1
|
Takahashi K, Tsuji M, Nakagawasai O, Miyagawa K, Kurokawa K, Mochida-Saito A, Iwasa M, Iwasa H, Suzuki S, Takeda H, Tadano T. Anxiolytic effects of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 on a mouse model of colitis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11519. [PMID: 38769131 PMCID: PMC11106339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory inflammatory bowel disease, which is known to cause psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression at a high rate in addition to peripheral inflammatory symptoms. However, the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders remains mostly unknown. While prior research revealed that the Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001) suppressed UC-like symptoms and accompanying depressive-like behaviors, observed in a UC model using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), whether it has an anxiolytic effect remains unclear. Therefore, we examined whether EF-2001 attenuates DSS-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Treatment with 2% DSS for seven days induced UC-like symptoms and anxiety-like behavior through the hole-board test, increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and corticosterone concentration, and p-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and decreased N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit (NR) 2A and NR2B expression levels in the PFC. Interestingly, these changes were reversed by EF-2001 administration. Further, EF-2001 administration enhanced CAMKII/CREB/BDNF-Drebrin pathways in the PFC of DSS-treated mice, and labeling of p-GR, p-CAMKII, and p-CREB showed colocalization with neurons. EF-2001 attenuated anxiety-like behavior by reducing serum LPS and corticosterone levels linked to the improvement of UC symptoms and by facilitating the CAMKII/CREB/BDNF-Drebrin pathways in the PFC. Our findings suggest a close relationship between UC and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nakagawasai
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuya Miyagawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kurokawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Atsumi Mochida-Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Masahiro Iwasa
- Nihon Berm Co., Ltd., 16-12, Nihonbashi-Kodenmacho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 103-0001, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Iwasa
- Nihon Berm Co., Ltd., 16-12, Nihonbashi-Kodenmacho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 103-0001, Japan
| | - Shigeo Suzuki
- Nihon Berm Co., Ltd., 16-12, Nihonbashi-Kodenmacho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 103-0001, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka, 831-8501, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tadano
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8558, Japan
- Department of Environment and Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8640, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao J, Zhao L, Cheng Y, Lei W, Wang Y, Liu X, Zheng N, Shao L, Chen X, Sun Y, Ling Z, Xu W. Probiotics for the treatment of depression and its comorbidities: A systemic review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1167116. [PMID: 37139495 PMCID: PMC10149938 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1167116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions, characterized by significant and persistent depressed mood and diminished interest, and often coexists with various comorbidities. The underlying mechanism of depression remain elusive, evidenced by the lack of an appreciate therapy. Recent abundant clinical trials and animal studies support the new notion that the gut microbiota has emerged as a novel actor in the pathophysiology of depression, which partakes in bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain through the neuroendocrine, nervous, and immune signaling pathways, collectively known as the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Alterations in the gut microbiota can trigger the changes in neurotransmitters, neuroinflammation, and behaviors. With the transition of human microbiome research from studying associations to investigating mechanistic causality, the MGB axis has emerged as a novel therapeutic target in depression and its comorbidities. These novel insights have fueled idea that targeting on the gut microbiota may open new windows for efficient treatment of depression and its comorbidities. Probiotics, live beneficial microorganisms, can be used to modulate gut dysbiosis into a new eubiosis and modify the occurrence and development of depression and its comorbidities. In present review, we summarize recent findings regarding the MGB axis in depression and discuss the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics on depression and its comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longyou Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiwen Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhui Lei
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nengneng Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Shao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hangzhou Normal University, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xulei Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yilai Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zongxin Ling
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weijie Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People’s Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baek YH, Lee JH, Chang SJ, Chae Y, Lee MH, Kim SH, Han KI, Kim TJ. Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 Induces Human Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Hair Regrowth in C57BL/6 Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5413. [PMID: 35628222 PMCID: PMC9140576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Minoxidil is the most widely used treatment for hair growth, but has been associated with several side effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 on hair loss prevention and regrowth using human dermal papilla cells and male C57BL/6 mice. To examine the effects of EF-2001, we used minoxidil as the positive control. In the in vitro experiments, EF-2001 treatment (75-500 μg/mL) led to the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In the in vivo experiment, the topical application of 200 µL EF-2001 on the dorsal surface of C57BL/6 male mice led to hair growth. Changes in hair regrowth were examined by visual comparison and hematoxylin and eosin staining of skin sections. We also determined the expression levels of marker genes (Wnt) and growth factors (fibroblast growth factor, insulin growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in the skin tissues of the back of each mouse using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. EF-2001 accelerated the progression of hair regrowth in mice and promoted hair-follicle conversion from telogen to anagen, likely by increasing the expression levels of growth factors and marker genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hyun Baek
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
| | - Jin-Ho Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
| | - Sang-Jin Chang
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
| | - Yuri Chae
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
| | - Myung-Hun Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
| | - Sun-Hong Kim
- Research & Development Center, Doctor TJ Co., Ltd., Wonju 26493, Korea;
| | - Kwon-Il Han
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
- Research & Development Center, Bereum Co., Ltd., Wonju 26361, Korea
| | - Tack-Joong Kim
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea; (Y.-H.B.); (J.-H.L.); (S.-J.C.); (Y.C.); (M.-H.L.); (K.-I.H.)
- Research & Development Center, Doctor TJ Co., Ltd., Wonju 26493, Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Antidepressant effects of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 through the regulation of prefrontal cortical myelination via the enhancement of CREB/BDNF and NF-κB p65/LIF/STAT3 pathways in olfactory bulbectomized mice. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:137-148. [PMID: 35123326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A therapeutic strategy through the gut-brain axis has been proven to be effective in treatment for depression. In our previous study, we demonstrated that Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001) prevents colitis-induced depressive-like behavior through the gut-brain axis in mice. More recently, we found that demyelination in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was associated with depressive-like behavior in an animal model of major depressive disorder, olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. The present study investigated the effects of EF-2001 on depressive-like behaviors in OBX mice and the underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of myelination in the PFC. OBX mice exhibited depressive-like behaviors in the tail-suspension, splash, and sucrose preference tests, and decreased myelin and paranodal proteins along with mature oligodendrocytes in the PFC. These behavioral and biochemical changes were all prevented by treatment with EF-2001. Further, EF-2001 treatment increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the PFC. Interestingly, an immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced phospho (p) -cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) expression in neurons, p-nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) p65 (Ser536) expression in astrocytes, and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (Ty705) expression in mature oligodendrocytes in the PFC of OBX mice. From these results, we suggest that EF-2001 administration prevents depressive-like behaviors by regulating prefrontal cortical myelination via the enhancement of CREB/BDNF and NFκB p65/LIF/STAT3 pathways. Our findings strongly support the idea that a therapeutic strategy involving the gut microbiota may be a promising alternative treatment for alleviating symptoms of depression.
Collapse
|
5
|
Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis Prevents Adipogenesis and High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation through Inhibiting C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the Insulin Signaling Pathway. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061308. [PMID: 35334965 PMCID: PMC8953550 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing consumption of food with high caloric density and a sedentary lifestyle have influenced the increasing obesity prevalence worldwide. The recent pandemic has contributed to this problem. Obesity refers to a state in which lipid accumulates excessively in adipocytes and adipose tissues. Dried heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) prevents allergic mechanisms, inflammation, and tumor progression. In the present study, we investigated the effects of EF-2001 on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. The degree of obesity in experimental rats was reduced after 6 weeks of oral administration of 3 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg dosages of EF-2001, indicating regulating effects in rats with HFD-induced obesity. We found that EF-2001 decreased the amounts of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) in HFD-induced obese rats. The effects of EF-2001 on 3T3-L1 adipocytes stained with Oil red O stain are shown in reductions of lipid accumulation, respectively. In addition, we examined the relationships between EF-2001 treatment and mechanisms for the insulin signaling of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. EF-2001 induced down-regulation in phosphorylation of Erk, JNK, and Akt through the inhibition of insulin receptor phosphorylation. EF-2001 inhibits the expressions of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ, a lipid metabolism-related transcription factor through confocal microscope observation and Western blot on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HFD-induced obese rats. Based on our results, intake of EF-2001 significantly prevented HFD-induced obesity in rats through inhibition of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the insulin signaling pathway on lipid accumulation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Choi YJ, Fan M, Tang Y, Iwasa M, Han KI, Lee H, Hwang JY, Lee B, Kim EK. Heat-Killed and Live Enterococcus faecalis Attenuates Enlarged Prostate in an Animal Model of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 31:1134-1143. [PMID: 34226410 PMCID: PMC9705861 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2102.02032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and live E. faecalis on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The BPH rat model was established by administering male rats with testosterone propionate (TP, 5 mg/kg, in corn oil) via subcutaneous injections daily for four weeks after castration. The rats were divided into five groups: Con, corn oil-injected (s.c.) + DW administration; BPH, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + DW administration; BPH+K_EF, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + heat-killed E. faecalis (7.5 × 1012 CFU/g, 2.21 mg/kg) administration; BPH+L_EF, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + live E. faecalis (1 × 1011 CFU/g, 166 mg/kg) administration; BPH+Fi, TP (5 mg/kg, s.c.) + finasteride (1 mg/kg) administration. In both of BPH+K_EF and BPH+L_EF groups, the prostate weight decreased and histological changes due to TP treatment recovered to the level of the Con group. Both of these groups also showed regulation of androgen-signaling factors, growth factors, and apoptosis-related factors in prostate tissue. E. faecalis exhibited an inhibitory effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia, and even heat-killed E. faecalis showed similar efficacy on the live cells in the BPH rat model. As the first investigation into the effect of heat-killed and live E. faecalis on BPH, our study suggests that heat-killed E. faecalis might be a food additive candidate for use in various foods, regardless of heat processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Choi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea,Center for Silver-targeted Biomaterials, Brain Busan 21 Plus Program, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Meiqi Fan
- Division of Food Bioscience, College of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujiao Tang
- School of Bio-Science and Food Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130-600, P.R. China
| | - Masahiro Iwasa
- R&D Center, Korea BeRM Co., Ltd., Wonju 26362, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Il Han
- R&D Center, Korea BeRM Co., Ltd., Wonju 26362, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongchan Lee
- Wiebien Hospital, Seoul 06035, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Hwang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea,Center for Silver-targeted Biomaterials, Brain Busan 21 Plus Program, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea,Center for Silver-targeted Biomaterials, Brain Busan 21 Plus Program, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-51-200-7321 E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 protects DNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210854. [PMID: 30818368 PMCID: PMC6394946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 (EF-2001) on a model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 28 female NC/Nga mice were divided into 4 treatment groups. Controls were fed a normal commercial diet. In the experimental groups, colitis was induced by rectal administration of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Two groups were orally administered 2 and 17 mg/kg EF-2001, respectively. EF-2001 treatment decreased the expression of several cytokines, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in inflamed colon compared to the DNBS alone group. In addition, EF-2001 suppressed DNBS-induced colonic tissue destruction. Therefore, this study strongly suggests that EF-2001 could alleviate the inflammation associated with mouse IBD.
Collapse
|
8
|
The microbiome in urogenital schistosomiasis and induced bladder pathologies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005826. [PMID: 28793309 PMCID: PMC5565189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Schistosoma species. Research on the molecular mechanisms influencing the outcomes of bladder infection by Schistosoma haematobium is urgently needed to develop new diagnostics, therapeutics and infection prevention strategies. The objective of the research study was to determine the microbiome features and changes in urine during urogenital schistosomiasis and induced bladder pathologies. Methodology Seventy participants from Eggua, southwestern Nigeria provided morning urine samples and were screened for urogenital schistosomiasis infection and bladder pathologies in a cross-sectional study. Highthroughput NGS sequencing was carried out, targeting the 16S V3 region. Filtered reads were processed and analyzed in a bioinformatics pipeline. Principal findings The study participants (36 males and 34 females, between ages 15 and 65) were categorized into four groups according to status of schistosomiasis infection and bladder pathology. Data analytics of the next-generation sequencing reads revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominated and had influence on microbiome structure of both non-infected persons and persons with urogenital schistosomiasis. Furthermore, gender and age influenced taxa abundance independent of infection or bladder pathology. Several taxa distinguished urogenital schistosomiasis induced bladder pathologies from urogenital schistosomiasis infection alone and from healthy persons, including known immune-stimulatory taxa such as Fusobacterium, Sphingobacterium and Enterococcus. Some of these significant taxa, especially Sphingobacterium were projected as markers of infection, while several genera including potentially beneficial taxa such as Trabulsiella and Weissella, were markers of the non-infected. Finally, expected changes in protein functional categories were observed to relate to cellular maintenance and lipid metabolism. Conclusion The urinary microbiome is a factor to be considered in developing biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and new treatment for urogenital schistosomiasis and induced bladder pathologies. The human microbiome comprises bacteria (plus viruses, fungi and archeae) inhabiting different sites of the body. They do not specifically cause diseases, but their presence, absence or population influence body functions. We therefore examined such organisms found along the urinary tract, in persons living in a rural community in Nigeria who considered themselves healthy, were infected with the parasite Schistosoma haematobium or had developed bladder complications along with the parasite infection. We found that these groups shared a large portion of the microbiome, but there were microbial species unique to infected persons and those with bladder complication. Some of these were capable of inducing inflammation and could offer less protection to the host. We also predicted pathways that are affected by the difference in the microbiome.
Collapse
|