of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in the development of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Previous studies have indicated that, in comparison to healthy pregnant women, GDM individuals have a greater abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, and Prevotella and a lower number of bacteria belonging to the genera Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Roseburia, Dialister, and Akkermansia. Recently, many studies have focused on treating GDM with methods targeting GM. Several previous studies have analyzed the effect of probiotics on the course of GDM, but their data are inconclusive. In view of this state, the aim of the study was to collect and comprehensively discuss current knowledge regarding the role of probiotic supplementation in preventing and treating GDM. According to the analyzed data, probiotics have a positive influence on glycemic control and are a promising tool for lowering the frequency of GDM. However, further studies must be conducted to determine the optimal model of probiotic therapy (strain, dose, time of intervention, etc.) in pregnant women with GDM.
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