1
|
Schieren A, Koch S, Pecht T, Simon MC. Impact of Physiological Fluctuations of Sex Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle on Glucose Metabolism and the Gut Microbiota. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024; 132:267-278. [PMID: 38382644 DOI: 10.1055/a-2273-5602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Previous studies have shown differences in glucose metabolism between males and females. Moreover, difficulties in medication adherence have been reported in females with type 2 diabetes. These observations are believed to be caused by fluctuations in sex hormone concentrations during the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, gut microbiota is linked to female host metabolism and sex hormone production. Understanding the interactions between fluctuating hormone concentrations during the menstrual cycle, gut microbiota, and glucose metabolism in humans is significant because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the consequent need to expand preventive efforts. A literature search was performed to determine and summarize the existing evidence, deduce future research needs to maintain female health, and investigate the relationship between the physiological menstrual cycle and glucose metabolism. Studies from 1967 to 2020 have already examined the relationship between variations during the menstrual cycle and glucose metabolism in healthy female subjects using an oral-glucose tolerance test or intravenous glucose tolerance test. However, the overall number of studies is rather small and the results are contradictory, as some studies detected differences in glucose concentrations depending on the different cycle phases, whereas others did not. Some studies reported lower glucose levels in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase, whereas another study detected the opposite. Data on gut microbiota in relation to the menstrual cycle are limited. Conflicting results exist when examining the effect of hormonal contraceptives on the gut microbiota and changes in the course of the menstrual cycle. The results indicate that the menstrual cycle, especially fluctuating sex hormones, might impact the gut microbiota composition.The menstrual cycle may affect the gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism. These results indicate that glucose tolerance may be the greatest in the follicular phase; however, further well-conducted studies are needed to support this assumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Schieren
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition and Microbiota, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandra Koch
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition and Microbiota, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tal Pecht
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Department for Genomics and Immunoregulation, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Systems Medicine, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marie-Christine Simon
- University of Bonn, Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition and Microbiota, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang W, Yin Y, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Wang W, Wang X, Ge Y, Liu B, Yao L. Relationship between vaginal and oral microbiome in patients of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:396. [PMID: 38685022 PMCID: PMC11059664 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the microbial variations and biomarkers in the vaginal and oral environments of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (CC) and to develop novel prediction models. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 164 samples collected from both the vaginal tract and oral subgingival plaque of 82 women. The participants were divided into four distinct groups based on their vaginal and oral samples: the control group (Z/KZ, n = 22), abortion group (AB/KAB, n = 17), HPV-infected group (HP/KHP, n = 21), and cervical cancer group (CC/KCC, n = 22). Microbiota analysis was conducted using full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing with the PacBio platform. RESULTS The vaginal bacterial community in the Z and AB groups exhibited a relatively simple structure predominantly dominated by Lactobacillus. However, CC group shows high abundances of anaerobic bacteria and alpha diversity. Biomarkers such as Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Bacillus, Dialister, Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Prevotella were identified as indicators of CC. Correlations were established between elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and local/systemic inflammation, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, which contribute to unevenness in the vaginal microenvironment. The altered microbial diversity in the CC group was confirmed by amino acid metabolism. Oral microbial diversity exhibited an inverse pattern to that of the vaginal microbiome, indicating a unique relationship. The microbial diversity of the KCC group was significantly lower than that of the KZ group, indicating a link between oral health and cancer development. Several microbes, including Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Neisseria, were identified as CC biomarkers. Moreover, periodontal pathogens were associated with blood CRP levels and oral hygiene conditions. Elevated oral microbial amino acid metabolism in the CC group was closely linked to the presence of pathogens. Positive correlations indicated a synergistic relationship between vaginal and oral bacteria. CONCLUSION HPV infection and CC impact both the vaginal and oral microenvironments, affecting systemic metabolism and the synergy between bacteria. This suggests that the use of oral flora markers is a potential screening tool for the diagnosis of CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Healthy Examination & Management Center of Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Yin
- Healthy Examination & Management Center of Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yisha Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Ge
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Lihe Yao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valdés-Bango M, Gracia M, Rubio E, Vergara A, Casals-Pascual C, Ros C, Rius M, Martínez-Zamora MÁ, Mension E, Quintas L, Carmona F. Comparative analysis of endometrial, vaginal, and gut microbiota in patients with and without adenomyosis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024. [PMID: 38661227 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alterations in microbiota composition have been implicated in a variety of human diseases. Patients with adenomyosis present immune dysregulation leading to a persistent chronic inflammatory response. In this context, the hypothesis that alterations in the microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, by affecting the epigenetic, immunologic, and biochemical functions of the host, has recently been postulated. The aim of the present study was to compare the microbiota composition in the vagina, endometrium, and gut of individuals with and without adenomyosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional study including 38 adenomyosis patients and 46 controls, performed between September 2021 and October 2022 in a university hospital-based research center. The diagnosis of adenomyosis was based on sonographic criteria. Fecal, vaginal, and endometrial samples were collected. Study of the microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS Patients with adenomyosis exhibited a significant reduction in the gut microbial alpha diversity compared with healthy controls (Chao1 p = 0.012, Fisher p = 0.005, Observed species p = 0.005). Beta-diversity analysis showed significant differences in the compositions of both gut and vaginal microbiota between adenomyosis patients and the control group (Adonis p-value = 0.001; R2 = 0.03 and Adonis p-value = 0.034; R2 = 0.04 respectively). Specific bacterial taxa were found to be either overrepresented (Rhodospirillales, Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, Ruminococcaceae, and Actinomyces) or underrepresented in the gut and endometrial microbiota of adenomyosis patients compared with controls. Distinct microbiota profiles were identified among patients with internal and external adenomyosis phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed reduced gut microbiota diversity in adenomyosis patients, accompanied by distinct compositions in gut and vaginal microbiota compared with controls. Overrepresented or underrepresented bacterial taxa were noted in the gut and endometrial microbiota of adenomyosis patients, with variations in microbiota profiles among those with internal and external adenomyosis phenotypes. These findings suggest a potential association between microbiota and adenomyosis, indicating the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valdés-Bango
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Gracia
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Rubio
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Vergara
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Climent Casals-Pascual
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ros
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Rius
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Martínez-Zamora
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Mension
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lara Quintas
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Carmona
- Endometriosis Unit, Gynecology Department, Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology (ICGON), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shen J, Sun H, Chu J, Gong X, Liu X. Cervicovaginal microbiota: a promising direction for prevention and treatment in cervical cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38641803 PMCID: PMC11027553 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women, with high incidence rate and mortality. Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Cervicovaginal microbiota (CVM) plays an essential role in the defense of HPV infections and prevention of subsequent lesions. Dominance of Lactobacillus is the key of CVM homeostasis, which can be regulated by host, exogenous and endogenous factors. Dysbiosis of CVM, including altered microbial, metabolic, and immune signatures, can contribute to persist HPV infection, leading to cervical cancer. However, there is no evidence of the causality between CVM and cervical cancer, and the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Considering the close correlation between CVM dysbiosis and persistent HPV infection, this review will overview CVM, its role in cervical cancer development and related mechanisms, and the prospects for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodi Gong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, He Z. Inflammatory mediators in bacterial vaginosis: The role of cytokines. APMIS 2024; 132:245-255. [PMID: 38345182 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BV is a significant concern in women's health with a varying prevalence rate in different cities of China. The condition has been linked to the acquisition of STIs, including HIV and HPV, and can lead to infertility, adverse obstetric outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed. The search was performed from 01/01/2018 to 01/09/2023. The following search terms were used: bacterial vaginosis and cytokine. We also manually searched the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews to identify additional articles. The presence of Gardnerella spp. can lead to changes in cytokine levels. The immune system of the female reproductive tract consists of various immune cells and molecules that play a vital role in defending against infections. Cytokines, signaling molecules involved in immune cell recruitment and activation, have been identified as potential biomarkers for diagnosing BV and predicting STIs. Current treatments for BV primarily involve antibiotics, but there is a high recurrence rate posttreatment. BV is a complex condition that affects a significant number of women worldwide. The role of cytokines in the onset, progression, and treatment of BV offers promising avenues for future research and potential diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi He
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brennan C, Chan K, Kumar T, Maissy E, Brubaker L, Dothard MI, Gilbert JA, Gilbert KE, Lewis AL, Thackray VG, Zarrinpar A, Knight R. Harnessing the power within: engineering the microbiome for enhanced gynecologic health. Reprod Fertil 2024; 5:e230060. [PMID: 38513356 PMCID: PMC11046331 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Graphical abstract Abstract Although numerous studies have demonstrated the impact of microbiome manipulation on human health, research on the microbiome's influence on female health remains relatively limited despite substantial disease burden. In light of this, we present a selected review of clinical trials and preclinical studies targeting both the vaginal and gut microbiomes for the prevention or treatment of various gynecologic conditions. Specifically, we explore studies that leverage microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, diet modifications, and engineered microbial strains. A healthy vaginal microbiome for females of reproductive age consists of lactic acid-producing bacteria predominantly of the Lactobacillus genus, which serves as a protective barrier against pathogens and maintains a balanced ecosystem. The gut microbiota's production of short-chain fatty acids, metabolism of primary bile acids, and modulation of sex steroid levels have significant implications for the interplay between host and microbes throughout the body, ultimately impacting reproductive health. By harnessing interventions that modulate both the vaginal and gut microbiomes, it becomes possible to not only maintain homeostasis but also mitigate pathological conditions. While the field is still working toward making broad clinical recommendations, the current studies demonstrate that manipulating the microbiome holds great potential for addressing diverse gynecologic conditions. Lay summary Manipulating the microbiome has recently entered popular culture, with various diets thought to aid the microbes that live within us. These microbes live in different locations of our body and accordingly help us digest food, modulate our immune system, and influence reproductive health. The role of the microbes living in and influencing the female reproductive tract remains understudied despite known roles in common conditions such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (affecting 75% of females in their lifetime), bacterial vaginosis (25% of females in their lifetime), cervical HPV infection (80% of females in their lifetime), endometriosis (6-10% of females of reproductive age), and polycystic ovary syndrome (10-12% of females of reproductive age). Here, we review four different approaches used to manipulate the female reproductive tract and gastrointestinal system microbiomes: microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, and the use of engineered microbial strains. In doing so, we aim to stimulate discussion on new ways to understand and treat female reproductive health conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Brennan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kristina Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tanya Kumar
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Erica Maissy
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Linda Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Marisol I Dothard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jack A Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Katharine E Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Varykina G Thackray
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amir Zarrinpar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, California, USA
- Institute of Diabetes and Metabolic Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maduta CS, McCormick JK, Dufresne K. Vaginal community state types (CSTs) alter environmental cues and production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0044723. [PMID: 38334326 PMCID: PMC10955855 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00447-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare but life-threatening disease associated with the use of high-absorbency tampons. The production of the Staphylococcus aureus toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) superantigen is involved in nearly all cases of mTSS and is tightly controlled by regulators responding to the environment. In the prototypic mTSS strain S. aureus MN8, the major repressor of TSST-1 is the carbon catabolite protein A (CcpA), which responds to glucose concentrations in the vaginal tract. Healthy vaginal Lactobacillus species also depend on glucose for both growth and acidification of the vaginal environment through lactic acid production. We hypothesized that interactions between the vaginal microbiota [herein referred to as community state types (CSTs)] and S. aureus MN8 depend on environmental cues and that these interactions subsequently affect TSST-1 production. Using S. aureus MN8 ΔccpA growing in various glucose concentrations, we demonstrate that the supernatants from different CSTs grown in vaginally defined medium (VDM) could significantly decrease tst expression. When co-culturing CST species with MN8 ∆ccpA, we show that Lactobacillus jensenii completely inhibits TSST-1 production in conditions mimicking healthy menstruation or mTSS. Finally, we show that growing S. aureus in "unhealthy" or "transitional" CST supernatants results in higher interleukin 2 (IL-2) production from T cells. These findings suggest that dysbiotic CSTs may encourage TSST-1 production in the vaginal tract and further indicate that the CSTs are likely important for the protection from mTSS.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we investigate the impact of the vaginal microbiota against Staphylococcus aureus in conditions mimicking the vaginal environment at various stages of the menstrual cycle. We demonstrate that Lactobacillus jensenii can inhibit toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production, suggesting the potential for probiotic activity in treating and preventing menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS). On the other side of the spectrum, "unhealthy" or "transient" bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus iners support more TSST-1 production by S. aureus, suggesting that community state types are important in the development of mTSS. This study sets forward a model for examining contact-independent interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the vaginal microbiota. It also demonstrates the necessity of replicating the environment when studying one as dynamic as the vagina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Maduta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John K. McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karine Dufresne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Song J, Dong X, Lan Y, Lu Y, Liu X, Kang X, Huang Z, Yue B, Liu Y, Ma W, Zhang L, Yan H, He M, Fan Z, Guo T. Interpretation of vaginal metagenomic characteristics in different types of vaginitis. mSystems 2024; 9:e0137723. [PMID: 38364107 PMCID: PMC10949516 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01377-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Although vaginitis is closely related to vaginal microecology in females, the precise composition and functional potential of different types of vaginitis remain unclear. Here, metagenomic sequencing was applied to analyze the vaginal flora in patients with various forms of vaginitis, including cases with a clue cell proportion ranging from 1% to 20% (Clue1_20), bacterial vaginitis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and BV combined with VVC (VVC_BV). Our results identified Prevotella as an important biomarker between BV and Clue1_20. Moreover, a gradual decrease was observed in the relative abundance of shikimic acid metabolism associated with bacteria producing indole as well as a decline in the abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis in patients with BV, Clue1_20, and healthy women. Interestingly, the vaginal flora of patients in the VVC_BV group exhibited structural similarities to that of the VVC group, and its potentially functional characteristics resembled those of the BV and VVC groups. Finally, Lactobacillus crispatus was found in high abundance in healthy samples, greatly contributing to the stability of the vaginal environment. For the further study of L. crispatus, we isolated five strains of L. crispatus from healthy samples and evaluated their capacity to inhibit G. vaginalis biofilms and produce lactic acid in vitro to select the potential probiotic candidate for improving vaginitis in future clinical studies. Overall, we successfully identified bacterial biomarkers of different vaginitis and characterized the dynamic shifts in vaginal flora between patients with BV and healthy females. This research advances our understanding and holds great promise in enhancing clinical approaches for the treatment of vaginitis. IMPORTANCE Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, mostly caused by infections of pathogens such as Candida albicans and Gardnerella vaginalis. In recent years, it has been found that the stability of the vaginal flora plays an important role in vaginitis. Furthermore, the abundant Lactobacillus-producing rich lactic acid in the vagina provides a healthy acidic environment such as Lactobacillus crispatus. The metabolites of Lactobacillus can inhibit the colonization of pathogens. Here, we collected the vaginal samples of patients with bacterial vaginitis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and BV combined with VVC to discover the differences and relationships among the different kinds of vaginitis by metagenomic sequencing. Furthermore, because of the importance of L. crispatus in promoting vaginal health, we isolated multiple strains from vaginal samples of healthy females and chose the most promising strain with potential probiotic benefits to provide clinical implications for treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Song
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuena Kang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhonglu Huang
- Meishan Women and Children’s Hospital, Meishan, Sichuan, China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjin Ma
- Chenghua District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Libo Zhang
- Renshou County People’s Hospital, Renshou, Sichuan, China
| | - Haijun Yan
- Meishan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Meishan, Sichuan, China
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao Y, Hu H, Chen L, Zheng H. Association between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1321268. [PMID: 38516009 PMCID: PMC10954809 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1321268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence from observational studies and clinical trials suggests that the gut microbiota is associated with gynecological diseases. However, the causal relationship between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders remains to be determined. Methods We obtained summary data of gut microbiota from the global consortium MiBio-Gen's genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset and data on menstrual disorders from the IEU Open GWAS project. MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode were used to examine the causal association between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders. Thorough sensitivity studies were performed to confirm the data's horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and robustness. Results Through MR analysis of 119 kinds of gut microbiota and 4 kinds of clinical phenotypes, it was discovered that 23 different kinds of gut microbiota were loosely connected to menstrual disorders. After FDR correction, the results showed that only Escherichia/Shigella (p = 0.00032, PFDR = 0.0382, OR = 1.004, 95%CI = 1.002-1.006) is related to menstrual disorders. Conclusion According to our MR Analysis, there are indications of a causal relationship between menstrual disorders and gut microbiota. This finding could lead to new discoveries into the mechanisms behind menstrual disorders and clinical research involving the microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Yao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Longhao Chen
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chakraborty N. Metabolites: a converging node of host and microbe to explain meta-organism. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1337368. [PMID: 38505556 PMCID: PMC10949987 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Meta-organisms encompassing the host and resident microbiota play a significant role in combatting diseases and responding to stress. Hence, there is growing traction to build a knowledge base about this ecosystem, particularly to characterize the bidirectional relationship between the host and microbiota. In this context, metabolomics has emerged as the major converging node of this entire ecosystem. Systematic comprehension of this resourceful omics component can elucidate the organism-specific response trajectory and the communication grid across the ecosystem embodying meta-organisms. Translating this knowledge into designing nutraceuticals and next-generation therapy are ongoing. Its major hindrance is a significant knowledge gap about the underlying mechanisms maintaining a delicate balance within this ecosystem. To bridge this knowledge gap, a holistic picture of the available information has been presented with a primary focus on the microbiota-metabolite relationship dynamics. The central theme of this article is the gut-brain axis and the participating microbial metabolites that impact cerebral functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chakraborty
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, CMPN, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rojo MG, Lloret MRP, Gironés JG. Oral manifestations in women using hormonal contraceptive methods: a systematic review. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:184. [PMID: 38427087 PMCID: PMC10907424 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the oral manifestations in women of reproductive age using hormonal contraceptive methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review is based on the PRISMA statement. A literature search incorporated observational studies from the last 21 years. An investigative question was formulated using the PICO model, studies were selected, and a quality analysis was performed using the modified STROBE guidelines. A bibliometric analysis was performed, and the data were examined. RESULTS Thirteen articles were included, with the majority evaluating periodontal status. Others analyzed factors such as the presence of alveolar osteitis, oral candidiasis, and salivary microbiome dysbiosis. Ten articles were deemed to have a low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS Hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of alveolar osteitis following tooth extraction and increase the presence of the Candida species in the oral cavity. They also affect the periodontium, such as the frequent development of gingivitis, but do not lead to changes in the salivary microbiome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The increasing number of women using hormonal contraceptives and the knowledge that these contraceptives can produce oral cavity alterations underscore the need to evaluate the oral manifestations found in these women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta García Rojo
- Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, Morales Meseguer Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30008, Spain
| | - Miguel Ramón Pecci Lloret
- Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, Morales Meseguer Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30008, Spain.
| | - Julia Guerrero Gironés
- Gerodontology and Special Care Dentistry Unit, Faculty of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, Morales Meseguer Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30008, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Iribarren C, Savolainen O, Sapnara M, Törnblom H, Simrén M, Magnusson MK, Öhman L. Temporal stability of fecal metabolomic profiles in irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024; 36:e14741. [PMID: 38243381 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential of the fecal metabolome to serve as a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) depends on its stability over time. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the temporal dynamics of the fecal metabolome, and the potential relationship with stool consistency, in patients with IBS and healthy subjects. METHODS Fecal samples were collected in two cohorts comprising patients with IBS and healthy subjects. For Cohort A, fecal samples collected during 5 consecutive days were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). For Cohort B, liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS) was used to analyze fecal samples collected at week 0 (healthy and IBS) and at week 4 (patients only). Stool consistency was determined by the Bristol Stool Form scale. KEY RESULTS Fecal samples were collected from Cohort A (seven healthy subjects and eight IBS patients), and Cohort B (seven healthy subjects and 11 IBS patients). The fecal metabolome of IBS patients was stable short-term (Cohort A, 5 days and within the same day) and long-term (Cohort B, 4 weeks). A similar trend was observed over 5 days in the healthy subjects of Cohort A. The metabolome dissimilarity was larger between than within participants over time in both healthy subjects and IBS patients. Further analyses showed that patients had greater range of stool forms (types) than healthy subjects, with no apparent influence on metabolomic dynamics. CONCLUSION & INFERENCES The fecal metabolome is stable over time within IBS patients as well as healthy subjects. This supports the concept of a stable fecal metabolome in IBS despite fluctuations in stool consistency, and the use of single timepoint sampling to further explore how the fecal metabolome is related to IBS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Iribarren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Otto Savolainen
- Chalmers Mass Spectrometry Infrastructure, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria Sapnara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Törnblom
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Simrén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria K Magnusson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lena Öhman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Onyango S, Mi JD, Koech A, Okiro P, Temmerman M, von Dadelszen P, Tribe RM, Omuse G. Microbiota dynamics, metabolic and immune interactions in the cervicovaginal environment and their role in spontaneous preterm birth. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306473. [PMID: 38196946 PMCID: PMC10774218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although establishing a direct causal link between cervicovaginal microbiota and sPTB remains challenging, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of microbial markers potentially linked to sPTB. Despite variations in findings, a recurring observation suggests that sPTB is associated with a more diverse and less stable vaginal microbiota across pregnancy trimesters. It is hypothesized that sPTB risk is likely to be modified via an intricate host-microbe interactions rather than due to the presence of a single microbial taxon or broad community state. Nonetheless, lactobacilli dominance is generally associated with term outcomes and contributes to a healthy vaginal environment through the production of lactic acid/maintenance of a low pH that excludes other pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the innate immunity of the host and metabolic interactions between cervicovaginal microbiota, such as the production of bacteriocins and the use of proteolytic enzymes, exerts a profound influence on microbial populations, activities, and host immune responses. These interplays collectively impact pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the complexity of cervicovaginal environment and microbiota dynamics, and associations with bacterial vaginosis and sPTB. There is also consideration on how probiotics may mitigate the risk of sPTB and bacterial vaginosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Onyango
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia Dai Mi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Okiro
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pagan L, Huisman BW, van der Wurff M, Naafs RGC, Schuren FHJ, Sanders IMJG, Smits WK, Zwittink RD, Burggraaf J, Rissmann R, Piek JMJ, Henderickx JGE, van Poelgeest MIE. The vulvar microbiome in lichen sclerosus and high-grade intraepithelial lesions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1264768. [PMID: 38094635 PMCID: PMC10716477 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1264768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The role of the vulvar microbiome in the development of (pre)malignant vulvar disease is scarcely investigated. The aim of this exploratory study was to analyze vulvar microbiome composition in lichen sclerosus (LS) and vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) compared to healthy controls. Methods Women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (n = 10), HSIL (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 10) were included. Swabs were collected from the vulva, vagina and anal region for microbiome characterization by metagenomic shotgun sequencing. Both lesional and non-lesional sites were examined. Biophysical assessments included trans-epidermal water loss for evaluation of the vulvar skin barrier function and vulvar and vaginal pH measurements. Results Healthy vulvar skin resembled vaginal, anal and skin-like microbiome composition, including the genera Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium. Significant differences were observed in diversity between vulvar skin of healthy controls and LS patients. Compared to the healthy vulvar skin, vulvar microbiome composition of both LS and vulvar HSIL patients was characterized by significantly higher proportions of, respectively, Papillomaviridae (p = 0.045) and Alphapapillomavirus (p = 0.002). In contrast, the Prevotella genus (p = 0.031) and Bacteroidales orders (p = 0.038) were significantly less abundant in LS, as was the Actinobacteria class (p = 0.040) in vulvar HSIL. While bacteria and viruses were most abundant, fungal and archaeal taxa were scarcely observed. Trans-epidermal water loss was higher in vulvar HSIL compared to healthy vulvar skin (p = 0.043). Conclusion This study is the first to examine the vulvar microbiome through metagenomic shotgun sequencing in LS and HSIL patients. Diseased vulvar skin presents a distinct signature compared to healthy vulvar skin with respect to bacterial and viral fractions of the microbiome. Key findings include the presence of papillomaviruses in LS as well as in vulvar HSIL, although LS is generally considered an HPV-independent risk factor for vulvar dysplasia. This exploratory study provides clues to the etiology of vulvar premalignancies and may act as a steppingstone for expanding the knowledge on potential drivers of disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Pagan
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bertine W. Huisman
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Frank H. J. Schuren
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M. J. G. Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Romy D. Zwittink
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Robert Rissmann
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jurgen M. J. Piek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catharina Cancer Institute, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Jannie G. E. Henderickx
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Center of Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte I. E. van Poelgeest
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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
|
16
|
Harryparsad R, Meyer B, Taku O, Serrano M, Chen PL, Gao X, Williamson AL, Mehou-Loko C, d’Hellencourt FL, Smit J, Strauss J, Nanda K, Ahmed K, Beksinska M, Buck G, Morrison C, Deese J, Masson L. Prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among South African women initiating injectable and long-acting contraceptives. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294285. [PMID: 37948399 PMCID: PMC10637674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa is among the countries with the highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). In 2017, there were an estimated 6 million new CT, 4.5 million NG and 71 000 Treponema pallidum infections among South African men and women of reproductive age. METHODS We evaluated STI prevalence and incidence and associated risk factors in 162 women aged 18-33 years old, residing in eThekwini and Tshwane, South Africa who were part of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial. Women were randomised to use depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 53), copper intrauterine device (n = 51), or levonorgestrel (n = 58) implant. Lateral vaginal wall swab samples were collected prior to contraceptive initiation and at months one and three following contraceptive initiation for STI testing. RESULTS There were no significant differences in STI incidence and prevalence across contraceptive groups. At baseline, 40% had active STIs (CT, NG, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) or herpes simplex virus-2 shedding across all age groups- 18-21 years (46%), 22-25 years (42%) and 26-33 years (29%). The incidence of STIs during follow-up was exceptionally high (107.9/100 women-years [wy]), with younger women (18-21 years) more likely to acquire CT (75.9/100 wy) compared to 26-33 year olds (17.4/100 wy; p = 0.049). TV incidence was higher in the 26-33 year old group (82.7/100 wy) compared to the 18-21 year olds (8.4/100 wy; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although the study participants received extensive counselling on the importance of condom use, this study highlights the high prevalence and incidence of STIs in South African women, especially amongst young women, emphasising the need for better STI screening and management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rushil Harryparsad
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bahiah Meyer
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ongeziwe Taku
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Myrna Serrano
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United State of America
| | - Pai Lien Chen
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xiaoming Gao
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Celia Mehou-Loko
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jennifer Smit
- MRU, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jerome Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
| | - Kavita Nanda
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa8 Pfizer, Inc., Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gregory Buck
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United State of America
| | | | - Jennifer Deese
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lindi Masson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa8 Pfizer, Inc., Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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
|
18
|
Chapadgaonkar SS, Bajpai SS, Godbole MS. Gut microbiome influences incidence and outcomes of breast cancer by regulating levels and activity of steroid hormones in women. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1847. [PMID: 37311575 PMCID: PMC10644331 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer, the leading cancer type in women worldwide, is affected by reproductive and nonreproductive factors. Estrogen and progesterone influence the incidence and progression of breast cancer. The microbiome of the gut, a complex organ that plays a vital role in digestion and homeostasis, enhances availability of estrogen and progesterone in the host. Thus, an altered gut microbiome may influence the hormone-induced breast cancer incidence. This review describes the current understanding of the roles of gut microbiome in influencing the incidence and progression of breast cancer, with an emphasis on the microbiome-induced metabolism of estrogen and progesterone. RECENT FINDINGS Microbiome has been recognized as a promising hallmark of cancer. Next-generation sequencing technologies have aided in rapid identification of components of the gut microbiome that are capable of metabolizing estrogen and progesterone. Moreover, studies have indicated a wider role of the gut microbiome in metabolizing chemotherapeutic and hormonal therapy agents and reducing their efficacy in patients with breast cancer, with a predominant effect in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION The gut microbiome and variations in its composition significantly alter the incidence and therapy outcomes of patients with breast cancer. Thus, a healthy and diverse microbiome is required for better response to anticancer therapies. Finally, the review emphasizes the requirement of studies to elucidate mechanisms that may aid in improving the gut microbiome composition, and hence, survival outcomes of patients with breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa S. Chapadgaonkar
- Department of Biosciences and Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Health SciencesDr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace UniversityPuneIndia
| | - Srashti S. Bajpai
- Department of Biosciences and Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Health SciencesDr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace UniversityPuneIndia
| | - Mukul S. Godbole
- Department of Biosciences and Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Health SciencesDr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace UniversityPuneIndia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cauwenberghs E, Oerlemans E, Wittouck S, Allonsius CN, Gehrmann T, Ahannach S, De Boeck I, Spacova I, Bron PA, Donders G, Verhoeven V, Lebeer S. Salivary microbiome of healthy women of reproductive age. mBio 2023; 14:e0030023. [PMID: 37655878 PMCID: PMC10653790 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00300-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The salivary microbiome has been proven to play a crucial role in local and systemic diseases. Moreover, the effects of biological and lifestyle factors such as oral hygiene and smoking on this microbial community have already been explored. However, what was not yet well understood was the natural variation of the saliva microbiome in healthy women and how this is associated with specific use of hormonal contraception and with the number of different sexual partners with whom microbiome exchange is expected regularly. In this paper, we characterized the salivary microbiome of 255 healthy women of reproductive age using an in-depth questionnaire and self-sampling kits. Using the large metadata set, we were able to investigate the associations of several host-related and lifestyle variables with the salivary microbiome profiles. Our study shows a high preservation between individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Cauwenberghs
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eline Oerlemans
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stijn Wittouck
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Camille Nina Allonsius
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thies Gehrmann
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Ahannach
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilke De Boeck
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irina Spacova
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter A. Bron
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilbert Donders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Regional Hospital Heilig Hart, Tienen, Belgium
- Femicare, Clinical Research for Women, Tienen, Belgium
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Department of Family medicine and population health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Saúco C, Rus MJ, Nieto MR, Barros C, Cantiga-Silva C, Lendines-Cordero D, Calderer-Ortiz M, Zurita-García M, Arias-Herrera S, Monsalve-Guil L, Segura-Egea JJ, Simon-Soro A. Hyposalivation but not Sjögren's syndrome associated with microbial dysbiosis in women. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1240891. [PMID: 37869670 PMCID: PMC10588445 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1240891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Saliva modulates the environment of the oral biofilm through pH buffer, microbial attachment to host surfaces, and nutritional source. The ecology of stress occurs when a physical factor adversely impacts an ecosystem or its biotic components. Therefore, reduced salivary flow can affect oral-host balance. The leading causes of hyposalivation include disease-associated Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and menopausal women as aging-associated. However, little is known about the oral microbiome integrated with sex hormones in hyposalivation. This study aimed to characterize the hyposalivation microbiome caused by aging or disease affecting the salivary glands in women. Methods We included 50 women older than 40 years of age in any menopausal phase. We collected stimulated saliva from 25 women diagnosed with SS (SS) and 25 without SS (non-SS). The bacterial profile of the patients was obtained by 16S rRNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis used machine learning to analyze the cohort's signs, symptoms, and bacterial profile. Salivary estradiol as a sex hormone variation level was determined. Results We obtained that 79% of the SS group, and 52% of the non-SS group had hyposalivation. We found a negatively correlated Prevotella-age and Rothia-estradiol in the SS group. Highlight, we found that the cause of the hyposalivation in the study did not explain differences in microbial diversity comparing non-SS and SS groups. Therefore, microbial communities found in hyposalivation but not related to systemic conditions suggest that changes in the oral environment might underpin host-microbial balance. Conclusion The salivary microbiome was similar in women with and without SS. However, hyposalivation showed two distinctive clusters associated with the bacterial population profiles. Our study suggests that local ecological disturbances could drive the change in the microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Saúco
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Maria J. Rus
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María R. Nieto
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Carolina Barros
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Cantiga-Silva
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | | | - Marta Calderer-Ortiz
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Miriam Zurita-García
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Santiago Arias-Herrera
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Loreto Monsalve-Guil
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan José Segura-Egea
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Aurea Simon-Soro
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nygaard S, Gerlif K, Bundgaard-Nielsen C, Saleh Media J, Leutscher P, Sørensen S, Brusen Villadsen A, Thomsen Schmidt Arenholt L. The urinary, vaginal and gut microbiota in women with genital lichen sclerosus - A case-control study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 289:1-8. [PMID: 37591024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease predominantly located in the anogenital region in women. In recent years, the role of the human microbiota in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including LS, has received interest. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to evaluate and compare the composition of the urinary, vaginal and gut microbiota in women with LS versus non-affected controls. STUDY DESIGN Women diagnosed with LS (n = 16) and matched controls (n = 14) were enrolled in the study. From each participant, midstream urine, upper and lower vaginal swabs, as well as faecal samples, were collected. The microbiota composition was assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region. RESULTS We observed no LS-specific clustering in either of the four anatomic niches, using either hierarchical cluster analysis or weighted beta diversity metrics. However, for unweighted UniFrac, significant differences in the urinary and lower vaginal microbiota were observed when comparing women with LS to controls. These findings indicate that while the two groups have microbiota dominated by the same bacteria, variations do occur amongst less abundant bacteria. The LEfSe analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of the genus Streptococcus in the urinary and lower vaginal microbiota in women with LS compared to controls. Additionally, a higher relative abundance of phylum Euryarchaeota was observed in the gut microbiota in women with LS compared to controls. CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated several differences amongst less abundant bacteria in the urinary, lower vaginal and faecal microbiota when comparing women with LS to controls. However, further research is required to assess whether these microbiota differences are causative or merely a result of the underlying LS disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Nygaard
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Katrine Gerlif
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Caspar Bundgaard-Nielsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jean Saleh Media
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Leutscher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Suzette Sørensen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Brusen Villadsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Louise Thomsen Schmidt Arenholt
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjoerring, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Salas-Espejo E, Terrón-Camero LC, Ruiz JL, Molina NM, Andrés-León E. Exploring the Microbiome in Human Reproductive Tract: High-Throughput Methods for the Taxonomic Characterization of Microorganisms. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:125-143. [PMID: 38320576 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms are important due to their widespread presence and multifaceted roles across various domains of life, ecology, and industries. In humans, they underlie the proper functioning of multiple systems crucial to well-being, including immunological and metabolic functions. Emerging research addressing the presence and roles of microorganisms within human reproduction is increasingly relevant. Studies implementing new methodologies (e.g., to investigate vaginal, uterine, and semen microenvironments) can now provide relevant insights into fertility, reproductive health, or pregnancy outcomes. In that sense, cutting-edge sequencing techniques, as well as others such as meta-metabolomics, culturomics, and meta-proteomics, are becoming more popular and accessible worldwide, allowing the characterization of microbiomes at unprecedented resolution. However, they frequently involve rather complex laboratory protocols and bioinformatics analyses, for which researchers may lack the required expertise. A suitable pipeline would successfully enable both taxonomic classification and functional profiling of the microbiome, providing easy-to-understand biological interpretations. However, the selection of an appropriate methodology would be crucial, as it directly impacts the reproducibility, accuracy, and quality of the results and observations. This review focuses on the different current microbiome-related techniques in the context of human reproduction, encompassing niches like vagina, endometrium, and seminal fluid. The most standard and reliable methods are 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and meta-transcriptomics, together with complementary approaches including meta-proteomics, meta-metabolomics, and culturomics. Finally, we also offer case examples and general recommendations about the most appropriate methods and workflows and discuss strengths and shortcomings for each technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Salas-Espejo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura C Terrón-Camero
- Bioinformatics Unit, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - José L Ruiz
- Bioinformatics Unit, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Granada, Spain
| | - Nerea M Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Bioinformatics Unit, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), CSIC, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garg A, Ellis LB, Love RL, Grewal K, Bowden S, Bennett PR, Kyrgiou M. Vaginal microbiome in obesity and its impact on reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 90:102365. [PMID: 37399714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
A number of reproductive outcomes have been increasingly found to be affected by the vaginal microbiota. Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting increasing numbers of reproductive-age women, and has been shown to be a risk factor for a number of adverse female health outcomes. A healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by Lactobacillus-dominance, in particular Lactobacillus crispatus; obesity has been found to be associated with higher diversity and a lower likelihood of Lactobacillus-dominance. In this review, we summarize the evidence on the vaginal microbiome in obese women and the impact on reproductive outcomes such as conception rates, early pregnancy, and preterm birth. We further explore the mechanisms by which obesity may result in an altered microbial composition and highlight future avenues for therapeutic targeting of the vaginal microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura Burney Ellis
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ryan Laurence Love
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Karen Grewal
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bowden
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Armeanu T, Stoian IL, Anton N, Babici RG, Ilea C. A Narrative Review Discussing the Obstetric Repercussions Due to Alterations of Personalized Bacterial Sites Developed within the Vagina, Cervix, and Endometrium. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5069. [PMID: 37568471 PMCID: PMC10419759 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive tract microbiota that evolved as an integrative component has been studied intensively in the last decade. As a result, novel research, clinical opportunities, and perspectives have been derived following the close investigation of this microecological environment. This has paved the way for an update to and improvement of the management strategies and therapeutic approaches. However, obscurities, contradictions, and controversies arise regarding the ascension route from the vagina to the endometrium via the cervix, with finality in adverse obstetric outcomes. METHODS Starting from these considerations, we aimed to gather all existing data and information from four major academic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) published in the last 13 years (2010-2023) using a controlled vocabulary and dedicated terminology to enhance the coverage, identification, and sorting of potentially eligible studies. RESULTS Despite the high number of returned entries (n = 804), only a slight percentage (2.73%) of all manuscripts were deemed eligible following two rounds of evaluation. Cumulatively, a low level of Lactobacillus spp. and of other core microbiota members is mandatory, with a possible eubiosis-to-dysbiosis transition leading to an impairment of metabolic and endocrine network homeostasis. This transposes into a change in the pro-inflammatory landscape and activation of signaling pathways due to activity exerted by the bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs)/endotoxins that further reflect a high risk of miscarriage in various stages. While the presence of some pathogenic entities may be suggestive of an adverse obstetric predisposition, there are still pros and cons of the role of specific strains, as only the vagina and cervix have been targeted as opposed to the endometrium, which recently started to be viewed as the key player in the vagina-cervix-endometrium route. Consequently, based on an individual's profile, diet, and regime, antibiotics and probiotics might be practical or not. CONCLUSIONS Resident bacteria have a dual facet and are beneficial for women's health, but, at the same time, relaying on the abundance, richness, and evenness that are definitory indexes standing as intermediaries of a miscarriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Theodora Armeanu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina-Liviana Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Anton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona-Geanina Babici
- Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ilea
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dass M, Singh Y, Ghai M. A Review on Microbial Species for Forensic Body Fluid Identification in Healthy and Diseased Humans. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:299. [PMID: 37491404 PMCID: PMC10368579 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03413-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities present in body fluids can assist in distinguishing between types of body fluids. Metagenomic studies have reported bacterial genera which are core to specific body fluids and are greatly influenced by geographical location and ethnicity. Bacteria in body fluids could also be due to bacterial infection; hence, it would be worthwhile taking into consideration bacterial species associated with diseases. The present review reports bacterial species characteristic of diseased and healthy body fluids across geographical locations, and bacteria described in forensic studies, with the aim of collating a set of bacteria to serve as the core species-specific markers for forensic body fluid identification. The most widely reported saliva-specific bacterial species are Streptococcus salivarius, Prevotella melaninogenica, Neisseria flavescens, with Fusobacterium nucleatum associated with increased diseased state. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners are frequently dominant in the vaginal microbiome of healthy women. Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella bivia, and Gardnerella vaginalis are more prevalent in women with bacterial vaginosis. Semen and urine-specific bacteria at species level have not been reported, and menstrual blood bacteria are indistinguishable from vaginal fluid. Targeting more than one bacterial species is recommended for accurate body fluid identification. Although metagenomic sequencing provides information of a broad microbial profile, the specific bacterial species could be used to design biosensors for rapid body fluid identification. Validation of microbial typing methods and its application in identifying body fluids in a mixed sample would allow regular use of microbial profiling in a forensic workflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mishka Dass
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X 54001, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Yashna Singh
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X 54001, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Meenu Ghai
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X 54001, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Navarro S, Abla H, Delgado B, Colmer-Hamood JA, Ventolini G, Hamood AN. Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:186. [PMID: 37442975 PMCID: PMC10339506 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycogen metabolism by Lactobacillus spp. that dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome contributes to a low vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). During bacterial vaginosis (BV), strict and facultative anaerobes including Gardnerella vaginalis become predominant, leading to an increase in the vaginal pH (> 4.5). BV enhances the risk of obstetrical complications, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, and cervical cancer. Factors critical for the maintenance of the healthy vaginal microbiome or the transition to the BV microbiome are not well defined. Vaginal pH may affect glycogen metabolism by the vaginal microflora, thus influencing the shift in the vaginal microbiome. RESULTS The medium simulating vaginal fluid (MSVF) supported growth of L. jensenii 62G, L. gasseri 63 AM, and L. crispatus JV-V01, and G. vaginalis JCP8151A at specific initial pH conditions for 30 d. L. jensenii at all three starting pH levels (pH 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0), G. vaginalis at pH 4.5 and 5.0, and L. gasseri at pH 5.0 exhibited the long-term stationary phase when grown in MSVF. L. gasseri at pH 4.5 and L. crispatus at pH 5.0 displayed an extended lag phase over 30 d suggesting inefficient glycogen metabolism. Glycogen was essential for the growth of L. jensenii, L. crispatus, and G. vaginalis; only L. gasseri was able to survive in MSVF without glycogen, and only at pH 5.0, where it used glucose. All four species were able to survive for 15 d in MSVF with half the glycogen content but only at specific starting pH levels - pH 4.5 and 5.0 for L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and G. vaginalis and pH 5.0 for L. crispatus. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that variations in the vaginal pH critically influence the colonization of the vaginal tract by lactobacilli and G. vaginalis JCP8151A by affecting their ability to metabolize glycogen. Further, we found that L. jensenii 62G is capable of glycogen metabolism over a broader pH range (4.0-5.0) while L. crispatus JV-V01 glycogen utilization is pH sensitive (only functional at pH 5.0). Finally, our results showed that G. vaginalis JCP8151A can colonize the vaginal tract for an extended period as long as the pH remains at 4.5 or above.
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
| | - Betsaida Delgado
- Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX USA
- Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
| | - Jane A. Colmer-Hamood
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX USA
- 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
|
27
|
Grobeisen-Duque O, Mora-Vargas CD, Aguilera-Arreola MG, Helguera-Repetto AC. Cycle Biodynamics of Women's Microbiome in the Urinary and Reproductive Systems. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4003. [PMID: 37373695 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The genitourinary microbiome plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of urinary and reproductive health in women throughout their lives. Particularly during the reproductive stage, resident microorganisms contribute to implantation and protect against perinatal complications, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, while also serving as the first line of defense against pathogens that can cause infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. This review aimed to elucidate the relationship between a healthy microbiome environment and women's overall health. We examine the variability and dynamics of the microbiome during different developmental stages, ranging from the prepubertal to the postmenopausal stage. Furthermore, we explore the significance of a healthy microbiota in successful implantation and pregnancy development and investigate potential differences between women experiencing infertility. In addition, we analyze the local and systemic inflammatory responses associated with the establishment of a dysbiotic state and compare it to a condition where a healthy microbiome was established. Lastly, we present the most recent evidence regarding preventive measures, such as dietary interventions and the use of probiotics to promote and maintain a healthy microbiome, thereby ensuring comprehensive women's health. By highlighting the importance of the genitourinary microbiome in reproductive health, this review aimed to enhance this microbiome's visibility and significance in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orly Grobeisen-Duque
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anahuac Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 52786, Mexico
| | - Carlos Daniel Mora-Vargas
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 11350, Mexico
| | | | - Addy Cecilia Helguera-Repetto
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de Mexico 11000, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mori R, Hayakawa T, Hirayama M, Ozawa F, Yoshihara H, Goto S, Kitaori T, Ozaki Y, Sugiura-Ogasawara M. Cervicovaginal microbiome in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 157:103944. [PMID: 37060795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
There have been few studies concerning an association between unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and the microbiome. A recent study including 67 patients demonstrated that an increase in Ureaplasma species in the endometrium raised the risk of miscarriage with an euploid karyotype. While endometrial sampling is invasive, cervicovaginal sampling is not. We compared vaginal and cervical microbiomes with a 16 S ribosomal RNA sequence between 88 patients with unexplained RPL and 17 healthy women with no history of miscarriage. We prospectively assessed risk factors for maternal colonization at a subsequent miscarriage without an aneuploid karyotype in patients. Cervicovaginal bacteria were dominated by Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Bifidobacterium breve in Japanese population. The proportions of Delftia and unknown bacteria in the cervix were significantly higher in patients with RPL than in controls. Streptococcus, Microbacterium, Delftia, Anaerobacillus and Chloroplast in the cervix were significantly higher in patients with a history of chorioamnionitis compared to the controls. The abundance of Cutibacterium and Anaerobacillus in the cervix was significantly higher in patients who had subsequently miscarried compared to those who gave birth. The miscarriage rate in patients with higher proportions of both Cutibacterium and Anaerobacillus (66.7%, 2/3) was significantly greater than that of patients who lacked these bacteria (9.2%, 6/65, adjusted odds ratio 16.90, 95% confidence interval 1.27-225.47, p = 0.032). The presence of certain bacteria could be a predictor of subsequent miscarriage without an aneuploid karyotype. The cervicovaginal microbiome might be useful for investigating a possible cause of RPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Mori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hirayama
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 461-8673, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Shinobu Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Tamao Kitaori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ozaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University West Medical Center, Nagoya 462-8508, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sugiura-Ogasawara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nabeh OA. New insights on the impact of gut microbiota on premenstrual disorders. Will probiotics solve this mystery? Life Sci 2023; 321:121606. [PMID: 36948390 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual disorders (PMDs) refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), where both are characterized by physical and psychological changes occurring in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. According to the available theories, there is no single accusation succeeded to explain the pathophysiology of PMDs. However, there is emerging evidence for the role of gut microbiota (GM) in PMDs, supported by the diverging impact of GM on our body systems. The direct secretory function of GM and their integration in hormonal, neurotransmitters and bioactive compounds secretion and activity reinforce this speculation. Moreover, the bidirectional relation between GM and steroid hormones and the impact of diet, drugs, and inflammation on both, GM and PMDs incidence and severity justify the need for more studies to determine the actual role of GM in PMDs and the possible potential of probiotics and prebiotics as therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omnia Azmy Nabeh
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Cardiovascular Medicine, Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
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 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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
|
31
|
Vemuri R, Herath MP. Beyond the Gut, Emerging Microbiome Areas of Research: A Focus on Early-Life Microbial Colonization. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020239. [PMID: 36838204 PMCID: PMC9962807 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Undoubtedly, the human body harbors trillions of microbes of different kinds performing various physiological activities, such as priming the immune system, influencing host metabolism, and improving health by providing important metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. Although the gut is considered the "microbial organ" of our body as it hosts the most microbes, there are microbes present in various other important anatomical locations differing in numbers and type. Research has shown the presence of microbes in utero, sparking a debate on the "sterile womb" concept, and there is much scope for more work in this area. It is important to understand the early-life microbiome colonization, which has a role in the developmental origins of health and disease in later life. Moreover, seminal studies have indicated the presence of microbes beyond the gut, for example, in the adipose tissue and the liver. However, it is still unclear what is the exact source of these microbes and their exact roles in health and disease. In this review, we appraise and discuss emerging microbiome areas of research and their roles in metabolic health. Further, we review the importance of the genital microbiome in early-life microbial interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravichandra Vemuri
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (M.P.H.)
| | - Manoja P. Herath
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (M.P.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dong M, Dong Y, Bai J, Li H, Ma X, Li B, Wang C, Li H, Qi W, Wang Y, Fan A, Han C, Xue F. Interactions between microbiota and cervical epithelial, immune, and mucus barrier. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1124591. [PMID: 36909729 PMCID: PMC9998931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1124591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts of the female genital tract. It allows sperm and birth passage and hinders the upward movement of microorganisms into a relatively sterile uterus. It is also the predicted site for sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The healthy cervicovaginal microbiota maintains cervical epithelial barrier integrity and modulates the mucosal immune system. Perturbations of the microbiota composition accompany changes in microbial metabolites that induce local inflammation, damage the cervical epithelial and immune barrier, and increase susceptibility to STI infection and relative disease progression. This review examined the intimate interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota, relative metabolites, and the cervical epithelial-, immune-, and mucus barrier, and the potent effect of the host-microbiota interaction on specific STI infection. An improved understanding of cervicovaginal microbiota regulation on cervical microenvironment homeostasis might promote advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various STI diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yalan Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaotong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bijun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhui Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Aiping Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cha Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Alharbi AM, Alfahemi H, Khan NA. The Gut Microbiome and Female Health. Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:1683. [PMID: 36421397 PMCID: PMC9687867 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The possession of two X chromosomes may come with the risk of various illnesses, females are more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis, heart disease, and anxiety. Given the reported correlations between gut microbiome dysbiosis and various illnesses, the female gut microbiome is worthy of exploration. Herein, we discuss the composition of the female gut microbiota and its dysbiosis in pathologies affecting the female population. Using PubMed, we performed a literature search, using key terms, namely: "gut microbiome", "estrogen", "menopause", "polycystic ovarian syndrome", "pregnancy", and "menstruation". In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Firmicutes, Streptococcus, and the ratio of Escherichia/Shigella was found to be increased while that of Tenericutes ML615J-28, Tenericutes 124-7, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidetes S24-7 was reduced. In breast cancer, the abundance of Clostridiales was enhanced, while in cervical cancer, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Dialister were enhanced but Bacteroides, Alistipes, and members of Lachnospiracea, were decreased. In ovarian cancer, Prevotella abundance was increased. Interestingly, the administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus fermentum ameliorated PCOS symptoms while that of a mix of Bifidobacterium lactis W51, Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Lactobacillus brevis W63, Bifidobacterium lactis W52, Lactobacillus salivarius W24, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactococcus lactis W19, Lactobacillus casei W56, and Lactococcus lactis W58 alleviated vascular malfunction and arterial stiffness in obese postmenopausal women, and finally, while further research is needed, Prevotella maybe protective against postmenopausal bone mass loss. As several studies report the therapeutic potential of probiotics and since the gut microbiota of certain female pathological states has been relatively characterized, we speculate that the administration of certain bacterial species as probiotics is warranted, as novel independent or adjunct therapies for various female pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad M. Alharbi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hasan Alfahemi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fransson E, Gudnadottir U, Hugerth LW, Itzel EW, Hamsten M, Boulund F, Pennhag A, Du J, Schuppe-Koistinen I, Brusselaers N, Engstrand L. Cohort profile: the Swedish Maternal Microbiome project (SweMaMi) - assessing the dynamic associations between the microbiome and maternal and neonatal adverse events. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065825. [PMID: 36288838 PMCID: PMC9615996 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Swedish Maternal Microbiome (SweMaMi) project was initiated to better understand the dynamics of the microbiome in pregnancy, with longitudinal microbiome sampling, shotgun metagenomics, extensive questionnaires and health registry linkage. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women were recruited before the 20th gestational week during 2017-2021 in Sweden. In total, 5439 pregnancies (5193 unique women) were included. For 3973 pregnancies (73%), samples were provided at baseline, and for 3141 (58%) at all three timepoints (second and third trimester and postpartum). In total, 38 591 maternal microbiome samples (vaginal, faecal and saliva) and 3109 infant faecal samples were collected. Questionnaires were used to collect information on general, reproductive and mental health, diet and lifestyle, complemented by linkage to the nationwide health registries, also used to follow up the health of the offspring (up to age 10). FINDINGS TO DATE The cohort is fairly representative for the total Swedish pregnant population (data from 2019), with 41% first-time mothers. Women with university level education, born in Sweden, with normal body mass index, not using tobacco-products and aged 30-34 years were slightly over-represented. FUTURE PLANS The sample and data collection were finalised in November 2021. The next steps are the characterisation of the microbial DNA and linkage to the health and demographic information from the questionnaires and registries. The role of the microbiome on maternal and neonatal outcomes and early-childhood diseases will be explored (including preterm birth, miscarriage) and the role and interaction of other risk factors and confounders (including endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diet, drug use). This is currently among the largest pregnancy cohorts in the world with longitudinal design and detailed and standardised microbiome sampling enabling follow-up of both mothers and children. The findings are expected to contribute greatly to the field of reproductive health focusing on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Fransson
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Unnur Gudnadottir
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luisa W Hugerth
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Wiberg Itzel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södersjukhuset AB, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marica Hamsten
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Boulund
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Pennhag
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juan Du
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ina Schuppe-Koistinen
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nele Brusselaers
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Lars Engstrand
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Collins MK, McCutcheon CR, Petroff MG. Impact of Estrogen and Progesterone on Immune Cells and Host–Pathogen Interactions in the Lower Female Reproductive Tract. J I 2022; 209:1437-1449. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|