1
|
Nie X, Li Q, Chen X, Onyango S, Xie J, Nie S. Bacterial extracellular vesicles: Vital contributors to physiology from bacteria to host. Microbiol Res 2024; 284:127733. [PMID: 38678680 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127733] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) represent spherical particles with diameters ranging from 20 to 400 nm filled with multiple parental bacteria-derived components, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other biomolecules. The production of bEVs facilitates bacteria interacting with their environment and exerting biological functions. It is increasingly evident that the bEVs play integral roles in both bacterial and host physiology, contributing to environmental adaptations to functioning as health promoters for their hosts. This review highlights the current state of knowledge on the composition, biogenesis, and diversity of bEVs and the mechanisms by which different bEVs elicit effects on bacterial physiology and host health. We posit that an in-depth exploration of the mechanistic aspects of bEVs activity is essential to elucidate their health-promoting effects on the host and may facilitate the translation of bEVs into applications as novel natural biological nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinke Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Qiqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Xinyang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | | | - Junhua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Shaoping Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adnane M, Whiston R, Tasara T, Bleul U, Chapwanya A. Harnessing Vaginal Probiotics for Enhanced Management of Uterine Disease and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows: A Conceptual Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1073. [PMID: 38612312 PMCID: PMC11011061 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071073] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine disease in cattle impairs reproductive performance and profitability and increases antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Thus, probiotics offer a promising alternative therapy. This review presents conceptual findings on the efficacy of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and fertility in cows. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. individually or as composite formulations are known to improve fertility. Strategic intravaginal administration of these formulations would likely enhance uterine immunity, particularly during the postpartum period. While current findings on the benefits to uterine health are encouraging, there is still significant knowledge missing, including a lack of empirical information from large-scale field trials. This review underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines for probiotics, such as genomic selection of formulations, targeted delivery, or potential synergy with other interventions. Future research should address these gaps to maximize the potential of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and enhancing the reproductive health of dairy cattle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Ibn Khaldoun of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
- USDA, Faculty Exchange Program Fellow, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ronan Whiston
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
| | - Taurai Tasara
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Wu X, Li D, Huang R, Deng X, Li M, Du F, Zhao Y, Shen J, Chen Y, Zhang P, Hu C, Xiao Z, Wen Q. HPV-associated cervicovaginal microbiome and host metabolome characteristics. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:94. [PMID: 38519882 PMCID: PMC10958955 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal microbiome plays an important role in the persistence of HPV infection and subsequent disease development. However, cervicovaginal microbiota varied cross populations with different habits and regions. Identification of population-specific biomarkers from cervicovaginal microbiota and host metabolome axis may support early detection or surveillance of HPV-induced cervical disease at all sites. Therefore, in the present study, to identify HPV-specific biomarkers, cervicovaginal secretion and serum samples from HPV-infected patients (HPV group, n = 25) and normal controls (normal group, n = 17) in Xichang, China were collected for microbiome (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and metabolome (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis, respectively. RESULTS The results showed that key altered metabolites of 9,10-DiHOME, α-linolenic acid, ethylparaben, glycocholic acid, pipecolic acid, and 9,12,13-trihydroxy-10(E),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid, correlating with Sneathia (Sneathia_amnii), Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus_iners), Atopobium, Mycoplasma, and Gardnerella, may be potential biomarkers of HPV infection. CONCLUSION The results of current study would help to reveal the association of changes in cervicovaginal microbiota and serum metabolome with HPV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangyu Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Pingxiu Zhang
- Yanyuan County Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Service Center, Xichang, Sichuan, China
| | - Congcui Hu
- Yanyuan County People's Hospital, Xichang, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dong YH, Luo YH, Liu CJ, Huang WY, Feng L, Zou XY, Zhou JY, Li XR. Changes in microbial composition and interaction patterns of female urogenital tract and rectum in response to HPV infection. J Transl Med 2024; 22:125. [PMID: 38303030 PMCID: PMC10832222 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04916-2] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that changes in the microbial community of the female urogenital tract are associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, research on this association was mostly focused on a single site, and there are currently few joint studies on HPV infection and multiple sites in the female urogenital tract. METHODS We selected 102 healthy women from Yunnan Province as the research object, collected cervical exfoliation fluid, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs for microbial community analysis, and measured bacterial load, and related cytokine content. The link between HPV, microbiota, and inflammation was comprehensively evaluated using bioinformatics methods. FINDINGS The impact of HPV infection on the microbial composition of different parts varies. We have identified several signature bacterial genera that respond to HPV infection in several detection sites, such as Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Campylobacter, and Cutibacterium have been detected in multiple sites, reflecting their potential significance in cross body sites HPV infection responses. There was a solid microbial interaction network between the cervix, vagina, and urethra. The interrelationships between inflammatory factors and different bacterial genera might also affect the immune system's response to HPV infection. INTERPRETATION It might be an effective strategy to prevent and treat HPV infection by simultaneously understanding the correlation between the microbial changes in multiple parts of the female urogenital tract and rectum and HPV infection, and controlling the microbial network related to HPV infection in different parts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Dong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu-Hua Luo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Chen-Jian Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Wen-Yu Huang
- Changchun Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Changchun, 130012, Jilin, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Guangdong Hybribio Biotech Co., Ltd., Chaozhou, 521000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xing-Yuan Zou
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-Yan Zhou
- Pediatrics Department, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650051, Yunnan, China.
| | - Xiao-Ran Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Fowler SW, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37985659 PMCID: PMC10661851 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbial composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection against infection, the lack of in vivo models resembling the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of C57BL/6J female mice, we found that vaginal microbial composition varies within and between colonies across three vivaria. Noting vaginal microbial plasticity in conventional mice, we assessed the vaginal microbiome of humanized microbiota mice (HMbmice). Like the community structure in conventional mice, HMbmice vaginal microbiota clustered into community state types but, uniquely, HMbmice communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacillus or Enterobacteriaceae. Compared to conventional mice, HMbmice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia. Although Escherichia and Lactobacillus both correlated with the absence of uterine GBS, vaginal pre-inoculation with exogenous HMbmouse-derived E. coli, but not Ligilactobacillus murinus, reduced vaginal GBS burden. Overall, HMbmice serve as a useful model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Korinna Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie W Fowler
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ye J, Qi X. Vaginal microecology and its role in human papillomavirus infection and human papillomavirus associated cervical lesions. APMIS 2023. [PMID: 37941500 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13356] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The vaginal microecology comprises the vaginal microbiome, immune microenvironment, vaginal anatomy, and the cervicovaginal fluid, which is rich in metabolites, enzymes, and cytokines. Investigating its role in the female reproductive system holds paramount significance. The advent of next-generation sequencing enabled a more profound investigation into the structure of the vaginal microbial community in relation to the female reproductive system. Human papillomavirus infection is prevalent among women of reproductive age, and persistent oncogenic HPV infection is widely recognized as a factor associated with cervical cancer. Extensive previous research has demonstrated that dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus species, heightens susceptivity to HPV infection, consequently contributing to persistent HPV infection and the progression of cervical lesion. Likewise, HPV infection can exacerbate dysbiosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current literatures and to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the interaction between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, with the intention of offering valuable insights for future clinical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Ye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Navarro S, Abla H, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN. Under conditions closely mimicking vaginal fluid, Lactobacillus jensenii strain 62B produces a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance that targets and eliminates Gardnerella species. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 37909284 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Within the vaginal ecosystem, lactobacilli and Gardnerella spp. likely interact and influence each other's growth, yet the details of this interaction are not clearly defined. Using medium simulating vaginal fluid and a two-chamber co-culturing system to prevent cell-to-cell contact between the bacteria, we examined the possibility that Lactobacillus jensenii 62B (Lj 62B) and/or G. piotii (Gp) JCP8151B produce extracellular factors through which they influence each other's viability. By 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) in the co-culture system and under conditions similar to the vaginal environment - pH 5.0, 37 °C, and 5% CO2, Lj 62B viability was not affected but Gp JCP8151B had been eliminated. Cell-free supernatant harvested from Lj 62B cultures (Lj-CFS) at 20 hpi, but not 16 hpi, also eliminated Gp JCP8151B growth. Neither lactic acid nor H2O2 production by Lj 62B was responsible for this effect. The Lj-CFS did not affect viability of three species of lactobacilli or eight species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative uropathogens but eliminated viability of eight different strains of Gardnerella spp. Activity of the inhibitory factor within Lj-CFS was abolished by protease treatment and reduced by heat treatment suggesting it is most likely a bacteriocin-like protein; fractionation revealed that the factor has a molecular weight within the 10-30 kDa range. These results suggest that, in medium mimicking vaginal fluid and growth conditions similar to the vaginal environment, Lj 62B produces a potential bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (Lj-BLIS) that clearly targets Gardnerella spp. strains. Once fully characterized, Lj-BLIS may be a potential treatment for Gardnerella-related BV that does not alter the vaginal microflora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephany Navarro
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Habib Abla
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jane A Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Medical Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Abdul N Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ni J, Wang J, Zhao K, Chen Y, Xia S, Lai S. Vaginal Microbiome Dynamics of Cows in Different Parities. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2880. [PMID: 37760279 PMCID: PMC10525485 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182880] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, there is still room for research on the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and the reproductive health of dairy cows. In this study, high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to explore the differences of bacterial communities of dairy cows of different births, gain a deeper understanding of cow reproductive physiology, and maintain cow health. With the increase in parity, the number of vaginal flora decreased from 3511 to 469, but the number of species increased significantly, and Chao1 increased from 1226.41 ± 345.40 to 1467.76 ± 269.76. There was a significant difference in the number of vaginal microbiome functions between uncounted cows and calving cows. There was no significant difference in microbial diversity in calves. The relative abundance variation of vaginal microbiota in high-parity cows is less than that in low-parity cows. The amino acid metabolism of calves increased, the endocrine function of high-parity cows was enhanced, and the function of the vaginal microbiome increased after the first delivery, which gradually decreased with the increase in parity. This study also found that Methanobacteria and Caviibacter may be involved in amino acid metabolism and endocrine function, and they may play a key role in cow reproduction. This study provides an important theoretical basis for studying changes in vaginal microorganisms in dairy cows, improves the understanding of reproductive health and production performance, and provides a scientific basis for improving the reproductive management of dairy cows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Songjia Lai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.N.); (J.W.); (K.Z.); (Y.C.); (S.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao X, Liu Z, Chen T. Potential Role of Vaginal Microbiota in Ovarian Cancer Carcinogenesis, Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030948. [PMID: 36986809 PMCID: PMC10056320 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer represents one of the most challenging gynecologic cancers which still has numerous unknowns on the underlying pathogenesis. In addition to the verified contributors such as genomic predisposition and medical history in the carcinogenesis, emerging evidence points out the potential role of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer. Recent studies have underlined the presence of vaginal microbial dysbiosis in cancer cases. Increasing research also indicates the potential correlations between vaginal microbes and cancer carcinogenesis, progression and treatment. Currently, compared with other gynecologic cancers, reports on the roles of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer remain scarce and fragmentary. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the roles of vaginal microbiota in various gynecologic diseases, particularly focusing on the potential mechanisms and possible applications of vaginal microbiota in ovarian cancer, giving insight into the involvement of vaginal microbiota in gynecologic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiumiao Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (T.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu YR, Dong YH, Liu CJ, Tang XD, Zhang NN, Shen J, Wu Z, Li XR, Shao JY. Microbiological composition of follicular fluid in patients undergoing IVF and its association with infertility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13652. [PMID: 36397134 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM In recent years, the incidence of female infertility has risen sharply, which is affected by many factors. It was recognized that female reproductive tract microbes play a role in the process of female conception. If the reproductive tract microbes could solve a certain proportion of infertility, it would certainly reduce the pain and economic burden of many patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial community composition of follicular fluid in infertile patients and its potential impact on infertility. METHOD OF STUDY Follicular fluid from 49 primary infertility and 52 secondary infertility patients was collected by a negative pressure needle, and the microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS It was found that Lactobacillus, especially L. crispatus, might have a positive effect on female pregnancy. Considering the presence or absence of male factors and different body mass indices, L. iners might inhibit female pregnancy. However, L. iners seemed to play a positive role in egg maturation, while Gardnerella and Cutibacterium acnes might have a negative effect on female pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested the potential role of Lactobacillus in follicular fluid in improving female infertility and provided a theoretical basis for the future microbiological treatment of female infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Rong Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Reproductive Medical Center of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yong-Hong Dong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chen-Jian Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Tang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Gastroenterology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ning-Nan Zhang
- Urology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Urology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Urology Department, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Urology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Reproductive Medical Center of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing-Yi Shao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Reproductive Medical Center of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Das S, Bhattacharjee MJ, Mukherjee AK, Khan MR. Recent advances in understanding of multifaceted changes in the vaginal microenvironment: implications in vaginal health and therapeutics. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:256-282. [PMID: 35312419 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2049696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The vagina endures multifaceted changes from neonatal to menopausal phases due to hormonal flux, metabolite deposition, and microbial colonization. These features have important implications in women's health. Several pre-factors show dynamic characteristics according to the phases that shift the vaginal microbiota from anaerobes to aerobes which is a hallmark of healthy vaginal environment. These factors include oestrogen levels, glycogen deposition, and vaginal microstructure. In the adult phase, Lactobacillus is highly dominant and regulates pH, adherence, aggregation, immune modulation, synthesis of bacteriocins, and biosurfactants (BSs) which are antagonistic to pathogens. Maternal factors are protective by favouring the colonization of lactobacilli in the vagina in the neonatal phase, which diminishes with age. The dominance of lactobacilli and dysbiosis in the adult phase depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors in women, which vary between ethnicities. Recent developments in probiotics used against vaginal microbiome dysbiosis have shown great promise in restoring the normal microbiota including preventing the loss of beneficial bacteria. However, further in-depth studies are warranted to ensure long-term protection by probiotics. This review highlights various aspects of the vaginal microenvironment in different phases of growth and diverse ethnicities. Furthermore, it discusses future trends for formulating more effective population-specific probiotics and implications of paraprobiotics and postbiotics as effective therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Das
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India
| | | | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Mojibur Rohman Khan
- Division of Life Science, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cappello C, Acin-Albiac M, Pinto D, Polo A, Filannino P, Rinaldi F, Gobbetti M, Di Cagno R. Do nomadic lactobacilli fit as potential vaginal probiotics? The answer lies in a successful selective multi-step and scoring approach. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:27. [PMID: 36774510 PMCID: PMC9921609 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to create a multi-strain probiotic gel that would foster a lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota in pregnant women and ensure appropriate eubiosis for the newborn. Nomadic lactobacilli (95 strains), mostly isolated from food sources, were preliminarily screened for functional traits before being characterized for their capability to inhibit the two vaginal pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans, which may lead to adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Eight best-performing strains were chosen and furtherly investigated for their ability to produce biofilm. Lastly, the two selected potential probiotic candidates were analyzed in vitro for their ability to reduce the inflammation caused by C. albicans infection on the reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE). RESULTS Lactiplantibacillus plantarum produced both isomers of lactic acid, while Lacticaseibacillus paracasei produced only L-isomer. The production of hydrogen peroxide was strain-dependent, with the highest concentrations found within Lact. paracasei strains. The auto-aggregation capacity and hydrophobicity traits were species-independent. S. agalactiae 88II3 was strongly inhibited both at pH 7.0 and 4.0, whereas the inhibition of C. albicans UNIBZ54 was less frequent. Overall, L. plantarum strains had the highest pathogen inhibition and functional scoring. L. plantarum C5 and POM1, which were selected as potential probiotic candidates also based on their ability to form biofilms, were able to counteract the inflammation process caused by C. albicans infection in the HVE model. CONCLUSIONS Our multi-step and cumulative scoring-based approach was proven successful in mining and highlighting the probiotic potential of two nomadic lactobacilli strains (L. plantarum C5 and POM1), being applicable to preserve and improve human vaginal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cappello
- grid.34988.3e0000 0001 1482 2038Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marta Acin-Albiac
- grid.34988.3e0000 0001 1482 2038Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Daniela Pinto
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project, Research & Development, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Polo
- grid.34988.3e0000 0001 1482 2038Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Filannino
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Rinaldi
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project, Research & Development, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbetti
- grid.34988.3e0000 0001 1482 2038Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Cagno
- grid.34988.3e0000 0001 1482 2038Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.09.527909. [PMID: 36798217 PMCID: PMC9934685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although vaginal Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection through acidification, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation, lack of an in vivo model system that closely resembles the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of wildtype C57BL/6J mice, commonly used to study pathogen colonization, and found that the vaginal microbiome composition varies highly both within and between colonies from three distinct vivaria. Because of the strong influence of environmental exposure on vaginal microbiome composition, we assessed whether a humanized microbiota mouse ( HMb mice) would model a more human-like vaginal microbiota. Similar to humans and conventional mice, HMb mice vaginal microbiota clustered into five community state types ( h mCST). Uniquely, HMb mice vaginal communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacilli or Enterobacteriaceae . Compared to genetically-matched conventional mice, HMb mice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia , but no differences were observed with uropathogenic E. coli . Specifically, vaginal Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were associated with the absence of uterine GBS. Anti-GBS activity of HMb mice vaginal E. coli and L. murinus isolates, representing Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus respectively, were characterized in vitro and in vivo . Although L. murinus reduced GBS growth in vitro , vaginal pre-inoculation with HMb mouse-derived E. coli , but not L. murinus , conferred protection against vaginal GBS burden. Overall, the HMb mice are an improved model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens. IMPORTANCE An altered vaginal microbiota, typically with little to no levels of Lactobacillus , is associated with increased susceptibility to urogenital infections, although mechanisms driving this vulnerability are not fully understood. Despite known inhibitory properties of Lactobacillus against urogenital pathogens, clinical studies with Lactobacillus probiotics have shown mixed success. In this study, we characterize the impact of the vaginal microbiota on urogenital pathogen colonization using a humanized microbiota mouse model that more closely mimics the human vaginal microbiota. We found several vaginal bacterial taxa that correlated with reduced pathogen levels but showed discordant effects in pathogen inhibition between in vitro and in vivo assays. We propose that this humanized microbiota mouse platform is an improved model to describe the role of the vaginal microbiota in protection against urogenital pathogens. Furthermore, this model will be useful in testing efficacy of new probiotic strategies in the complex vaginal environment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Anglenius H, Mäkivuokko H, Ahonen I, Forssten SD, Wacklin P, Mättö J, Lahtinen S, Lehtoranta L, Ouwehand AC. In Vitro Screen of Lactobacilli Strains for Gastrointestinal and Vaginal Benefits. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020329. [PMID: 36838294 PMCID: PMC9967617 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional probiotics comprise mainly lactic acid bacteria that are safe for human use, tolerate acid and bile, and adhere to the epithelial lining and mucosal surfaces. In this study, one hundred commercial and non-commercial strains that were isolated from human feces or vaginal samples were tested with regards to overall growth in culture media, tolerance to acid and bile, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, and adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) and to blood group antigens. As a result, various of the tested lactobacilli strains were determined to be suitable for gastrointestinal or vaginal applications. Commercial strains grew better than the newly isolated strains, but tolerance to acid was a common property among all tested strains. Tolerance to bile varied considerably between the strains. Resistance to bile and acid correlated well, as did VEC adhesion and H2O2 production, but H2O2 production was not associated with resistance to bile or acid. Except for L. iners strains, vaginal isolates had better overall VEC adhesion and higher H2O2 production. Species- and strain-specific differences were evident for all parameters. Rank-ordered clustering with nine clusters was used to identify strains that were suitable for gastrointestinal or vaginal health, demonstrating that the categorization of strains for targeted health indications is possible based on the parameters that were measured in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heli Anglenius
- IFF Health and Biosciences, 02460 Kantvik, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaana Mättö
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, 00310 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Handa VL, Brotman RM, Ravel J, Tuddenham S. Does Bacterial Vaginosis Contribute to Urinary Tract Infection? Curr Infect Dis Rep 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
16
|
Immunomodulation of the Vaginal Ecosystem by Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 Improves Pregnancy Rates among Women with Infertility of Unknown Origin or Habitual Abortions. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020362. [PMID: 36678233 PMCID: PMC9860997 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the probiotic potential of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632 was assessed, including properties specifically related with gynecological targets. This strain displayed co-aggregative and antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of vaginal pathogens while being respectful with the growth of vaginal lactobacilli. The strain produced a high concentration of lactic acid and displayed α-amylase activity when assayed in vitro. It showed a noticeable survival rate after exposition to conditions similar to those present in the human digestive tract and was adhesive to both vaginal and intestinal cells. Subsequently, their capacity to increase pregnancy rates among women with habitual abortion or infertility of unknown origin was studied. Administration of L. salivarius CECT 30632 (~9 log10 CFU) daily for a maximum of six months to these women was safe and led to a successful pregnancy rate of 67.5% (80% and 55% for women with repetitive abortion and infertile women, respectively). Significant differences in Nugent score, vaginal pH, and vaginal concentrations of lactobacilli, TGF-β, and VEFG were observed when the samples collected before the intervention were compared with those collected after the treatment among those women who got pregnant. Therefore, this strain can modulate the vaginal ecosystem and lead to better fertility outcomes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Chen J, He L, Liu H, Liu Y, Luan Z, Li H, Liu W, Luo M. Association between the vaginal and uterine microbiota and the risk of early embryonic arrest. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1137869. [PMID: 37032888 PMCID: PMC10073571 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the microecological distribution and differences in the uterus and vaginal microbiome in women with early embryonic arrest and those with normal pregnancy by high-throughput sequencing. We systematically sampled the vaginal and uterine microbiomes of 56 pregnant women, namely, 38 patients with early embryonic arrest and 18 pregnant women with normal pregnancy-induced abortion. We obtained colonization data by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In the vagina, Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes and Helicobacter exhibited significant differences between the groups. We further found that Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii were the most dominant Lactobacillus species and that L. iners was significantly different between the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that Ensifer had the highest predictive value for early embryonic arrest. In the uterine cavity, we determined that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria at the phylum level and that Bacteroides, Pseudarthrobacter, Lactobacillus and Ralstonia were the dominant genera. Further classification of Lactobacillus revealed that L. iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii were the main species. There was a significant difference in L. jensenii between the normal pregnancy group and early embryonic arrest group. Random forest analysis revealed 18 different genera in the uterus, and ROC curve analysis indicated that Candidatus Symbiobacter, Odoribacter, Blautia, Nocardioides and Ileibacterium had a certain predictive value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanbo Liu
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zonghui Luan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, The Affiliated Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, The Affiliated Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Weixin Liu,
| | - Mengjun Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Mengjun Luo,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Role of Genital Tract Bacteria in Promoting Endometrial Health in Cattle. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112238. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiota regulate endometrial health in cattle. It is important to know what a ‘good’ microbiome is, in order to understand pathogeneses of uterine disease. Given that microbial influx into the genital tract of cows at calving is unavoidable, exploring the involvement of genital tract bacteria in promoting endometrial health is warranted. The dysbiosis of endometrial microbiota is associated with benign and malign uterine diseases. The present review discusses current knowledge about the altered endometrial microbiome and the implications of this modulation on endometrial inflammation, ovarian activity, fecundation, pregnancy, and postpartum complications. Intravaginal administration of symbiotic microbes in cattle is a realistic alternative to antibiotic and hormone therapy to treat uterine disease. Genital microbial diversity can be modeled by nutrition, as the energy balance would improve the growth of specific microbial populations. It may be that probiotics that alter the endometrial microbiome could provide viable alternatives to existing therapies for uterine disease in cattle.
Collapse
|
19
|
Dai W, Gui L, Du H, Li S, Wu R. The association of cervicovaginal Langerhans cells with clearance of human papillomavirus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918190. [PMID: 36311788 PMCID: PMC9596771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance is important in eliminating cervical cancer which contributes to high morbidity and mortality in women. Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown about key players in clearing pre-existing HPV infections. HPV antigens can be detected by the most important cervical antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans cells, LCs), of which the activities can be affected by cervicovaginal microbiota. In this review, we first introduce persistent HPV infections and then describe HPV-suppressed LCs activities, including but not limited to antigen uptake and presentation. Given specific transcriptional profiling of LCs in cervical epithelium, we also discuss the impact of cervicovaginal microbiota on LCs activation as well as the promise of exploring key microbial players in activating LCs and HPV-specific cellular immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenkui Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liming Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuaicheng Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Ruifang Wu,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang L, He L, Chen J, Wei S, Xu H, Luo M. HPV and vaginal microecological disorders in infertile women: a cross-sectional study in the Chinese population. Virol J 2022; 19:137. [PMID: 36008847 PMCID: PMC9406277 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01869-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distributions of vaginal microbiome dysbiosis and human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in infertile women and explore the correlations of HPV infection and vaginal microbiome dysbiosis with infertility.
Methods In total, 1464 women aged 18–50 years were included in this study; 649 participants were included in the infertility group, and 815 participants were included in the normal group. The participants were tested for HPV, and their vaginal microecology was examined. The χ2 test and Spearman regression were used for statistical analysis, and binary logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for infertility. Results The patients in the infertility group were younger than those in the normal group, and the proportions of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal imbalance in the infertility group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. The incidence proportions of high-risk HPV types in the infertility group were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and the proportions of high-risk subtytes HPV16, HPV39, HV52, HPV56, and HPV68 were significantly higher in the infertility group than in the normal group. However, there were no significant differences in the incidences of low-risk HPV types. The incidence proportions of vaginal flora imbalance and HPV infection in the infertility group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. HPV16, HPV33, HPV51, HPV52and HPV58 infections were independent risk factors for infertility. Conclusions Vaginal microecological imbalance and HPV infection are directly related to infertility, and precautions should be taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuyao Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongzhou Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengjun Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617 Ri Yue Street, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Guo C, Dai W, Zhou Q, Gui L, Cai H, Wu D, Hou J, Li C, Li S, Du H, Wu R. Cervicovaginal microbiota significantly changed for HPV-positive women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:973875. [PMID: 35992171 PMCID: PMC9386141 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.973875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower female genital tract is colonized by a variety of microbes (cervicovaginal microbiota, CVM) which associate with the risk of genital infection. This study characterized CVM for 149 Chinese women with different status of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL): no HPV infection (HPV-), HPV infection without significant SIL (HPV+NoSIL), HPV infection with low-grade SIL (HPV+LSIL) and HPV infection with high-grade SIL (HPV+HSIL). Analysis results showed CVM has dramatically changed in HPV+HSIL group when compared to HPV+LSIL group, but it exhibited no significant differences between HPV- and HPV+NoSIL groups as well as between HPV+NoSIL and HPV+LSIL groups. In consistence, random forest analysis found more notable differences in HPV+HSIL vs HPV+LSIL comparison than in other comparisons. In addition, depletion of Lactobacillus in CVM was more to be frequently identified in SIL-positive women as compared to SIL-negative individuals. Our findings suggested that significant CVM differences occurred when SIL developed to HSIL which was caused by persistent HPV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenkui Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liming Gui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Han Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuaicheng Li
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Ruifang Wu, ; Hui Du,
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Ruifang Wu, ; Hui Du,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abnormal vaginal flora correlates with pregnancy outcomes: A retrospective study from 737 pregnant women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 272:64-68. [PMID: 35286920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) is a common cause of vulvovaginal symptoms in women. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of AVF in pregnant women and assess associations between diverse AVF subtypes and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS This study retrospectively collected clinical data of pregnant women who had vaginal flora tests (VFT) between January 2015 and December 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. AVF were defined into different subtypes according to the results of VFT, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), aerobic bacteria (AV), cytolytic vaginosis (CV), and trichomoniasis. Pregnancy outcomes included gestational age at delivery, preterm birth (PTB), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and infant birth weight. Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test was used for analyses using SPSS 22.0. P < 0.05 was considered as statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 737 pregnant women were included in this study. Pregnant women in AVF group suffered more PROM than women in normal vaginal flora (NVF) group (18.8% [33/176] vs 10.6% [32/302], P = 0.012); pregnant women with BV (31.3% [5/16] vs 10.6% [32/302], P = 0.018) and mixed vaginitis (55.6% [5/9] vs 10.6% [32/302], P = 0.001) had higher PROM rates than women in the NVF group. In addition, pregnant women in NVF and AVF groups had similar PTB rates (5.0% [15/302] vs 3.5% [32/302], P = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS AVF, including BV and Mixed vaginitis, augments PROM risk in pregnant women, demonstrating the need for vaginal flora examination during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sunkavalli A, McClure R, Genco C. Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms Drive Emergent Pathogenetic Properties of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microorganisms 2022; 10:922. [PMID: 35630366 PMCID: PMC9147433 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea, with an estimated 87 million annual cases worldwide. N. gonorrhoeae predominantly colonizes the male and female genital tract (FGT). In the FGT, N. gonorrhoeae confronts fluctuating levels of nutrients and oxidative and non-oxidative antimicrobial defenses of the immune system, as well as the resident microbiome. One mechanism utilized by N. gonorrhoeae to adapt to this dynamic FGT niche is to modulate gene expression primarily through DNA-binding transcriptional regulators. Here, we describe the major N. gonorrhoeae transcriptional regulators, genes under their control, and how these regulatory processes lead to pathogenic properties of N. gonorrhoeae during natural infection. We also discuss the current knowledge of the structure, function, and diversity of the FGT microbiome and its influence on gonococcal survival and transcriptional responses orchestrated by its DNA-binding regulators. We conclude with recent multi-omics data and modeling tools and their application to FGT microbiome dynamics. Understanding the strategies utilized by N. gonorrhoeae to regulate gene expression and their impact on the emergent characteristics of this pathogen during infection has the potential to identify new effective strategies to both treat and prevent gonorrhea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sunkavalli
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Ryan McClure
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA;
| | - Caroline Genco
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The Chitosan-Based System with Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract for the Local Treatment of Vaginal Infections. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040740. [PMID: 35456574 PMCID: PMC9028937 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Scutellarie baicalensis radix, as a flavone-rich source, exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. It may be used as a therapeutic agent to treat various diseases, including vaginal infections. In this study, six binary mixtures of chitosan with stable S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract were obtained and identified by spectral (ATR-FTIR, XRPD) and thermal (TG and DSC) methods. The changes in dissolution rates of active compounds and the significant increase in the biological properties towards metal chelating activity were observed, as well as the inhibition of hyaluronic acid degradation after mixing plant extract with chitosan. Moreover, the combination of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract with a carrier allowed us to obtain the binary systems with a higher antifungal activity than the pure extract, which may be effective in developing new strategies in the vaginal infections treatment, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Choi SI, Won G, Kim Y, Kang CH, Kim GH. Lactobacilli Strain Mixture Alleviates Bacterial Vaginosis through Antibacterial and Antagonistic Activity in Gardnerella vaginalis-Infected C57BL/6 Mice. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020471. [PMID: 35208925 PMCID: PMC8880492 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the anti-bacterial vaginitis (BV) effects of a mixture of five lactobacilli strains (LM5), containing equal amounts of Ligilactobacillus salivarius MG242, Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG901, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MG4272, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4288), in HeLa cells and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV)-infected BV mice. All strains produced lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and were resistant to nonoxynol-9. LM5 significantly inhibited GV growth by 80%, exhibited good adhesion to HeLa cells, and significantly inhibited GV adhesion to these cells. In GV-infected mice, LM5 administered orally at 5 × 109 CFU/mouse significantly inhibited GV proliferation in the vaginal tract and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels, and nitric oxide levels in vaginal tissue lysates. Histopathological analysis of vaginal tissues revealed that LM5 markedly suppressed the exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells. Overall, these results suggest that LM5 might alleviate BV by direct antibacterial and antagonistic activity in vaginal tissues of GV-infected mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Im Choi
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
| | - GaYeong Won
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
| | - YongGyeong Kim
- MEDIOGEN, Co., Ltd., Biovalley 1-ro, Jecheon-si 27159, Korea; (Y.K.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Chang-Ho Kang
- MEDIOGEN, Co., Ltd., Biovalley 1-ro, Jecheon-si 27159, Korea; (Y.K.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Gun-Hee Kim
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-901-8496
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Adnane M, Chapwanya A. A Review of the Diversity of the Genital Tract Microbiome and Implications for Fertility of Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040460. [PMID: 35203168 PMCID: PMC8868056 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle have a genital microbiome that is established early in life, even before calving. Microbial influx into the reproductive system of cows, during calving or mating, is unavoidable and is likely to alter the commensal microflora composition. It is now well established that a commensal endometrial flora is largely responsible for the overall fertility of cows. These microbes are important for maintenance of structural integrity of the genital mucosal barrier, immunomodulation, and protection against pathogens. Further, the genital microbiome functions in the semiochemical communication between a male and female. An optimal balance between the abundance and diversity of the microbiome is essential to promote female genital tract health. Disruption of this balance leads to dysbiosis and genital diseases and perturbed fertility. As part of the global strategy of One World, One Health, there is a need to reduce antibiotic use in animals. This area of research has the potential to expand the knowledge about the nexus between the endometrial microbiome and fertility including being probiotic in different species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +21-3542-477061
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Indies, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Multi-omics data integration reveals metabolome as the top predictor of the cervicovaginal microenvironment. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009876. [PMID: 35196323 PMCID: PMC8901057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that host-microbe interaction in the cervicovaginal microenvironment contributes to cervical carcinogenesis, yet dissecting these complex interactions is challenging. Herein, we performed an integrated analysis of multiple "omics" datasets to develop predictive models of the cervicovaginal microenvironment and identify characteristic features of vaginal microbiome, genital inflammation and disease status. Microbiomes, vaginal pH, immunoproteomes and metabolomes were measured in cervicovaginal specimens collected from a cohort (n = 72) of Arizonan women with or without cervical neoplasm. Multi-omics integration methods, including neural networks (mmvec) and Random Forest supervised learning, were utilized to explore potential interactions and develop predictive models. Our integrated analyses revealed that immune and cancer biomarker concentrations were reliably predicted by Random Forest regressors trained on microbial and metabolic features, suggesting close correspondence between the vaginal microbiome, metabolome, and genital inflammation involved in cervical carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we show that features of the microbiome and host microenvironment, including metabolites, microbial taxa, and immune biomarkers are predictive of genital inflammation status, but only weakly to moderately predictive of cervical neoplastic disease status. Different feature classes were important for prediction of different phenotypes. Lipids (e.g. sphingolipids and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids) were strong predictors of genital inflammation, whereas predictions of vaginal microbiota and vaginal pH relied mostly on alterations in amino acid metabolism. Finally, we identified key immune biomarkers associated with the vaginal microbiota composition and vaginal pH (MIF), as well as genital inflammation (IL-6, IL-10, MIP-1α).
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang H, Zhang R, Mao Y, Jiang W, Chen X, Shen X, Yin C, Mao Z. Effects of Trichoderma asperellum 6S-2 on Apple Tree Growth and Replanted Soil Microbial Environment. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010063. [PMID: 35050003 PMCID: PMC8778220 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichoderma asperellum strain 6S-2 with biocontrol effects and potential growth-promoting properties was made into a fungal fertilizer for the prevention of apple replant disease (ARD). 6S-2 fertilizer not only promoted the growth of Malus hupehensis Rehd seedlings in greenhouse and pot experiments, but also increased the branch elongation growth of young apple trees. The soil microbial community structure changed significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer: the relative abundance of Trichoderma increased significantly, the relative abundance of Fusarium (especially the gene copy numbers of four Fusarium species) and Cryptococcus decreased, and the relative abundance of Bacillus and Streptomyces increased. The bacteria/fungi and soil enzyme activities increased significantly after the application of 6S-2 fertilizer. The relative contents of alkenes, ethyl ethers, and citrullines increased in root exudates of M. hupehensis Rehd treated with 6S-2 fertilizer and were positively correlated with the abundance of Trichoderma. The relative contents of aldehydes, nitriles, and naphthalenes decreased, and they were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Fusarium. In addition, levels of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), organic matter (SOM), and pH in rhizosphere soil were also significantly related to changes in the microbial community structure. In summary, the application of 6S-2 fertilizer was effective in alleviating some aspects of ARD by promoting plant growth and optimizing the soil microbial community structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chengmiao Yin
- Correspondence: (C.Y.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-186-5388-0060 (C.Y.); +86-139-5382-2958 (Z.M.)
| | - Zhiquan Mao
- Correspondence: (C.Y.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-186-5388-0060 (C.Y.); +86-139-5382-2958 (Z.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Toson B, Simon C, Moreno I. The Endometrial Microbiome and Its Impact on Human Conception. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010485. [PMID: 35008911 PMCID: PMC8745284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the female genital tract microbiome are consistently correlated to gynecological and obstetrical pathologies, and tract dysbiosis can impact reproductive outcomes during fertility treatment. Nonetheless, a consensus regarding the physiological microbiome core inside the uterine cavity has not been reached due to a myriad of study limitations, such as sample size and experimental design variations, and the influence of endometrial bacterial communities on human reproduction remains debated. Understanding the healthy endometrial microbiota and how changes in its composition affect fertility would potentially allow personalized treatment through microbiome management during assisted reproductive therapies, ultimately leading to improvement of clinical outcomes. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the uterine microbiota and how it relates to human conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Av. Menendez y Pelayo 4, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation/INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Narcis Monturiol Estarriol 11B, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Av. Blásco Ibáñez 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Inmaculada Moreno
- Igenomix Foundation/INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Narcis Monturiol Estarriol 11B, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (I.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
KIECKA ANETA, MACURA BARBARA, SZCZEPANIK MARIAN. Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage? Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:431-446. [PMID: 35003275 PMCID: PMC8702604 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy loss is a common obstetric problem. Significant causes of miscarriage include genetic and epigenetic disorders of the embryo, immunological and endocrine factors, uterine malformations, improper embryo selection, and lifestyle. Perhaps a hitherto underappreciated cause of miscarriage may be an abnormal microbiota composition of the female reproductive system. Lactobacillus spp. is the most common bacteria within the reproductive tract. However, the protective role of Lactobacilli in the vagina has been well described in the literature, while it is still unknown what function Lactobacilli may have in the uterus. Moreover, new research shows that Lactobacillus spp. can have a role in miscarriage. However, both molecular and immunological mechanisms of host-Lactobacillus spp. interactions are not fully understood. Understanding these relationships will help address the importance and extent of the protective role of Lactobacillus spp. in miscarriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ANETA KIECKA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - BARBARA MACURA
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| | - MARIAN SZCZEPANIK
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Physiotherapy, Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Paniágua AL, Correia AF, Pereira LC, de Alencar BM, Silva FBA, Almeida RM, de Medeiros Nóbrega YK. Inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota against both Candida auris and Candida spp. isolates that cause vulvovaginal candidiasis and are resistant to antifungals. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:237. [PMID: 34556109 PMCID: PMC8461885 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), the second leading cause of genital infection in women of reproductive age, is caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Treatment is usually empirical and performed with azoles, which have shown increasing ineffectiveness due to resistance from these species. This therapeutic challenge has led to the search for new treatment strategies. Lactobacillus spp. produce several components with microbicidal effects, such as lactic acid. These species are the main components of a healthy vaginal microbiota and have been used as probiotics. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on both the Candida spp. that cause VVC and on C. auris. METHODS The microbicidal effects of L. casei Shirota on the main VVC-causing species, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. norvegensis and C. parapsilosis, in addition to C. auris were investigated by counting the Colony-forming Units (CFUs) after cocultivation. The antifungal activity of lactic acid against these Candida strains was assessed using the microtiter broth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The effects of L. casei Shirota on hyphal and early biofilm formation was measured by optical microscopy. RESULTS L. casei Shirota showed inhibitory action against all tested Candida spp., ranging from 66.9 to 95.6% inhibition depending on the species. This inhibition is possibly related to the production of lactic acid, since lactic acid has shown microbicidal action against these same Candida spp. at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, which corresponds to half of the normal physiological concentration. In addition, L. casei Shirota was able to reduce the formation of C. albicans hyphae and early biofilms, showing strong anti-Candida effects. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that L. casei Shirota has antifungal activity against the Candida species that cause VVC. L. casei also has microbicidal action against C. auris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lorenzoni Paniágua
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Amabel Fernandes Correia
- Central Public Health Laboratory of the District Federal (LACEN-DF), Medical Biology Management, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Lívia Custódio Pereira
- Vulvar Pathology Clinic, Department of Gynecology, Brasilia University Hospital, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Bruna Maciel de Alencar
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Brandão Alves Silva
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Rosane Mansan Almeida
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Yanna Karla de Medeiros Nóbrega
- Clinical Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mehta SD, Zulaika G, Otieno FO, Nyothach E, Agingu W, Bhaumik R, Green SJ, van Eijk AM, Kwaro D, Phillips-Howard PA. High Prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus Dominated Vaginal Microbiome Among Kenyan Secondary School Girls: Negative Effects of Poor Quality Menstrual Hygiene Management and Sexual Activity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:716537. [PMID: 34621690 PMCID: PMC8490761 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.716537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome (VMB) impacts numerous health outcomes, but evaluation among adolescents is limited. We characterized the VMB via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and its association with Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis) among 436 schoolgirls in Kenya, median age 16.9 years. BV and STI prevalence was 11.2% and 9.9%, respectively, with 17.6% of girls having any reproductive tract infection. Three community state types (CST) accounted for 95% of observations: CST-I L.crispatus-dominant (N=178, BV 0%, STI 2.8%, sexually active 21%); CST-III L.iners-dominant (N=152, BV 3.3%, STI 9.7%, sexually active 35%); CST-IV G.vaginalis-dominant (N=83, BV 51.8%, STI 25.3%, sexually active 43%). In multivariable adjusted analyses, sexually active girls had increased odds of CST-III and CST-IV, and use of cloth to manage menses had 1.72-fold increased odds of CST-IV vs. CST-I. The predominance of L.crispatus-dominated VMB, substantially higher than observed in prior studies of young adult and adult women in sub-Saharan Africa, indicates that non-optimal VMB can be an acquired state. Interventions to maintain or re-constitute L.crispatus dominance should be considered even in adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supriya D. Mehta
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Supriya D. Mehta,
| | - Garazi Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth Nyothach
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Runa Bhaumik
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Department of Internal Medicine and Genomics and Microbiome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Kwaro
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dai W, Du H, Li S, Wu R. Cervicovaginal Microbiome Factors in Clearance of Human Papillomavirus Infection. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722639. [PMID: 34395294 PMCID: PMC8355615 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection is the highest risk to cervical cancer which is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. A growing body of literatures demonstrate the role of cervicovaginal microbiome (CVM) in hrHPV susceptibility and clearance, suggesting the promise of CVM-targeted interventions in protecting against or eliminating HPV infection. Nevertheless, the CVM-HPV-host interactions are largely unknown. In this review, we summarize imbalanced CVM in HPV-positive women, with or without cervical diseases, and the progress of exploring CVM resources in HPV clearance. In addition, microbe- and host-microbe interactions in HPV infection and elimination are reviewed to understand the role of CVM in remission of HPV infection. Lastly, the feasibility of CVM-modulated and -derived products in promoting HPV clearance is discussed. Information in this article will provide valuable reference for researchers interested in cervical cancer prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenkui Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuaicheng Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (PKU-HKUST) Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory on Technology for Early Diagnosis of Major Gynecologic Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
O’Hanlon DE, Brown SE, He X, Stennett CA, Robbins SJ, Johnston ED, Wnorowski AM, Mark K, Ravel J, Cone RA, Brotman RM. Observational cohort study of the effect of a single lubricant exposure during transvaginal ultrasound on cell-shedding from the vaginal epithelium. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250153. [PMID: 33939727 PMCID: PMC8092793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer layers of the vaginal epithelium (VE) are important because they accumulate glycogen which, under optimal conditions, Lactobacillus spp. consume to grow and acidify the vaginal microenvironment with lactic acid. We hypothesized that exposure to lubricant, for example in the conduct of a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), may contribute to the shedding of mature epithelial cells, exposing immature cells. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was sampled at four time points by menstrual cup (Softdisc™) from 50 women referred for TVUS, during which a controlled volume of lubricant was applied to the TVUS wand. Samples were collected (1) immediately before TVUS and (2) 6-12 hours, (3) within one week, and (4) two weeks after TVUS. Clinical vaginal lubricants are similar to commercial lubricants, and often have a high osmolality or pH, and contain bactericides such as methylparaben and propylparaben. The number and maturity of epithelial cells in each CVF sample were measured by quantitative and differential fluorimetry (maturity index, MI). Comparisons of cell-counts and maturity were made by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among women with a high pre-TVUS MI (> 3), there was a decrease in median cell-count and mean MI in the sample collected 6-12 hours after TVUS (p<0.001, n = 26 and p < 0.001, n = 26, respectively). For these women, cell-count and MI remained lower in the sample collected within the subsequent week (p<0.001, n = 29 and p<0.01, n = 29, respectively), and MI remained lower in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS (p<0.01, n = 25), compared to the pre-TVUS sample. Among participants with a low pre-TVUS MI (< 3), cell-count was higher in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS compared to the pre-TVUS sample (p = 0.03, n = 15), but no significant changes in MI were observed. Results were similar when restricted to reproductive-age women. This preliminary data indicates hypertonic vaginal lubricants may increase vaginal epithelial cell shedding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Elizabeth O’Hanlon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Brown
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Stennett
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah J. Robbins
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Johnston
- Faculty Physicians Inc., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Amelia M. Wnorowski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Katrina Mark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Application of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT5713 to Achieve Term Pregnancies in Women with Repetitive Abortion or Infertility of Unknown Origin by Microbiological and Immunological Modulation of the Vaginal Ecosystem. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010162. [PMID: 33419054 PMCID: PMC7825435 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the cervicovaginal environment of women with reproductive failure (repetitive abortion, infertility of unknown origin) was assessed and compared to that of healthy fertile women. Subsequently, the ability of Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT5713 to increase pregnancy rates in women with reproductive failure was evaluated. Vaginal pH and Nugent score were higher in women with reproductive failure than in fertile women. The opposite was observed regarding the immune factors TGF-β 1, TFG-β 2, and VEFG. Lactobacilli were detected at a higher frequency and concentration in fertile women than in women with repetitive abortion or infertility. The metataxonomic study revealed that vaginal samples from fertile women were characterized by the high abundance of Lactobacillus sequences, while DNA from this genus was practically absent in one third of samples from women with reproductive failure. Daily oral administration of L. salivarius CECT5713 (~9 log10 CFU/day) to women with reproductive failure for a maximum of 6 months resulted in an overall successful pregnancy rate of 56%. The probiotic intervention modified key microbiological, biochemical, and immunological parameters in women who got pregnant. In conclusion, L. salivarius CECT5713 has proved to be a good candidate to improve reproductive success in women with reproductive failure.
Collapse
|
36
|
Pramanick R, Aranha C. Distinct Functional Traits of Lactobacilli from Women with Asymptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis and Normal Microbiota. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1949. [PMID: 33316918 PMCID: PMC7763271 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) in reproductive-age women has serious obstetric and gynecological consequences. Despite its high incidence, the behavior of vaginal lactobacilli in asymptomatic BV is unknown. We analyzed the functional properties of previously isolated vaginal lactobacilli from asymptomatic women with normal, intermediate, and BV microbiota. Lactic acid and antimicrobial activity against seven urogenital pathogens were evaluated from lactobacilli cell-free culture supernatants (CFCs) (n = 207) after 48 h incubation in MRS. Lactobacilli isolates were used to evaluate H2O2, autoaggregation and coaggregation with C. albicans. Lactobacilli from normal microbiota produced more d-lactate than lactobacilli from intermediate and asymptomatic BV (p = 0.007). L. plantarum, L. fermentum and L. reuteri produced greater d-lactate whereas L. rhamnosus, L. crispatus, L. johnsonii were greater producers of l-lactate. Interspecies positive correlation was observed in the lactic acid contents of CFCs. Distribution of H2O2-producing lactobacilli did not vary significantly among the groups. When lactic acid isomers were considered, species from intermediate and BV microbiota clustered together with each other and distinctly from species of normal microbiota. Broad-spectrum antagonism (≥90% inhibition) against E. coli, C. albicans, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, G. vaginalis, N. gonorrhoeae, S. agalactiae were displayed by 46.86% (97) of isolates. Our study highlights the differential functional properties of vaginal lactobacilli from women with normal microbiota and asymptomatic BV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Clara Aranha
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400102, India;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Brandt K, Barrangou R. Adaptive response to iterative passages of five Lactobacillus species in simulated vaginal fluid. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:339. [PMID: 33172400 PMCID: PMC7653816 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-02027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Microbiome and metagenomic studies have given rise to a new understanding of microbial colonization of various human tissues and their ability to impact our health. One human microbiome growing in notoriety, the vaginal microbiome, stands out given its importance for women’s health, and is peculiar in terms of its relative bacterial composition, including its simplicity and typical domination by a small number of Lactobacillus species. The loss of Lactobacillus dominance is associated with disorders such as bacterial vaginosis, and efforts are now underway to understand the ability of Lactobacillus species to colonize the vaginal tract and adapt to this dynamic and acidic environment. Here, we investigate how various Lactobacillus species often isolated from the vaginal and intestinal cavities genomically and transcriptionally respond to iterative growth in simulated vaginal fluid. Results We determined the genomes and transcriptomes of L. acidophilus, L. crispatus, L. fermentum, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii and compared profiles after 50, 100, 500, and 1000 generations of iterative passages in synthetic vaginal fluid. In general, we identified relatively few genetic changes consisting of single nucleotide polymorphisms, with higher counts occurring more frequently in non-vaginal isolated species. Transcriptional profiles were more impacted over time and tended to be more extensive for species that typically do not dominate the vaginal tract, reflecting a more extensive need to adapt to a less familiar environment. Conclusions This study provides insights into how vaginal and non-vaginal Lactobacillus species respond and adapt to a simulated vaginal environment. Overall, trends indicate high genomic stability for all species involved, with more variability in the transcriptome especially for non-dominant species of the vaginal tract. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-020-02027-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Brandt
- Functional Genomics Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.,Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Functional Genomics Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA. .,Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang QQ, Liu ZH, Liu LL, Hu G, Lei GL, Wang Y, Cao Y, Wu W, Zhang L, Liao QP. Prebiotic Maltose Gel Can Promote the Vaginal Microbiota From BV-Related Bacteria Dominant to Lactobacillus in Rhesus Macaque. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:594065. [PMID: 33240248 PMCID: PMC7677408 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.594065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of bacterial vaginosis recurrence is common after treatment with an antibiotic agent and suggests the need for new treatments to prevent this. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the ability of maltose gel to treat bacterial vaginosis. Eighteen female rhesus macaques were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive maltose gel or placebo gel by syringe to the fornix of the vagina for five consecutive days. We used 16S rRNA sequencing data from 70 swab samples of vaginal secretions in two groups in total on days 0, 3, and 5 after medication initiation and days 3 and 5 after medication withdrawal for the study of microbiome composition. We found that, in the placebo control group, there was no significant change in the composition and abundance of vaginal microbiota during the follow-up period. In the maltose gel test group, the abundance of Lactobacillus in the vagina microbiota increased gradually with the prolongation of the treatment time on Days 3 and 5 (ANOVA p = 6.99e−5 < 0.01) but began to decrease after the withdrawal of maltose gel, which was different from that of the control group. Correspondingly, the diversity and abundance of BV-related bacteria, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Mobiluncus, Campylobacter, Prevotella, and Sneathia, decreased on Day 0 to Day 5 of medication and increased after drug withdrawal in the maltose gel test group. The study confirms that maltose gel can facilitate the proliferation of Lactobacillus and promote the transition of the vaginal microbiota from BV-related bacteria dominant to Lactobacillus dominant in the rhesus macaque.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Qiong Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Heng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ling Liu
- Shenzhen Eulikan Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Sichuan Green-house Biotech Co., Ltd, Sichuan, China
| | - Guang-Lun Lei
- Sichuan Green-house Biotech Co., Ltd, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Suzhou Turing Microbial Technologies Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Suzhou Turing Microbial Technologies Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin-Ping Liao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lacroix G, Gouyer V, Gottrand F, Desseyn JL. The Cervicovaginal Mucus Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218266. [PMID: 33158227 PMCID: PMC7663572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm births are a global health priority that affects 15 million babies every year worldwide. There are no effective prognostic and therapeutic strategies relating to preterm delivery, but uterine infections appear to be a major cause. The vaginal epithelium is covered by the cervicovaginal mucus, which is essential to health because of its direct involvement in reproduction and functions as a selective barrier by sheltering the beneficial lactobacilli while helping to clear pathogens. During pregnancy, the cervical canal is sealed with a cervical mucus plug that prevents the vaginal flora from ascending toward the uterine compartment, which protects the fetus from pathogens. Abnormalities of the cervical mucus plug and bacterial vaginosis are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery. This review addresses the current understanding of the cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug and their interactions with the microbial communities in both the physiological state and bacterial vaginosis, with a focus on gel-forming mucins. We also review the current state of knowledge of gel-forming mucins contained in mouse cervicovaginal mucus and the mouse models used to study bacterial vaginosis.
Collapse
|
40
|
Severe preeclampsia is associated with a higher relative abundance of Prevotella bivia in the vaginal microbiota. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18249. [PMID: 33106556 PMCID: PMC7588441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75534-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to compare the vaginal microbiota profiles of Taiwanese women with severe preeclampsia (SPE) and normotensive control pregnancies. In a discovery cohort, vaginal swab samples and paired blood specimens were simultaneously obtained at the time of caesarean delivery from 30 women with SPE and 30 controls. The composition of vaginal microbiota was characterised by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the V3–V4 region. Results were subsequently validated by real-time qPCR. We sought confirmation of our findings in an expanded cohort consisting of 58 women with SPE and 55 controls. In both the discovery and confirmation cohorts, women with SPE had higher relative abundance of Prevotella bivia in their vaginal microbial community (P = 0.006 and 0.011, respectively). Plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were higher when compared with controls (P = 0.031) in the confirmation cohort. Three variables (vaginal Prevotella bivia, plasma TNF-α, and body mass index [BMI]) were included in a prediction panel for SPE. Of these, BMI was the most predictive variable. The area under the curve (AUC) of predicted probability values for the three-variable panel revealed that it can discriminate between SPE and normotensive pregnancies with good accuracy (AUC = 0.797, P < 0.001). We conclude that enrichment of Prevotella bivia in vaginal microbiota, which is tightly regulated by BMI, may be involved in the pathogenesis of SPE.
Collapse
|
41
|
Immobilization of vaginal Lactobacillus in polymeric nanofibers for its incorporation in vaginal probiotic products. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 156:105563. [PMID: 32976956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Probiotic products require high number of viable and active microorganisms during storage. In this work, the survival of human vaginal Lactobacillus gasseri CRL1320 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1332 after nanofiber-immobilization by electrospinning with polyvinyl-alcohol, and during storage was evaluated. The optimization of bacterial immobilization and storage conditions using bioprotectors (skim milk-lactose and glycerol) and oxygen-excluding packaging was carried out, compared with lyophilization. After electrospinning, a higher survival rate of L. rhamnosus (93%) compared to L. gasseri (84%) was obtained in nanofibers, with high viable cells (>107 colony-forming unit/g) of the two probiotics in nanofibers stored at -20°C up to 14 days. The storage in oxygen-excluding packaging was an excellent strategy to extend the shelf-life of L. rhamnosus (up to 1.7 × 108 CFU/g) in nanofibers stored at 4°C during 360 days, with no addition of bioprotectives, resulting similar to freeze-dried-cells. L. rhamnosus was successfully incorporated into polymeric hydrophilic nanofibers with a mean diameter of 95 nm. The composite materials were characterized in terms of morphology, and their physicochemical and thermal properties assessed. Nanofiber-immobilized L. rhamnosus cells maintained the inhibition to urogenital pathogens. Thus, polymeric nanofiber-immobilized L. rhamnosus CRL1332 can be included in vaginal probiotic products to prevent or treat urogenital infections.
Collapse
|
42
|
Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tomás M, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Simões S, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R. Bacterial vaginosis: Standard treatments and alternative strategies. Int J Pharm 2020; 587:119659. [PMID: 32687973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects many women and has a high influence on their self-esteem, being associated with huge discomfort and changes in the routines, especially the sexual life. International guidelines recommend the administration of metronidazole, clindamycin or tinidazole orally or intravaginally as the standard treatment. However, the treatment with these antibiotics is associated with high levels of failure and recurrence rates. These may be associated with antibiotic resistance, the inability to eradicate the polymicrobial biofilms, and failure to reestablish acidic pH and the lactobacillus-dominated commensal flora. Therefore, it is emergent to study alternative strategies to replace or to be combined with standard therapies in order to prevent and treat BV more efficiently. Alternative strategies may include antimicrobial substances (other antimicrobials, antiseptics and natural compounds) or substances that aim to reestablish the physiologic vaginal environment (probiotics, prebiotics and acidifying agents) while improving the local immunity response. Besides, the development of formulation strategies and new dosage forms and drug delivery systems can improve treatment efficacy and overcome some limitations associated with conventional products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Tomás
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Avenida, Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Avenida, Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit-HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda Edifício UBIMedical, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-281 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Simões
- CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Avenida, Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Avenida, Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lewis AL, Gilbert NM. Roles of the vagina and the vaginal microbiota in urinary tract infection: evidence from clinical correlations and experimental models. GMS INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 8:Doc02. [PMID: 32373427 PMCID: PMC7186798 DOI: 10.3205/id000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the vagina can harbor uropathogenic bacteria. Here, we consider three roles played by the vagina and its bacterial inhabitants in urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary health. First, the vagina can serve as a reservoir for Escherichia coli, the most common cause of UTI, and other recognized uropathogens. Second, several vaginal bacterial species are frequently detected upon urine culture but are underappreciated as uropathogens, and other vaginal species are likely under-reported because of their fastidious nature. Third, some vaginal bacteria that are not widely viewed as uropathogens can transit briefly in the urinary tract, cause injury or immunomodulation, and shift the balance of host-pathogen interactions to influence the outcomes of uropathogenesis. This chapter describes the current literature in these three areas and summarizes the impact of the vaginal microbiota on susceptibility to UTI and other urologic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Lewis
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology, St. Louis, United States
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Does Aerobic Vaginitis Have Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes? Prospective Observational Study. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2020; 2020:5842150. [PMID: 32395067 PMCID: PMC7201818 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5842150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is an aberration within the balanced vaginal microbiota. Only few reports have documented the adverse pregnancy outcomes related to AV. Nonetheless, the exact role of AV in pregnancy and the potential benefit of its screening need further study. Our goal was to evaluate the association between aerobic vaginitis (AV) in late pregnancy and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods In this prospective observational study, a total of 600 singleton pregnant women with intact fetal membranes at a gestational age of 34-36 weeks were recruited (one hundred women with AV and 500 pregnant women without AV). The study protocol excluded patients with other forms of vaginal infection. Pregnancy outcomes were traced and documented. The primary outcome was the association between AV and preterm labor. The current study compared the maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with and without AV in unadjusted and adjusted analyses with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) reported. Results There was an association between AV and with preterm birth (adjusted OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.58-5.95) and prelabor rupture of membranes (adjusted OR 6.17, 95% CI 3.24-11.7). For neonatal outcomes, AV was associated with a higher incidence of neonatal ICU admission (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.1-4.34). Severe forms of AV significantly increased the incidence of PTB (p = 0.0014) and PROM (p = 0.0094) when compared to less severe forms of AV. Conclusion AV is common in late pregnancy and is linked to a diversity of adversative pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, PROM, and neonatal ICU admission. Moreover, the incidence of PTB and PROM might further increase with the severity of AV. Clinicians should pay more consideration to vaginal microbiota assessment during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
46
|
Interspecies Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis by Yogurt-Derived Lactobacillus delbrueckii Requires Active Pyruvate Oxidase. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.01271-19. [PMID: 31285191 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01271-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing interest in using probiotic microorganisms to prevent disease, the mechanisms by which probiotics exert their action require further investigation. Porphyromonas gingivalis is an important pathogen implicated in the development of periodontitis. We isolated several strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii from dairy products and examined their ability to inhibit P. gingivalis growth in vitro We observed strain-specific inhibition of P. gingivalis growth in vitro Whole-genome sequencing of inhibitory and noninhibitory strains of L. delbrueckii revealed significant genetic differences supporting the strain specificity of the interaction. Extracts of the L. delbrueckii STYM1 inhibitory strain contain inhibitory activity that is abolished by treatment with heat, proteinase K, catalase, and sodium sulfite. We purified the inhibitory protein(s) from L. delbrueckii STYM1 extracts using ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. Pyruvate oxidase was highly enriched in the purified samples. Lastly, we showed that purified, catalytically active, recombinant pyruvate oxidase is sufficient to inhibit P. gingivalis growth in vitro without the addition of cofactors. Further, using a saturated transposon library, we isolated transposon mutants of P. gingivalis in the feoB2 (PG_1294) gene that are resistant to killing by inhibitory L. delbrueckii, consistent with a mechanism of hydrogen peroxide production by pyruvate oxidase. Our results support the current understanding of the importance of strain selection, not simply species selection, in microbial interactions. Specific L. delbrueckii strains or their products may be effective in the treatment and prevention of P. gingivalis-associated periodontal disease.IMPORTANCE P. gingivalis is implicated in the onset and progression of periodontal disease and associated with some systemic diseases. Probiotic bacteria represent an attractive preventative therapy for periodontal disease. However, the efficacy of probiotic bacteria can be variable between studies. Our data support the known importance of selecting particular strains of bacteria for probiotic use, not simply a single species. Specifically, in the context of probiotic intervention of periodontitis, our data suggest that high-level expression of pyruvate oxidase with hydrogen peroxide production in L. delbrueckii could be an important characteristic for the design of a probiotic supplement or a microbial therapeutic.
Collapse
|
47
|
Stoyancheva G. Study of helveticin gene in Lactobacillus crispatus strains and evaluation of its use as a phylogenetic marker. Arch Microbiol 2019; 202:205-208. [PMID: 31388693 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-019-01711-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Lactobacilli are a part of the human microbiome in healthy humans. Studies of their physiological and genetic characteristics are the basis for their use in probiotic preparations. This report is a brief description of the helveticin gene found in two Lactobacillus crispatus strains, which are a part of the human microbiome. Our analysis showed that the two variants of the gene are not solely characteristic of strains isolated from humans. In the phylogenetic analysis, we found that the studied sequence (this gene) showed a significant difference between the species of the genus Lactobacillus and could be used as a phylogenetic marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina Stoyancheva
- Department of Microbial Genetics, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev str. bl. 26, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Peric A, Weiss J, Vulliemoz N, Baud D, Stojanov M. Bacterial Colonization of the Female Upper Genital Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3405. [PMID: 31373310 PMCID: PMC6678922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria colonize most of the human body, and the female genital tract is not an exception. While the existence of a vaginal microbiota has been well established, the upper genital tract has been considered a sterile environment, with a general assumption that bacterial presence is associated with adverse clinical manifestation. However, recent metagenomic studies identified specific patterns of microbiota colonizing the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and placenta. These results need confirmation and further investigations since the data are only scarce. Bacterial colonization of these sites appears different from the vaginal one, despite evidence that vaginal bacteria could ascend to the upper genital tract through the cervix. Are these bacteria only commensal or do they play a role in the physiology of the female upper genital tract? Which are the genera that may have a negative and a positive impact on the female reproductive function? The aim of this review is to critically present all available data on upper genital tract microbiota and discuss its role in human reproduction, ranging from the technical aspects of these types of analyses to the description of specific bacterial genera. Although still very limited, research focusing on genital colonization of bacteria other than the vaginal milieu might bring novel insights into physiopathology of human reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Peric
- Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Weiss
- Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, 6000 Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Vulliemoz
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecologic Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Baud
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Milos Stojanov
- Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Han C, Li H, Han L, Wang C, Yan Y, Qi W, Fan A, Wang Y, Xue F. Aerobic vaginitis in late pregnancy and outcomes of pregnancy. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 38:233-239. [PMID: 30467614 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes for aerobic vaginitis (AV) in late pregnancy. A total of 624 pregnant women who were treated in the perinatal unit at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and 365 nonpregnant women who were evaluated at a health management center from January 2015 to June 2016 were recruited for this case-control study. A questionnaire covering personal hygiene habits and sociodemographic factors was administered to pregnant women to analyze risk factors for AV. Bacterial vaginosis, AV, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and Trichomonas vaginitis were scored according to standardized definitions. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up and recorded. The chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for statistical evaluation. The prevalence of vaginal infection in pregnant and nonpregnant women were 27.9% and 15.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). AV was identified more frequently in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women (4.2% vs. 1.4%; P < 0.05). A history of vaginal infection within 1 year (odds ratio [OR] = 3.219, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.103-9.346) and external hemorrhoids (OR = 11.233, 95% CI 4.647-27.155) were independent risk factors for AV during pregnancy. A higher incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was significantly associated with AV (P < 0.05). AV is common in late pregnancy. Clinicians should pay more attention to vaginal microbiota evaluations during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cha Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Huiyang Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Lulu Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ye Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Wenhui Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Aiping Fan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Takada K, Komine-Aizawa S, Kuramochi T, Ito S, Trinh QD, Pham NTK, Sasano M, Hayakawa S. Lactobacillus crispatus accelerates re-epithelialization in vaginal epithelial cell line MS74. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e13027. [PMID: 30144195 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The functions of vaginal lactobacilli in susceptibility to infectious diseases as regards epithelial barrier integrity and wound healing remain incompletely understood. METHOD OF STUDY Lactobacillus crispatus, one of the most common Lactobacillus species in the vagina and among the most protective against sexually transmitted infections, was cocultured with an immortalized human vaginal epithelial cell line (MS74), and a scratch assay was performed to evaluate re-epithelialization. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An immunofluorescence assay was performed to locate the expression of VEGF and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 and 2. The effects of the bacterial supernatant of L. crispatus were also evaluated. RESULTS Lactobacillus crispatus significantly accelerated re-epithelialization of MS74 cells, accompanied by an increase in VEGF concentration. In contrast, heat-killed L. crispatus did not show this effect. The bacterial supernatant of L. crispatus also induced re-epithelialization. The immunoreactivity of VEGF was higher at the scratched edge, whereas VEGFR1 and 2 stained site-independently. Recombinant VEGF induced cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. The bacterial supernatant of L. crispatus also significantly accelerated re-epithelialization in MS74 cells and increased the concentration of VEGF in the culture 24 hours after the scratch. CONCLUSION These results may enhance our knowledge of the importance of L. crispatus in the healing of damaged vaginal epithelium and protection against the consequent risk of pathogenic infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and improve our understanding of vaginal epithelial barrier integrity maintenance by this bacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shun Ito
- Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Quang Duy Trinh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Sasano
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|