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Osadchiy V, Belarmino A, Kianian R, Sigalos JT, Furtado TP, Ancira JS, Kanie T, Mangum SF, Tipton CD, Hsieh TCM, Mills JN, Eleswarapu SV. Urine microbes and predictive metagenomic profiles associate with abnormalities in sperm parameters: implications for male subfertility. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:163-173. [PMID: 38336233 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the taxonomic and predicted functional relationship between the urine microbiome and alterations of semen analysis (SA) parameters. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) Men presenting for fertility evaluation or men presenting for vasectomy consultation with proven biological paternity were recruited and stratified on the basis of alterations, or lack thereof, in SA parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Changes in the functional and taxonomic urine microbiome profiles of participants with or without alterations in SA parameters. RESULTS Seventy-three participants were included in our study. Men with abnormal sperm motility (N = 27) showed a nearly 50-fold higher abundance of Dialister micraerophilus compared with those with normal sperm motility (N = 46). This relationship persisted on canonical correlational analysis (r = 0.439). Men with abnormal sperm concentration (N = 20) showed a lower abundance of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, compared with those with normal sperm concentration (N = 53). The urine of participants with impaired sperm motility demonstrated dramatic differences in predictive functional profiles in pathways involved in oxidation-reduction balance and cell longevity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore differences in the urinary microbiome and abnormalities in semen parameters, especially sperm motility. By incorporating predictive functional profiling, we also highlight possible mechanisms that may drive the observed differences in sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Osadchiy
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andre Belarmino
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Reza Kianian
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - John T Sigalos
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Thiago P Furtado
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jacob S Ancira
- RTL Genomics, MicroGen DX, Lubbock, Texas; Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Trisha Kanie
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Tung-Chin M Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Jesse N Mills
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sriram V Eleswarapu
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Li C, Jin S, Lv O, Wang G, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang W, Long F, Shen Z, Bai S, Zhaxi D, Kong F, Yan Q, Xiao Z. Comparative analysis of the vaginal bacteriome and virome in healthy women living in high-altitude and sea-level areas. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:157. [PMID: 38454476 PMCID: PMC10918948 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota plays an important role in the health of the female reproductive tract and is closely associated with various pregnancy outcomes and sexually transmitted diseases. Plenty of internal and external factors have strong influence on the changes in a woman's vaginal microbiome. However, the effect of a high-altitude on female vaginal microbiota has not been described. In this study, we characterized the vaginal bacteriome and virome of 13 and 34 healthy women living in high-altitude and sea-level areas, using whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of their vaginal mucus samples. The results revealed that the vaginal bacteriomes of high-altitude individuals are featured by a significant increase of species diversity, depletion of Lactobacillus crispatus, and more abundant of some anaerobic bacteria, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Mageeibacillus indolicus, Dialister micraerophilus, and Sneathia amnii). In addition, the vagina samples of sea-level subjects harbor more Lactobacillus strains, whereas the anaerobic bacteroidetes strains mostly appeared in high-altitude subjects. Identified and assembled 191 virus operational taxonomic units (vOTUs), there were significant differences in the abundance of 107 vOTUs between the two groups. Together, the results of this study raised the understanding of bacteriome and virome in the vagina of women at different elevations, and demonstrated that the vaginal microbiome is related to the high-altitude geographic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Song Jin
- Operating Room, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Oingbo Lv
- Puensum Genetech Institute, Wuhan, 430076, China
| | - Guangyang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Puensum Genetech Institute, Wuhan, 430076, China
| | - Shenghui Li
- Puensum Genetech Institute, Wuhan, 430076, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Fang Long
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Naqu, Naqu, Tibet, 852000, China
| | - Zhuowei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Siqi Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Duoii Zhaxi
- Institute of High Altitude Medicine, People's Hospital of Naqu, Naqu, Tibet, 852000, China
| | - Fandou Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
| | - Qiulong Yan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Zhen Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Naqu, Naqu, Tibet, 852000, China.
- Institute of High Altitude Medicine, People's Hospital of Naqu, Naqu, Tibet, 852000, China.
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Kitagawa H, Tadera K, Omori K, Nomura T, Shigemoto N, Ohge H. A case of bacteremia caused by Dialister micraerophilus with Enterocloster clostridioformis and Eggerthella lenta in a patient with pyometra. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38267864 PMCID: PMC10809547 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by Dialister micraerophilus, an obligate anaerobic gram-negative bacillus, has rarely been described, and its clinical characteristics remain unclear. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of bacteremia caused by D. micraerophilus, Enterocloster clostridioformis, and Eggerthella lenta in a 47-year-old woman, associated with pyometra. D. micraerophilus was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. D. micraerophilus was detected by polymerase chain reaction using D. micraerophilus-specific primers and E. clostridioformis and E. lenta was isolated from the drainage pus sample obtained from the pyometra uterus. The patient achieved a cure after abscess drainage and 2-week antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of D. micraerophilus bacteremia. D. micraerophilus may be associated with gynecological infections. Clinicians should consider both oral and gynecological sites when searching to identify the focus of D. micraerophilus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kitagawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima, Japan.
- Project Research Center for Nosocomial Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Kayoko Tadera
- Project Research Center for Nosocomial Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Section of Clinical Laboratory, Division of Clinical Support, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keitaro Omori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihito Nomura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Norifumi Shigemoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Nosocomial Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Translational Research Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ohge
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- Project Research Center for Nosocomial Infectious Diseases, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Sabo MC, Lokken EM, Srinivasan S, Kinuthia J, Richardson BA, Fiedler TL, Munch M, Proll S, Salano C, John-Stewart G, Jaoko W, Fredricks DN, McClelland RS. Changes in Vaginal Bacteria and Inflammatory Mediators From Periconception Through the Early Postpartum Period in a Cohort of Kenyan Women Without HIV. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:487-499. [PMID: 37207618 PMCID: PMC10428199 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum may be mediated by changes in vaginal microbiota and/or cytokines. METHODS A cohort of 80 Kenyan women who were HIV-1 seronegative contributed 409 vaginal samples at 6 pregnancy time points: periconception, positive pregnancy test result, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum. Concentrations of vaginal bacteria linked with HIV risk and Lactobacillus spp were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cytokines were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS Based on Tobit regression, later pregnancy time points were associated with lower concentrations of Sneathia spp (P = .01), Eggerthella sp type 1 (P = .002), and Parvimonas sp type 2 (P = .02) and higher concentrations of Lactobacillus iners (P < .001), Lactobacillus crispatus (P < .001), Lactobacillus vaginalis (P < .001), interleukin 6 (P < .001), TNF (P = .004), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10; P < .001), C-C motif ligand 3 (P = .009), C-C motif ligand 4 (P < .001), C-C motif ligand 5 (P = .002), interleukin 1β (P = .02), and interleukin 8 (P = .002). Most cervicovaginal cytokines and vaginal bacteria clustered separately in principal component analysis, except for CXCL10, which did not group with either cytokines or bacteria. The shift toward a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota during pregnancy mediated the relationship between pregnancy time point and CXCL10. CONCLUSIONS Increases in proinflammatory cytokines, but not vaginal bacterial taxa linked with higher HIV risk, could provide an explanation for increased HIV susceptibility during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Sabo
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Erica M Lokken
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tina L Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew Munch
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean Proll
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clayton Salano
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David N Fredricks
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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5
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Novak J, Ferreira CST, Golim MA, Silva MG, Marconi C. Covariates of vaginal microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in women of reproductive age. Benef Microbes 2023; 14:131-142. [PMID: 37026365 DOI: 10.3920/bm2022.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the correlation between covariates of the vaginal microbiota and local levels of proinflammatory cytokines in women of reproductive age presenting four molecularly defined bacterial community-state types (CSTs). We enrolled 133 non-pregnant women who attended primary care health clinics for routine Pap-testing. Molecular profiling of vaginal microbiota was performed by V3-V4 16S rRNA sequencing. The covariates of vaginal microbiota included were: vaginal pH, total bacterial cell count, diversity (Shannon index), -richness and dominant taxa abundances. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in supernatants of cervicovaginal fluids. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare microbiota covariates and cytokines among different CSTs. Spearman's tests were performed to assess correlations across the measured parameters. A total of 96 (72.2%) participants had CSTs dominated by Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus crispatus CST I, n=38; Lactobacillus gasseri CST II, n=20; and Lactobacillus iners CST III, n=38). A total of 37 (27.8%) presented the Lactobacillus-depleted CST IV. Total bacterial count was higher in CST II (1.29E+05, 3.40E+04-6.69E+05) compared to other Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs (p=0.0003). The highest values of microbiota diversity (1.85; 0.23-2.68) and richness (27.0; 5.0-37.0) were observed in CST IV (P<0.0001). Lower levels of IL-1β were observed in CST I (5.4; 0.0-3,256) when compared to CST III (51.7; 0.0-2,616) and to CST IV (56.2; 0.0-3,407) (P=0.008). Levels of IL-6 were higher in CST II (4.13; 0-131.4) than in CST IV (0.0-58.27) (P=0.02). Correlation tests showed an overall distinct profile of CST II when compared to other Lactobacillusdominated CSTs, particularly regarding the correlation between total bacterial load and cytokines (r>0.39). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of a single pro-inflammatory signature of L. gasseri-dominated microbiota in response to bacterial load. Further studies evaluating a broader range of inflammation markers are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Novak
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - C S T Ferreira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - M A Golim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Center Blood, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - M G Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - C Marconi
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Department of Basic Pathology, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
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Influence of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and HIV on Cervicovaginal Cytokines and Microbiota in Malawi. mSphere 2023; 8:e0058522. [PMID: 36622252 PMCID: PMC9942570 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00585-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Important questions remain on how hormonal contraceptives alter the local immune environment and the microbiota in the female genital tract and how such effects may impact susceptibility to HIV infection. We leveraged samples from a previously conducted clinical trial of Malawian women with (n = 73) and without (n = 24) HIV infection randomized to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or the levonogestrel implant in equal numbers within each group and determined the effects of these hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on the vaginal immune milieu and the composition of the vaginal microbiota. Longitudinal data for soluble immune mediators, measured by multiplex bead arrays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and vaginal microbiota, assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon, were collected prior to and over a period of 180 days post-HC initiation. DMPA and levonogestrel had only minimal effects on the vaginal immune milieu and microbiota. In women with HIV, with the caveat of a small sample size, there was an association between the median log10 change in the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-10 ratio in vaginal fluid at day 180 post-HC compared to baseline when these women were classified as having a community state type (CST) IV vaginal microbiota and were randomized to DMPA. Long-lasting alterations in soluble immune markers or shifts in microbiota composition were not observed. Furthermore, women with HIV did not exhibit increased viral shedding in the genital tract after HC initiation. Consistent with the results of the ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes) trial, our data imply that the progestin-based HC DMPA and levonorgestrel are associated with minimal risk for women with HIV. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02103660). IMPORTANCE The results of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial, the first large randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the HIV acquisition risk of women receiving DMPA, the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant, or the copper intrauterine device (IUD), did not reveal an increased risk of HIV acquisition for women on any of these three contraceptives. Our study results confirm that the two different progestin-based hormonal contraceptives DMPA and levonogestrel will not increase the risk for HIV infection. Furthermore, DMPA and levonogestrel have only minimal effects on the immune milieu and the microbiota in the vaginal tract, attesting to the safety of these hormonal contraceptives.
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Li M, Huang Z, Tao Z, Meng Y, Wen J, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Shang M, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen R, Wang X, Cao Y, Zhang L, Liao Q. The role of upper and lower genital tract microbiota alterations in term chorionamnionitis: A prospective study. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1069254. [PMID: 36605507 PMCID: PMC9808057 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1069254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to compare the dynamics of lower and upper genital tract microbiota in normal term pregnancy, histological chorioamnionitis (HCA), and clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA) patients to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of chorioamnionitis (CAM) patients. Methods We prospectively collected vaginal and cervical secretions, as well as placenta tissues, fetal membranes, and amniotic fluid from normal-term pregnant women, HCA and CCA patients. Then, we performed genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification for all samples. The eligible samples were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing. Additionally, all placenta tissues were histopathologically examined, and neonatal pharyngeal swabs and placenta tissues from the HCA and CCA groups were subjected to microbial culture. Results A total of 85 term pregnant women were enrolled in this study, including 34 in the normal group (N), 37 in the HCA group, and 14 in the CCA group. A total of 171 qualified samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results suggested that the cervical microbiota was highly similar to the vaginal microbiota in normal term parturients, with Lactobacillus as the dominant bacterium. Moreover, there was no difference in the alpha and beta diversity of vaginal microbiota between the N, HCA, and CCA groups at the genus level. Besides, no significant differences were detected in cervical microbiome among the three groups. Regarding intrauterine microorganisms, the N and HCA groups had similar microbial composition but were different from the CCA group. No microbe was detected in the placental tissue of normal term parturients, while some microorganisms were found in the intrauterine amniotic fluid and fetal membrane samples. Regardless of cultivation or 16S rRNA sequencing, an extremely low microbial positive rate was detected in HCA and CCA intrauterine samples. Compared to the normal group, Lactobacillus was significantly reduced in the CCA group intrauterine, and Ureaplasma and Enterococcus increased with no statistically significant. Conclusion The N, HCA and CCA groups had similar composition of vaginal and cervical microflora. Some normal-term pregnant women can harbor non-pathogenic microbiota in the uterine cavity. Sterile inflammation is more frequent than microbial-associated inflammation in term HCA and CCA parturients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Tao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiongqiong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lei Zhang, ; Qinping Liao,
| | - Qinping Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lei Zhang, ; Qinping Liao,
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Bender Ignacio RA, Dasgupta S, Valdez R, Pandey U, Pasalar S, Alfaro R, Hladik F, Gornalusse G, Lama JR, Duerr A. Dynamic immune markers predict HIV acquisition and augment associations with sociobehavioral factors for HIV exposure. iScience 2022; 25:105632. [PMID: 36483014 PMCID: PMC9722478 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies attempting to link biomarkers of immune activation with risk of acquiring HIV have relied on cross sectional samples, most without proximity to HIV acquisition. We created a nested case-control study within the Sabes study in Peru, and assessed a panel of plasma immune biomarkers at enrollment and longitudinally, including within a month of diagnosis of primary HIV or matched timepoint in controls. We used machine learning to select biomarkers and sociobehavioral covariates predictive of HIV acquisition. Most biomarkers were indistinguishable between cases and controls one month before HIV diagnosis. However, levels differed between cases and controls at study entry, months to years earlier. Dynamic changes in IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, IP-10 and IL-12, rather than absolute levels, jointly predicted HIV risk when added to traditional risk factors, and there was modest effect modification of biomarkers on association between sociobehavioral risk factors and HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Bender Ignacio
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA,Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Sayan Dasgupta
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rogelio Valdez
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Urvashi Pandey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Siavash Pasalar
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ricardo Alfaro
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Bellavista, Lima 07006, Peru
| | - Florian Hladik
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Germán Gornalusse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Javier R. Lama
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima 15063, Peru,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ann Duerr
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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9
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Gholiof M, Adamson-De Luca E, Wessels JM. The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:963752. [PMID: 36303679 PMCID: PMC9580710 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.963752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interactions between the host cells, bacteria, and immune components that reside in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are essential in maintaining reproductive tract homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge surrounding the FRT microbiota relates to the vaginal microbiota, where ‘health’ has long been associated with low bacterial diversity and Lactobacillus dominance. This concept has recently been challenged as women can have a diverse vaginal microbial composition in the absence of symptomatic disease. The structures of the upper FRT (the endocervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries) have distinct, lower biomass microbiotas than the vagina; however, the existence of permanent microbiotas at these sites is disputed. During homeostasis, a balance exists between the FRT bacteria and the immune system that maintains immune quiescence. Alterations in the bacteria, immune system, or local environment may result in perturbances to the FRT microbiota, defined as dysbiosis. The inflammatory signature of a perturbed or “dysbiotic” FRT microbiota is characterized by elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cervical and vaginal fluid. It appears that vaginal homeostasis can be disrupted by two different mechanisms: first, a shift toward increased bacterial diversity can trigger vaginal inflammation, and second, local immunity is altered in some manner, which disrupts the microbiota in response to an environmental change. FRT dysbiosis can have negative effects on reproductive health. This review will examine the increasing evidence for the involvement of the FRT microbiotas and inflammation in gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial and ovarian cancer; however, the precise mechanisms by which bacteria are involved in these conditions remains speculative at present. While only in their infancy, the use of antibiotics and probiotics to therapeutically alter the FRT microbiota is being studied and is discussed herein. Our current understanding of the intimate relationship between immunity and the FRT microbiota is in its early days, and more research is needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this relationship and to assess how our present knowledge can be harnessed to assist in diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholiof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Adamson-De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jocelyn M. Wessels
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10
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Genital microbiota of women using a 90 day tenofovir or tenofovir and levonorgestrel intravaginal ring in a placebo controlled randomized safety trial in Kenya. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12040. [PMID: 35835755 PMCID: PMC9283538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In a phase-IIa trial, we investigated the influence of 90 days continuous-delivery tenofovir (TFV) intravaginal rings (IVRs) with/without levonorgestrel (LNG) on the genital microbiota of Kenyan women. Eligible women (n = 27; 18-34 years; negative for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and Amsel-bacterial vaginosis) were randomized 2:2:1 to use of IVRs containing TFV, TFV/LNG, or placebo. Using vaginal wall and IVR swabs at IVR insertion and removal, the genital microbial composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence of Candida spp. was determined using qPCR. The vaginal total bacterial burden appeared to decrease with TFV and TFV/LNG IVR use (log100.57 and log100.27 decrease respectively; p > 0.05). The TFV/LNG IVR was more 'stabilizing': 50% of the participants' microbiota community state types remained unchanged and 50% shifted towards higher Lactobacillus abundance. Specifically, TFV/LNG IVR use was accompanied by increased abundances of Lactobacillus gasseri/hominis/johnsonii/taiwanensis (16.3-fold) and L. fermentum/reuteri/vaginalis (7.0-fold; all p < 0.01). A significant shift in the overall microbial α-diversity or β-diversity was not observed for either IVR, and IVR use did not influence Candida spp. prevalence. TFV/LNG and TFV IVRs did not adversely affect the genital microbiota and are safe to use. Our findings support further studies assessing their efficacy in preventing HIV/HSV-2 and unintended pregnancies.
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11
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Venneri MA, Franceschini E, Sciarra F, Rosato E, D'Ettorre G, Lenzi A. Human genital tracts microbiota: dysbiosis crucial for infertility. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1151-1160. [PMID: 35113404 PMCID: PMC9098539 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01752-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Human body is colonized by trillions of microbes, influenced by several factors, both endogenous, as hormones and circadian regulation, and exogenous as, life-style habits and nutrition. The alteration of such factors can lead to microbial dysbiosis, a phenomenon which, in turn, represents a risk factor in many different pathologies including cancer, diabetes, autoimmune and cardiovascular disease, and infertility. Female microbiota dysbiosis (vaginal, endometrial, placental) and male microbiota dysbiosis (seminal fluid) can influence the fertility, determining a detrimental impact on various conditions, as pre-term birth, neonatal illnesses, and macroscopic sperm parameters impairments. Furthermore, unprotected sexual intercourse creates a bacterial exchange between partners, and, in addition, each partner can influence the microbiota composition of partner's reproductive tracts. This comprehensive overview of the effects of bacterial dysbiosis in both sexes and how partners might influence each other will allow for better personalization of infertility management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Franceschini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Rosato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G D'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Glascock AL, Jimenez NR, Boundy S, Koparde VN, Brooks JP, Edwards DJ, Strauss Iii JF, Jefferson KK, Serrano MG, Buck GA, Fettweis JM. Unique roles of vaginal Megasphaera phylotypes in reproductive health. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34898422 PMCID: PMC8767330 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition of the human vaginal microbiome has been extensively studied and is known to influence reproductive health. However, the functional roles of individual taxa and their contributions to negative health outcomes have yet to be well characterized. Here, we examine two vaginal bacterial taxa grouped within the genus Megasphaera that have been previously associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pregnancy complications. Phylogenetic analyses support the classification of these taxa as two distinct species. These two phylotypes, Megasphaera phylotype 1 (MP1) and Megasphaera phylotype 2 (MP2), differ in genomic structure and metabolic potential, suggestive of differential roles within the vaginal environment. Further, these vaginal taxa show evidence of genome reduction and changes in DNA base composition, which may be common features of host dependence and/or adaptation to the vaginal environment. In a cohort of 3870 women, we observed that MP1 has a stronger positive association with bacterial vaginosis whereas MP2 was positively associated with trichomoniasis. MP1, in contrast to MP2 and other common BV-associated organisms, was not significantly excluded in pregnancy. In a cohort of 52 pregnant women, MP1 was both present and transcriptionally active in 75.4 % of vaginal samples. Conversely, MP2 was largely absent in the pregnant cohort. This study provides insight into the evolutionary history, genomic potential and predicted functional role of two clinically relevant vaginal microbial taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole R Jimenez
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sam Boundy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Vishal N Koparde
- Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - J Paul Brooks
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David J Edwards
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss Iii
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kimberly K Jefferson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Myrna G Serrano
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Fettweis
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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13
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Austin MN, Meyn LA, Avolia HA, Petrina MA, Cosentino LA, Alphonse C, Chen BA, Bunge K, Noguchi L, Beigi R, Squires K, Hillier SL. Impact of Dapivirine and Placebo Vaginal Rings on the Microbiota of Adolescent, Lactating, and Postmenopausal Females. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:2208-2218. [PMID: 34865071 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 25 mg dapivirine vaginal ring has been demonstrated to reduce risk of HIV acquisition in nonpregnant adult women. In this secondary analysis of studies conducted in US adolescent, lactating, and postmenopausal females, vaginal microbiota was assessed prior to and after ring use, and between dapivirine and placebo ring users. METHODS Vaginal fluid swabs were collected before and after product use for the evaluation of microbiota using Nugent's criteria, quantitative culture, and qPCR. RESULTS Vaginal ring use did not impact bacterial vaginosis prevalence among the three populations and was associated with minimal shifts in microbiota. Adolescents in both arms demonstrated an increased prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus and a decrease in quantity of Megasphaera lornae. Postmenopausal active and placebo ring users demonstrated an increased prevalence of lactobacilli and non-albicans yeast while dapivirine ring users demonstrated an increased prevalence of Candida albicans, and increased quantity of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and non-albicans yeasts. Prevotella species were increased in lactating women while P. timonensis increased in prevalence and concentration among adolescent and postmenopausal women and P. bivia increased in prevalence among adolescent dapivirine ring users. CONCLUSIONS Dapivirine vaginal ring use was associated with minimal changes in the vaginal microbiota that are likely not clinically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie A Meyn
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213.,University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15260
| | | | | | | | - Calins Alphonse
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA, 98109
| | - Beatrice A Chen
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213.,University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15260
| | | | - Lisa Noguchi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA, 21287
| | - Richard Beigi
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15260
| | | | - Sharon L Hillier
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213.,University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15260
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14
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Dabee S, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. The Complex Link between the Female Genital Microbiota, Genital Infections, and Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00487-20. [PMID: 33558324 PMCID: PMC8091093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00487-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract microbiota is part of a complex ecosystem influenced by several physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors. It is uniquely linked to a woman's mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. A vaginal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of lactobacilli and low overall bacterial diversity is associated with lower inflammation. On the other hand, a more diverse microbiota is linked to high mucosal inflammation levels, a compromised genital epithelial barrier, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other conditions. Several bacterial taxa such as Gardnerella spp., Prevotella spp., Sneathia spp., and Atopobium spp. are well known to have adverse effects; however, the definitive cause of this microbial dysbiosis is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the multiple ways in which the microbiota influences the overall genital inflammatory milieu and to explore the causes and consequences of this inflammatory response. While there is abundant evidence linking a diverse genital microbiota to elevated inflammation, understanding the risk factors and mechanisms through which it affects genital health is essential. A robust appreciation of these factors is important for identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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15
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Theis KR, Florova V, Romero R, Borisov AB, Winters AD, Galaz J, Gomez-Lopez N. Sneathia: an emerging pathogen in female reproductive disease and adverse perinatal outcomes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:517-542. [PMID: 33823747 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1905606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sneathia is an emerging pathogen implicated in adverse reproductive and perinatal outcomes. Although scarce, recent data suggest that vaginally residing Sneathia becomes pathogenic following its ascension into the upper urogenital tract, amniotic fluid, placenta, and foetal membranes. The role of Sneathia in women's health and disease is generally underappreciated because the cultivation of these bacteria is limited by their complex nutritional requirements, slow growth patterns, and anaerobic nature. For this reason, molecular methods are typically required for the detection and differential diagnosis of Sneathia infections. Here, we review the laboratory methods used for the diagnosis of Sneathia infections, the molecular mechanisms underlying its virulence, and its sensitivity to antibiotics. We further review the evidence of Sneathia's contributions to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, chorioamnionitis, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, spontaneous preterm labour, stillbirth, maternal and neonatal sepsis, HIV infection, and cervical cancer. Collectively, growing evidence indicates that Sneathia represents an important yet underappreciated pathogen affecting the development and progression of several adverse clinical conditions diagnosed in pregnant women and their neonates, as well as in non-pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Theis
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Violetta Florova
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrei B Borisov
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrew D Winters
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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16
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McInally S, Wall K, Yu T, Tirouvanziam R, Kilembe W, Gilmour J, Allen SA, Hunter E. Elevated levels of inflammatory plasma biomarkers are associated with risk of HIV infection. Retrovirology 2021; 18:8. [PMID: 33731158 PMCID: PMC7968240 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-021-00552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if individuals, from HIV-1 serodiscordant couple cohorts from Rwanda and Zambia, who become HIV-positive have a distinct inflammatory biomarker profile compared to individuals who remain HIV-negative, we compared levels of biomarkers in plasma of HIV-negative individuals who either seroconverted (pre-infection) and became HIV-positive or remained HIV-negative (uninfected). RESULTS We observed that individuals in the combined cohort, as well as those in the individual country cohorts, who later became HIV-1 infected had significantly higher baseline levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines compared to individuals who remained HIV-negative. Genital inflammation/ulceration or schistosome infections were not associated with this elevated profile. Defined levels of ITAC and IL-7 were significant predictors of later HIV acquisition in ROC predictive analyses, whereas the classical Th1 and Th2 inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and interferon-γ or IL-4, IL-5 and Il-13 were not. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data show a significant association between increased plasma biomarkers linked to inflammation and immune activation and HIV acquisition and suggests that pre-existing conditions that increase systemic biomarkers represent a factor for increased risk of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha McInally
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristin Wall
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tianwei Yu
- School of Data Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rabindra Tirouvanziam
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Center of CF and Airways Disease Research, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jill Gilmour
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Susan A Allen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric Hunter
- Emory Vaccine Center at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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17
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Hong X, Qin P, Yin J, Shi Y, Xuan Y, Chen Z, Zhou X, Yu H, Peng D, Wang B. Clinical Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Associations With the Vaginal Microbiome: A Cross-Sectional Based Exploratory Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:662725. [PMID: 33967963 PMCID: PMC8104084 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.662725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that the vaginal microbiome is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the clinical manifestations of PCOS are heterogeneous. Whether the vaginal microbiome is related with different clinical symptoms was unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 89 female patients with PCOS admitted to Zhongda Hospital (Nanjing, China) were included. Basic demographic information, health-related behaviors, clinical manifestations and sex hormone levels were comprehensively recorded for all patients. Vaginal swabs were acquired for microbiota sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS The prevalence of bacterial vaginitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis was 15.7% and 13.5%, respectively, within the PCOS patients, which were the most important factors affecting the vaginal microbiome (permutational multivariate analysis of variance test, R2 = 0.108, P = 0.001). The vaginal microbiome was associated with specific clinical manifestations of PCOS, including acanthosis nigricans, intermenstrual bleeding, pregnancy history, testosterone level and anti-müllerian hormone level, with P values < 0.05. The abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus was higher (P = 0.010) while that of Lactobacillus iners was lower (P = 0.036) among PCOS patients with elevated testosterone levels. Other potential bacterial biomarkers were not statistically significant after adjusting for confounding factors. No evidence of associations of other common manifestations of PCOS, such as obesity and acne, with the vaginal microbiome was obtained. CONCLUSION Vaginal bacterial species among PCOS patients with variable clinical manifestations, especially differences in testosterone levels, are distinct. Further studies are essential to investigate the microbiota and molecular mechanisms underpinning this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xuan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengqi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danhong Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Bei Wang, ; Danhong Peng,
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Bei Wang, ; Danhong Peng,
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18
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Inflammation, HIV, and Immune Quiescence: Leveraging on Immunomodulatory Products to Reduce HIV Susceptibility. AIDS Res Treat 2020; 2020:8672850. [PMID: 33178456 PMCID: PMC7609152 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8672850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between inflammation and HIV has been a focus of research over the last decade. In HIV-infected individuals, increased HIV-associated immune activation significantly correlated to disease progression. While genital inflammation (GI) has been shown to significantly increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, immune correlates for reduced risk remain limited. In certain HIV-exposed seronegative individuals, an immune quiescent phenotype characterized reduced risk. Immune quiescence is defined by specific, targeted, highly regulated immune responses that hinder overt inflammation or immune activation. Targeted management of inflammation, therefore, is a plausible strategy to mitigate HIV risk and slow disease progression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as hydroxychloroquine and aspirin have shown encouraging preliminary results in low-risk women by reducing systemic and genital immune activation. A topical NSAID, containing ibuprofen, is effective in treating vulvovaginal inflammation. Additionally, the glucocorticoids (GCs), prednisolone, and dexamethasone are used to treat HIV-associated immune activation. Collectively, these data inform on immune-modulating drugs to reduce HIV risk. However, the prolonged use of these pharmaceutical drugs is associated with adverse effects, both systemically and to a lesser extent topically. Natural products with their reduced side effects coupled with anti-inflammatory properties render them viable options. Lactic acid (LA) has immunomodulatory properties. LA regulates the genital microbiome by facilitating the growth of Lactobacillus species, while simultaneously limiting bacterial species that cause microbial dysbiosis and GI. Glycerol monolaurate, besides being anti-inflammatory, also inhibited SIV infections in rhesus macaques. The proposed pharmaceutical and natural products could be used in combination with either antiretrovirals for treatment or preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. This review provides a summary on the associations between inflammation, HIV risk, and disease progression. Furthermore, we use the knowledge from immune quiescence to exploit the use of pharmaceutical and natural products as strategic interventions to manage inflammation, toward mitigating HIV infections.
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19
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Elevation of cervical C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 levels is associated with HIV-1 acquisition in pregnant and postpartum women. AIDS 2020; 34:1725-1733. [PMID: 32701583 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between cervical cytokine/chemokine concentrations and HIV-1 acquisition in peripartum Kenyan women. DESIGN Nested case-control study. METHODS Women participating in a prospective study of peripartum HIV acquisition in Kenya (the Mama Salama Study), were tested for HIV-1 at 1-3 month intervals during pregnancy and through 9 months postpartum. Cases positive for HIV-1 RNA during follow-up (N = 14), were matched 3 : 1 with HIV-negative controls (N = 42) based on age, marital status, partner HIV-1 status, transactional sex, and timing of cervical swab collection. Concentrations of five cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNFα) and four chemokines (IL-8, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 α, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 β) were measured from cervical swabs collected at the visit prior to HIV-1 diagnosis (cases) or matched gestational/postpartum time (controls). Cytokine/chemokine concentrations were compared between cases and controls using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Principal component analysis was used to create a summary score for closely correlated cytokines/chemokines. Associations with HIV-1 acquisition were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Path analysis was used to evaluate hypothesized relationships between CXCL10, vaginal washing, Nugent score, and HIV-1 acquisition. RESULTS Conditional logistic regression analysis demonstrated an association between increased concentrations of CXCL10 and HIV-1 acquisition (odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.04, 2.93; P = 0.034). Path analysis confirmed a positive independent association between higher concentrations of CXCL10 and HIV-1 acquisition (path coefficient = 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15, 0.59; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION HIV-1 acquisition was associated with increased cervical concentrations of CXCL10 in pregnant and postpartum women.
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Barrientos-Durán A, Fuentes-López A, de Salazar A, Plaza-Díaz J, García F. Reviewing the Composition of Vaginal Microbiota: Inclusion of Nutrition and Probiotic Factors in the Maintenance of Eubiosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020419. [PMID: 32041107 PMCID: PMC7071153 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota has importance in preserving vaginal health and defending the host against disease. The advent of new molecular techniques and computer science has allowed researchers to discover microbial composition in depth and associate the structure of vaginal microbial communities. There is a consensus that vaginal flora is grouped into a restricted number of communities, although the structure of the community is constantly changing. Certain Community-State Types (CSTs) are more associated with poor reproductive outcomes and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) meanwhile, CSTs dominated by Lactobacillus species—particularly Lactobacillus crispatus—are more related to vaginal health. In this work, we have reviewed how modifiable and non-modifiable factors may affect normal vaginal microbiota homeostasis—including sexual behavior, race or ethnicity, and hygiene. Special interest has been given to how the use of probiotics, diet intake, and use of hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) can potentially impact vaginal microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barrientos-Durán
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes-López
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Adolfo de Salazar
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico García
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
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