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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.
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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
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Agarwal K, Choudhury B, Robinson LS, Morrill SR, Bouchibiti Y, Chilin-Fuentes D, Rosenthal SB, Fisch KM, Peipert JF, Lebrilla CB, Allsworth JE, Lewis AL, Lewis WG. Resident microbes shape the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabp9599. [PMID: 38019934 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9599] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells are covered in carbohydrates (glycans). This glycan coat or "glycocalyx" interfaces directly with microbes, providing a protective barrier against potential pathogens. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition associated with adverse health outcomes in which bacteria reside in direct proximity to the vaginal epithelium. Some of these bacteria, including Gardnerella, produce glycosyl hydrolase enzymes. However, glycans of the human vaginal epithelial surface have not been studied in detail. Here, we elucidate key characteristics of the "normal" vaginal epithelial glycan landscape and analyze the impact of resident microbes on the surface glycocalyx. In human BV, glycocalyx staining was visibly diminished in electron micrographs compared to controls. Biochemical and mass spectrometric analysis showed that, compared to normal vaginal epithelial cells, BV cells were depleted of sialylated N- and O-glycans, with underlying galactose residues exposed on the surface. Treatment of primary epithelial cells from BV-negative women with recombinant Gardnerella sialidases generated BV-like glycan phenotypes. Exposure of cultured VK2 vaginal epithelial cells to recombinant Gardnerella sialidase led to desialylation of glycans and induction of pathways regulating cell death, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. These data provide evidence that vaginal epithelial cells exhibit an altered glycan landscape in BV and suggest that BV-associated glycosidic enzymes may lead to changes in epithelial gene transcription that promote cell turnover and regulate responses toward the resident microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lloyd S Robinson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sydney R Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yasmine Bouchibiti
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Daisy Chilin-Fuentes
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sara B Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeffrey F Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Carlito B Lebrilla
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jenifer E Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Morrill SR, Saha S, Varki AP, Lewis WG, Ram S, Lewis AL. Gardnerella Vaginolysin Potentiates Glycan Molecular Mimicry by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1610-1620. [PMID: 37722688 PMCID: PMC10681867 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad391] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a dysbiotic condition of the vaginal microbiome associated with higher risk of infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae-the cause of gonorrhea. Here we test if one known facet of BV-the presence of bacterial cytolysins-leads to mobilization of intracellular contents that enhance gonococcal virulence. We cloned and expressed recombinant vaginolysin (VLY), a cytolysin produced by the BV-associated bacterium Gardnerella, verifying that it liberates contents of cervical epithelial (HeLa) cells, while vector control preparations did not. We tested if VLY mediates a well-known gonococcal virulence mechanism-the molecular mimicry of host glycans. To evade host immunity, N. gonorrhoeae caps its lipooligosaccharide (LOS) with α2-3-linked sialic acid. For this, gonococci must scavenge a metabolite made inside host cells. Flow cytometry-based lectin-binding assays showed that gonococci exposed to vaginolysin-liberated contents of HeLa cells displayed greater sialic acid capping of their LOS. This higher level of bacterial sialylation was accompanied by increased binding of the complement regulatory protein factor H, and greater resistance to complement attack. Together these results suggest that cytolytic activities present during BV may enhance the ability of N. gonorrhoeae to capture intracellular metabolites and evade host immunity via glycan molecular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney R Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sudeshna Saha
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ajit P Varki
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sanjay Ram
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Minooei F, Kanukunta AR, Mahmoud MY, Gilbert NM, Lewis WG, Lewis AL, Frieboes HB, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Mesh and layered electrospun fiber architectures as vehicles for Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus crispatus intended for vaginal delivery. Biomater Adv 2023; 154:213614. [PMID: 37659215 PMCID: PMC10873095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213614] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a recurrent condition that affects millions of women worldwide. The use of probiotics is a promising alternative or an adjunct to traditional antibiotics for BV prevention and treatment. However, current administration regimens often require daily administration, thus contributing to low user adherence and recurrence. Here, electrospun fibers were designed to separately incorporate and sustain two lactic acid producing model organisms, Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Fibers were made of polyethylene oxide and polylactic-co-glycolic acid in two different architectures, one with distinct layers and the other with co-spun components. Degradation of mesh and layered fibers was evaluated via mass loss and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that after 48 h and 6 days, cultures of mesh and layered fibers yielded as much as 108 and 109 CFU probiotic/mg fiber in total, respectively, with corresponding daily recovery on the order of 108 CFU/(mg·day). In addition, cultures of the fibers yielded lactic acid and caused a significant reduction in pH, indicating a high level of metabolic activity. The formulations did not affect vaginal keratinocyte viability or cell membrane integrity in vitro. Finally, mesh and layered probiotic fiber dosage forms demonstrated inhibition of Gardnerella, one of the most prevalent and abundant bacteria associated with BV, respectively resulting in 8- and 6.5-log decreases in Gardnerella viability in vitro after 24 h. This study provides initial proof of concept that mesh and layered electrospun fiber architectures developed as dissolving films may offer a viable alternative to daily probiotic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Minooei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Abhinav R Kanukunta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Mohamed Y Mahmoud
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Minooei F, Gilbert NM, Zhang L, Sarah NeCamp M, Mahmoud MY, Kyser AJ, Tyo KM, Watson WH, Patwardhan R, Lewis WG, Frieboes HB, Lewis AL, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Rapid-dissolving electrospun nanofibers for intra-vaginal antibiotic or probiotic delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:81-93. [PMID: 37479065 PMCID: PMC10530173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.009] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of probiotics as an alternative and adjunct to antibiotic treatment for microbiological disturbances of the female genitourinary system requires innovative delivery platforms for vaginal applications. This study developed a new, rapid-dissolving form using electrospun polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers for delivery of antibiotic metronidazole or probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, and performed evaluation in vitro and in vivo. Fibers did not generate overt pathophysiology or encourage Gardnerella growth in a mouse vaginal colonization model, inducing no alterations in vaginal mucosa at 24 hr post-administration. PEO-fibers incorporating metronidazole (100 µg MET/mg polymer) effectively prevented and treated Gardnerella infections (∼3- and 2.5-log reduction, respectively, 24 hr post treatment) when administered vaginally. Incorporation of live Lactobacillus acidophilus (107 CFU/mL) demonstrated viable probiotic delivery in vitro by PEO and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to inhibit Gardnerella (108 CFU/mL) in bacterial co-cultures (9.9- and 7.0-log reduction, respectively, 24 hr post-inoculation), and in the presence of vaginal epithelial cells (6.9- and 8.0-log reduction, respectively, 16 hr post-inoculation). Administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus in PEO-fibers achieved vaginal colonization in mice similar to colonization observed with free Lactobacillus. acidophilus. These experiments provide proof-of-concept for rapid-dissolving electrospun fibers as a successful platform for intra-vaginal antibiotic or probiotic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Minooei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Longyun Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Mary Sarah NeCamp
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Mohamed Y Mahmoud
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Anthony J Kyser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kevin M Tyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Walter H Watson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Ruta Patwardhan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, 505 S. Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Herold SE, Kyser AJ, Orr MG, Mahmoud MY, Lewis WG, Lewis AL, Steinbach-Rankins JM, Frieboes HB. Release Kinetics of Metronidazole from 3D Printed Silicone Scaffolds for Sustained Application to the Female Reproductive Tract. Biomed Eng Adv 2023; 5:100078. [PMID: 37123989 PMCID: PMC10136949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bea.2023.100078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained vaginal administration of antibiotics or probiotics has been proposed to improve treatment efficacy for bacterial vaginosis. 3D printing has shown promise for development of systems for local agent delivery. In contrast to oral ingestion, agent release kinetics can be fine-tuned by the 3D printing of specialized scaffold designs tailored for particular treatments while enhancing dosage effectiveness via localized sustained release. It has been challenging to establish scaffold properties as a function of fabrication parameters to obtain sustained release. In particular, the relationships between scaffold curing conditions, compressive strength, and drug release kinetics remain poorly understood. This study evaluates 3D printed scaffold formulation and feasibility to sustain the release of metronidazole, a commonly used antibiotic for BV. Cylindrical silicone scaffolds were printed and cured using three different conditions relevant to potential future incorporation of temperature-sensitive labile biologics. Compressive strength and drug release were monitored for 14d in simulated vaginal fluid to assess long-term effects of fabrication conditions on mechanical integrity and release kinetics. Scaffolds were mechanically evaluated to determine compressive and tensile strength, and elastic modulus. Release profiles were fitted to previous kinetic models to differentiate potential release mechanisms. The Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Peppas-Sahlin models best described the release, indicating similarity to release from insoluble or polymeric matrices. This study shows the feasibility of 3D printed silicone scaffolds to provide sustained metronidazole release over 14d, with compressive strength and drug release kinetics tuned by the fabrication parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney E. Herold
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Anthony J. Kyser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Margaret G. Orr
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - Mohamed Y. Mahmoud
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Warren G. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California USA
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, 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
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California USA
| | - Jill M. Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hermann B. Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY, USA
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Mahmoud MY, Wesley M, Kyser A, Lewis WG, Lewis AL, Steinbach-Rankins JM, Frieboes HB. Lactobacillus crispatus-loaded electrospun fibers yield viable and metabolically active bacteria that kill Gardnerella in vitro. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 187:68-75. [PMID: 37086869 PMCID: PMC10192109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.04.011] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that affects one-third of women worldwide. BV is characterized by low levels of healthy lactobacilli and an overgrowth of common anaerobes such as Gardnerella. Antibiotics for BV are administered orally or vaginally; however, approximately half of those treated will experience recurrence within 6 months. Lactobacillus crispatus present at high levels has been associated with positive health outcomes. To address the high recurrence rates following BV treatment, beneficial bacteria have been considered as an alternative or adjunct modality. This study aimed to establish proof-of-concept for a new long-acting delivery vehicle for L. crispatus. Here, it is shown that polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers loaded with L. crispatus can be electrospun with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers (ratio 1:1), and that this construct later releases L. crispatus as metabolically viable bacteria capable of lactic acid production and anti-Gardnerella activity. Probiotic-containing fibers were serially cultured in MRS (deMan, Rogosa, Sharpe) broth with daily media replacement and found to yield viable L. crispatus for at least 7 days. Lactic acid levels and corresponding pH values generally corresponded with levels of L. crispatus cultured from the fibers and strongly support the conclusion that fibers yield viable L. crispatus that is metabolically active. Cultures of L. crispatus-loaded fibers limited the growth of Gardnerella in a dilution-dependent manner during in vitro assays in the presence of cultured vaginal epithelial cells, demonstrating bactericidal potential. Exposure of VK2/E6E7 cells to L. crispatus-loaded fibers resulted in minimal loss of viability relative to untreated cells. Altogether, these data provide proof-of-concept for electrospun fibers as a candidate delivery vehicle for application of vaginal probiotics in a long-acting form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Y Mahmoud
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Madeline Wesley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Anthony Kyser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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8
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Kyser AJ, Mahmoud MY, Herold SE, Lewis WG, Lewis AL, Steinbach-Rankins JM, Frieboes HB. Formulation and Characterization of Pressure-Assisted Microsyringe 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Controlled Intravaginal Antibiotic Release. Int J Pharm 2023; 641:123054. [PMID: 37207856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly recurrent vaginal condition linked with many health complications. Topical antibiotic treatments for BV are challenged with drug solubility in vaginal fluid, lack of convenience and user adherence to daily treatment protocols, among other factors. 3D-printed scaffolds can provide sustained antibiotic delivery to the female reproductive tract (FRT). Silicone vehicles have been shown to provide structural stability, flexibility, and biocompatibility, with favorable drug release kinetics. This study formulates and characterizes novel metronidazole-containing 3D-printed silicone scaffolds for eventual application to the FRT. Scaffolds were evaluated for degradation, swelling, compression, and metronidazole release in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF). Scaffolds retained high structural integrity and sustained release. Minimal mass loss (<6%) and swelling (<2%) were observed after 14 days in SVF, relative to initial post-cure measurements. Scaffolds cured for 24 hr (50°C) demonstrated elastic behavior under 20% compression and 4.0 N load. Scaffolds cured for 4 hr (50°C), followed by 72 hr (4°C), demonstrated the highest, sustained, metronidazole release (4.0 and 27.0 µg/mg) after 24 hr and 14 days, respectively. Based upon daily release profiles, it was observed that the 24 hr timepoint had the greatest metronidazole release of 4.08 μg/mg for scaffolds cured at 4 hr at 50°C followed by 72 hr at 4°C. For all curing conditions, release of metronidazole after 1 and 7 days showed >4.0-log reduction in Gardnerella concentration. Negligible cytotoxicity was observed in treated keratinocytes comparable to untreated cells, This study shows that pressure-assisted microsyringe 3D-printed silicone scaffolds may provide a versatile vehicle for sustained metronidazole delivery to the FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Kyser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, 40202.
| | - Mohamed Y Mahmoud
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, 40202; Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Sydney E Herold
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, 40202.
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, 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; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California USA.
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, 40202; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY, 40202; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY, 40202.
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9
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Kyser AJ, Masigol M, Mahmoud MY, Ryan M, Lewis WG, Lewis AL, Frieboes HB, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Fabrication and characterization of bioprints with Lactobacillus crispatus for vaginal application. J Control Release 2023; 357:545-560. [PMID: 37076014 PMCID: PMC10696519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by low levels of lactobacilli and overgrowth of potential pathogens in the female genital tract. Current antibiotic treatments often fail to treat BV in a sustained manner, and > 50% of women experience recurrence within 6 months post-treatment. Recently, lactobacilli have shown promise for acting as probiotics by offering health benefits in BV. However, as with other active agents, probiotics often require intensive administration schedules incurring difficult user adherence. Three-dimensional (3D)-bioprinting enables fabrication of well-defined architectures with tunable release of active agents, including live mammalian cells, offering the potential for long-acting probiotic delivery. One promising bioink, gelatin alginate has been previously shown to provide structural stability, host compatibility, viable probiotic incorporation, and cellular nutrient diffusion. This study formulates and characterizes 3D-bioprinted Lactobacillus crispatus-containing gelatin alginate scaffolds for gynecologic applications. Different weight to volume (w/v) ratios of gelatin alginate were bioprinted to determine formulations with highest printing resolution, and different crosslinking reagents were evaluated for effect on scaffold integrity via mass loss and swelling measurements. Post-print viability, sustained-release, and vaginal keratinocyte cytotoxicity assays were conducted. A 10:2 (w/v) gelatin alginate formulation was selected based on line continuity and resolution, while degradation and swelling experiments demonstrated greatest structural stability with dual genipin and calcium crosslinking, showing minimal mass loss and swelling over 28 days. 3D-bioprinted L. crispatus-containing scaffolds demonstrated sustained release and proliferation of live bacteria over 28 days, without impacting viability of vaginal epithelial cells. This study provides in vitro evidence for 3D-bioprinted scaffolds as a novel strategy to sustain probiotic delivery with the ultimate goal of restoring vaginal lactobacilli following microbiological disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Kyser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Mohammadali Masigol
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Mohamed Y Mahmoud
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Mark Ryan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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10
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Lewis AL, Toukach P, Bolton E, Chen X, Frank M, Lütteke T, Knirel Y, Schoenhofen I, Varki A, Vinogradov E, Woods RJ, Zachara N, Zhang J, Kamerling JP, Neelamegham S. Cataloging natural sialic acids and other nonulosonic acids (NulOs), and their representation using the Symbol Nomenclature for Glycans. Glycobiology 2023; 33:99-103. [PMID: 36648443 PMCID: PMC9990982 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwac072] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonulosonic acids or non-2-ulosonic acids (NulOs) are an ancient family of 2-ketoaldonic acids (α-ketoaldonic acids) with a 9-carbon backbone. In nature, these monosaccharides occur either in a 3-deoxy form (referred to as "sialic acids") or in a 3,9-dideoxy "sialic-acid-like" form. The former sialic acids are most common in the deuterostome lineage, including vertebrates, and mimicked by some of their pathogens. The latter sialic-acid-like molecules are found in bacteria and archaea. NulOs are often prominently positioned at the outermost tips of cell surface glycans, and have many key roles in evolution, biology and disease. The diversity of stereochemistry and structural modifications among the NulOs contributes to more than 90 sialic acid forms and 50 sialic-acid-like variants described thus far in nature. This paper reports the curation of these diverse naturally occurring NulOs at the NCBI sialic acid page (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/glycans/sialic.html) as part of the NCBI-Glycans initiative. This includes external links to relevant Carbohydrate Structure Databases. As the amino and hydroxyl groups of these monosaccharides are extensively derivatized by various substituents in nature, the Symbol Nomenclature For Glycans (SNFG) rules have been expanded to represent this natural diversity. These developments help illustrate the natural diversity of sialic acids and related NulOs, and enable their systematic representation in publications and online resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Philip Toukach
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Evan Bolton
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Martin Frank
- Biognos AB, Generatorsgatan 1/Box 8963, 402 74 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lütteke
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 100, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Yuriy Knirel
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ian Schoenhofen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A OR6, Canada
| | - Ajit Varki
- Department of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A OR6, Canada
| | - Robert J Woods
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Natasha Zachara
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | | | - Sriram Neelamegham
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Medicine, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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11
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Dillard LR, Glass EM, Lewis AL, Thomas-White K, Papin JA. Metabolic Network Models of the Gardnerella Pangenome Identify Key Interactions with the Vaginal Environment. mSystems 2023; 8:e0068922. [PMID: 36511689 PMCID: PMC9948698 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00689-22] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella is the primary pathogenic bacterial genus present in the polymicrobial condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Despite BV's high prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the Gardnerella pangenome is largely uncharacterized at both the genetic and functional metabolic levels. Here, we used genome-scale metabolic models to characterize in silico the Gardnerella pangenome metabolic content. We also assessed the metabolic functional capacity in a BV-positive cervicovaginal fluid context. The metabolic capacity varied widely across the pangenome, with 38.15% of all reactions being core to the genus, compared to 49.60% of reactions identified as being unique to a smaller subset of species. We identified 57 essential genes across the pangenome via in silico gene essentiality screens within two simulated vaginal metabolic environments. Four genes, gpsA, fas, suhB, and psd, were identified as core essential genes critical for the metabolic function of all analyzed bacterial species of the Gardnerella genus. Further understanding these core essential metabolic functions could inform novel therapeutic strategies to treat BV. Machine learning applied to simulated metabolic network flux distributions showed limited clustering based on the sample isolation source, which further supports the presence of extensive core metabolic functionality across this genus. These data represent the first metabolic modeling of the Gardnerella pangenome and illustrate strain-specific interactions with the vaginal metabolic environment across the pangenome. IMPORTANCE Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among reproductive-age women. Despite its prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the diverse bacteria involved in BV infection remain poorly characterized. Gardnerella is the genus of bacteria most commonly and most abundantly represented during BV. In this paper, we use metabolic models, which are a computational representation of the possible functional metabolism of an organism, to investigate metabolic conservation, gene essentiality, and pathway utilization across 110 Gardnerella strains. These models allow us to investigate in silico how strains may differ with respect to their metabolic interactions with the vaginal-host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian R. Dillard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Emma M. Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California—San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Papin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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12
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Gilbert NM, Ackerman AL, Lewis AL. Editorial: The urogenital microbiota in urinary tract diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1096168. [PMID: 36569200 PMCID: PMC9773829 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1096168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - A. Lenora Ackerman
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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13
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Young GJ, Metcalfe C, Lane JA, Lewis AL, Abrams P, Blair PS, Ito H, Chapple C, Drake MJ. Prostate Surgery for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Do We Need Urodynamics to Find the Right Candidates? Exploratory Findings from the UPSTREAM Trial. Eur Urol Focus 2022; 8:1331-1339. [PMID: 34922898 PMCID: PMC9705260 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying men whose lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may benefit from surgery is challenging. OBJECTIVE To identify routine diagnostic and urodynamic measures associated with treatment decision-making, and outcome, in exploratory analyses of the UPSTREAM trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A randomised controlled trial was conducted including 820 men, considering surgery for LUTS, across 26 hospitals in England (ISCTRN56164274). INTERVENTION Men were randomised to a routine care (RC) diagnostic pathway (n = 393) or a pathway that included urodynamics (UDS) in addition to RC (n = 427). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Men underwent uroflowmetry and completed symptom questionnaires, at baseline and 18 mo after randomisation. Regression models identified baseline clinical and symptom measures that predicted recommendation for surgery and/or surgical outcome (measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]). We explored the association between UDS and surgical outcome in subgroups defined by routine measures. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS The recommendation for surgery could be predicted successfully in the RC and UDS groups (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78), with maximum flow rate (Qmax) and age predictors in both groups. Surgery was more beneficial in those with higher symptom scores (eg, IPSS >16), age <74 yr, Qmax <9.8 ml/s, bladder outlet obstruction index >47.6, and bladder contractility index >123.0. In the UDS group, urodynamic measures were more strongly predictive of surgical outcome for those with Qmax >15, although patient-reported outcomes were also more predictive in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Treatment decisions were informed with UDS, when available, but without evidence of change in the decisions reached. Despite the small group sizes, exploratory analyses suggest that selective use of UDS could detect obstructive pathology, missed by routine measures, in certain subgroups. PATIENT SUMMARY Baseline clinical and symptom measurements were able to predict treatment decisions. The addition of urodynamic test results, while useful, did not generally lead to better surgical decisions and outcomes over routine tests alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace J. Young
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Trials Centre (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Trials Centre (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J. Athene Lane
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Trials Centre (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Trials Centre (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter S. Blair
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Trials Centre (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hiroki Ito
- Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher Chapple
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marcus J. Drake
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK,Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK,Corresponding author. University of Bristol and Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. Tel. +44 7764662017.
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14
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Clark L, Fitzgerald B, Noble S, MacNeill S, Paramasivan S, Cotterill N, Hashim H, Jha S, Toozs-Hobson P, Greenwell T, Thiruchelvam N, Agur W, White A, Garner V, Cobos-Arrivabene M, Clement C, Cochrane M, Liu Y, Lewis AL, Taylor J, Lane JA, Drake MJ, Pope C. Proper understanding of recurrent stress urinary incontinence treatment in women (PURSUIT): a randomised controlled trial of endoscopic and surgical treatment. Trials 2022; 23:628. [PMID: 35922823 PMCID: PMC9347071 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) experience urine leakage with physical activity. Currently, the interventional treatments for SUI are surgical, or endoscopic bulking injection(s). However, these procedures are not always successful, and symptoms can persist or come back after treatment, categorised as recurrent SUI. There are longstanding symptoms and distress associated with a failed primary treatment, and currently, there is no consensus on how best to treat women with recurrent, or persistent, SUI. METHODS A two-arm trial, set in at least 20 National Health Service (NHS) urology and urogynaecology referral units in the UK, randomising 250 adult women with recurrent or persistent SUI 1:1 to receive either an endoscopic intervention (endoscopic bulking injections) or a standard NHS surgical intervention, currently colposuspension, autologous fascial sling or artificial urinary sphincter. The aim of the trial is to determine whether surgical treatment is superior to endoscopic bulking injections in terms of symptom severity at 1 year after randomisation. This primary outcome will be measured using the patient-reported International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence - Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Secondary outcomes include assessment of longer-term clinical impact, improvement of symptoms, safety, operative assessments, sexual function, cost-effectiveness and an evaluation of patients' and clinicians' views and experiences of the interventions. DISCUSSION There is a lack of high-quality, randomised, scientific evidence for which treatment is best for women presenting with recurrent SUI. The PURSUIT study will benefit healthcare professionals and patients and provide robust evidence to guide further treatment and improve symptoms and quality of life for women with this condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry ISRCTN12201059. Registered on 09 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Clark
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - B Fitzgerald
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Noble
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S MacNeill
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Paramasivan
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - N Cotterill
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - H Hashim
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - S Jha
- Department of Urogynaecology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield, UK
| | - P Toozs-Hobson
- Department of Urogynaecology, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - T Greenwell
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - N Thiruchelvam
- Department of Urology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Agur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, UK
| | - A White
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Representative, Bristol, UK
| | - V Garner
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - M Cobos-Arrivabene
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - C Clement
- Bristol Trials Centre (BTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Cochrane
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Y Liu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - A L Lewis
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Trials Centre (BTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J Taylor
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Trials Centre (BTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J A Lane
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Trials Centre (BTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. .,Department of Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - C Pope
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Trials Centre (BTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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15
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Gilbert NM, O’Brien VP, Waller C, Batourina E, Mendelsohn CL, Lewis AL. Gardnerella Exposures Alter Bladder Gene Expression and Augment Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:909799. [PMID: 35782131 PMCID: PMC9245024 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.909799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaerobic actinobacterium Gardnerella was first isolated from the bladder by suprapubic aspiration more than 50 years ago. Since then, Gardnerella has been increasingly recognized as a common and often abundant member of the female urinary microbiome (urobiome). Some studies even suggest that the presence of Gardnerella is associated with urological disorders in women. We recently reported that inoculation of Gardnerella into the bladders of mice results in urothelial exfoliation. Here, we performed whole bladder RNA-seq in our mouse model to identify additional host pathways involved in the response to Gardnerella bladder exposure. The transcriptional response to Gardnerella reflected the urothelial turnover that is a consequence of exfoliation while also illustrating the activation of pathways involved in inflammation and immunity. Additional timed exposure experiments in mice provided further evidence of a potentially clinically relevant consequence of bladder exposure to Gardnerella-increased susceptibility to subsequent UTI caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Together, these data provide a broader picture of the bladder's response to Gardnerella and lay the groundwork for future studies examining the impact of Gardnerella on bladder health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Nicole M. Gilbert,
| | - Valerie P. O’Brien
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chevaughn Waller
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ekatherina Batourina
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cathy Lee Mendelsohn
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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16
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Abstract
The mammalian vagina can be colonized by many bacterial taxa. The human vaginal microbiome is often dominated by Lactobacillus species, but one-in-four women experience bacterial vaginosis, in which a low level of lactobacilli is accompanied by an overgrowth of diverse anaerobic bacteria. This condition has been associated with many health complications, including risks to reproductive and sexual health. While there is growing evidence showing the complex nature of microbial interactions in human vaginal health, the individual roles of these different anaerobic bacteria are not fully understood. This is complicated by the lack of adequate models to study anaerobically grown vaginal bacteria. Mouse models allow us to investigate the biology and virulence of these organisms in vivo. Other mouse models of vaginal bacterial inoculation have previously been described. Here, we describe methods for the inoculation of anaerobically grown bacteria and their viable recovery in conventionally raised C57Bl/6 mice. A new, less stressful procedural method for vaginal inoculation and washing is also described. Inoculation and viable recovery of Gardnerella are outlined in detail, and strategies for additional anaerobes such as Prevotella bivia and Fusobacterium nucleatum are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney R Morrill
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD
| | - Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD
| | - Sudeshna Saha
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD;
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Ito H, Abrams P, Lewis AL, Young GJ, Blair PS, Cotterill N, Lane JA, Drake MJ. Use of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires Bladder Diary in Men Seeking therapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Eur Urol Focus 2022; 8:66-74. [PMID: 35027329 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Completion rates and correspondence to other measures need to be established for the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) bladder diary (ICIQ-BD) in the assessment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). OBJECTIVE To evaluate ICIQ-BD completion rates, frequency, volume, and sensation reporting for men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Baseline data from the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery Trial; Randomised Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) randomised controlled trial evaluating 820 men at 26 UK hospitals, looking at the ICIQ-BD, uroflowmetry, International Prostate Symptom Score, and ICIQ symptom score for male LUTS (ICIQ-MLUTS), were assessed. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The ICIQ-BD, IPSS, ICIQ-MLUTS, and uroflowmetry data at baseline obtained from UPSTREAM were assessed. Correlations were analysed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, and comparison between groups were performed using paired or unpaired t tests or Tukey's test. All statistical tests were two sided and the strength of evidence was presented using p values. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Of the participants, 25.0% (205/820) provided complete voiding and bedtime information for 3 d, 41.2% (338/820) omitted bedtime information, and the remainder omitted some or all voiding information. Median values (minimum - maximum) of 24-h, daytime, and night-time frequencies were 9.7 (3.3-24.0), 7.7 (3.3-22.7), and 1.7 (0.0-5.7), respectively. The mean voided volume per micturition for day and night times were 175.8 ± 74.2 and 264.4 ± 150.7 ml (p < 0.001), respectively. For fully completed diaries, day- and night-time frequency showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with symptom score questionnaires. More severe nocturia was generally reported in symptom scores than in the ICIQ-BD. In patients with high bother for increased daytime frequency (symptom), the mean daytime frequency (ICIQ-BD) was 9.6 ± 3.2 versus 7.6 ± 2.2 for low bother (p < 0.001). High bother for nocturia showed night-time frequency of 2.3 ± 1.2 versus 1.5 ± 1.1 for low bother (p < 0.001). For fully and partially completed diaries, ICIQ-BD sensation scores correlated weakly with symptom scores. Voided volumes from the bladder diary and uroflowmetry correlated weakly. CONCLUSIONS Two-thirds of men (543/820) fully completed voiding information in the ICIQ-BD, but many omitted bedtime information, limiting the ability to quantify nocturia and diagnose nocturnal polyuria. PATIENT SUMMARY Most men with urinary symptoms complete a bladder diary fully but may fail to indicate bedtimes. Extra information from a diary helps support symptom questionnaires to explain a patient's urinary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ito
- Department of Urology, Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan; Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Grace J Young
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter S Blair
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nikki Cotterill
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - J Athene Lane
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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18
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O’Brien VP, Lewis AL, Gilbert NM. Bladder Exposure to Gardnerella Activates Host Pathways Necessary for Escherichia coli Recurrent UTI. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:788229. [PMID: 34938672 PMCID: PMC8685330 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.788229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) are a costly clinical problem affecting millions of women worldwide each year. The majority of rUTI cases are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Data from humans and mouse models indicate that some instances of rUTI are caused by UPEC emerging from latent reservoirs in the bladder. Women with vaginal dysbiosis, typically characterized by high levels of Gardnerella and other anaerobes, are at increased risk of UTI. Multiple studies have detected Gardnerella in urine collected by transurethral catheterization (to limit vaginal contamination), suggesting that some women experience routine urinary tract exposures. We recently reported that inoculation of Gardnerella into the bladder triggers rUTI from UPEC bladder reservoirs in a mouse model. Here we performed whole bladder RNA-seq to identify host pathways involved in Gardnerella-induced rUTI. We identified a variety host pathways differentially expressed in whole bladders following Gardnerella exposure, such as pathways involved in inflammation/immunity and epithelial turnover. At the gene level, we identified upregulation of Immediate Early (IE) genes, which are induced in various cell types shortly following stimuli like infection and inflammation. One such upregulated IE gene was the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 (aka Nr4a1). Pilot experiments in Nur77-/- mice suggest that Nur77 is necessary for Gardnerella exposure to trigger rUTI from UPEC reservoirs. These findings demonstrate that bladder gene expression can be impacted by short-lived exposures to urogenital bacteria and warrant future examination of responses in distinct cell types, such as with single cell transcriptomic technologies. The biological validation studies in Nur77-/- mice lay the groundwork for future studies investigating Nur77 and the Immediate Early response in rUTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie P. O’Brien
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Nicole M. Gilbert,
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19
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Gilbert NM, Choi B, Du J, Collins C, Lewis AL, Putonti C, Wolfe AJ. A mouse model displays host and bacterial strain differences in Aerococcus urinae urinary tract infection. Biol Open 2021; 10:271827. [PMID: 34387311 PMCID: PMC8380466 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058931] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the clinical significance of Aerococcus urinae has been increasingly recognized. A. urinae has been implicated in cases of urinary tract infection (UTI; acute cystitis and pyelonephritis) in both male and female patients, ranging from children to older adults. Aerococcus urinae can also be invasive, causing urosepsis, endocarditis, and musculoskeletal infections. Mechanisms of pathogenesis in A. urinae infections are poorly understood, largely due to the lack of an animal model system. In response to this gap, we developed a model of A. urinae urinary tract infection in mice. We compared A. urinae UTI in female C3H/HeN and C57BL/6 mice and compared four clinical isolates of A. urinae isolated from patients with UTI, urgency urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder. Our data demonstrate that host genetic background modulates A. urinae UTI. Female C57BL/6 female mice rapidly cleared the infection. Female C3H/HeN mice, which have inherent vesicoureteral reflux that flushes urine from the bladder up into the kidneys, were susceptible to prolonged bacteriuria. This result is consistent with the fact that A. urinae infections most frequently occur in patients with underlying urinary tract abnormalities or disorders that make them susceptible to bacterial infection. Unlike uropathogens such as E. coli, which cause infection and inflammation both of the bladder and kidneys in C3H/HeN mice, A. urinae displayed tropism for the kidney, persisting in kidney tissue even after clearance of bacteria from the bladder. Aerococcus urinae strains from different genetic clades displayed varying propensities to cause persistent kidney infection. Aerococcus urinae infected kidneys displayed histological inflammation, neutrophil recruitment and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results set the stage for future research that interrogates host-pathogen interactions between A. urinae and the urinary tract. Summary:Aerococcus urinae clinical isolates are genetically diverse and display differential capacity to cause UTI in a mouse model. Infection was rapidly cleared from the bladder, but persisted and caused inflammation in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brian Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Jingjie Du
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Christina Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA.,Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Alan J Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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20
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Gilbert NM, Foster LR, Cao B, Yin Y, Mysorekar IU, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis promotes group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, enabling ascending uteroplacental infection in pregnant mice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 224:530.e1-530.e17. [PMID: 33248136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B Streptococcus is a common vaginal bacterium and the leading cause of invasive fetoplacental infections. Group B Streptococcus in the vagina can invade through the cervix to cause ascending uteroplacental infections or can be transmitted to the neonate during vaginal delivery. Some studies have found that women with a "dysbiotic" polymicrobial or Lactobacillus-depleted vaginal microbiota are more likely to harbor group B Streptococcus. Gardnerella vaginalis is often the most abundant bacteria in the vaginas of women with dysbiosis, while being detected at lower levels in most other women, and has been linked with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mouse models of group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis colonization have been reported but, to the best of our knowledge, the two have not been studied together. The overarching idea driving this study is that certain members of the dysbiotic vaginal microbiota, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, may directly contribute to the increased rate of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization observed in women with vaginal dysbiosis. OBJECTIVE We used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that vaginal exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis may facilitate colonization and/or invasive infection of the upper reproductive tract by group B Streptococcus during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Timed-pregnant mice were generated using an allogeneic mating strategy with BALB/c males and C57Bl/6 females. Dams were vaginally inoculated at gestational day 14 with group B Streptococcus alone (using a 10-fold lower dose than previously reported models) or coinoculated with group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis. Bacterial titers were enumerated in vaginal, uterine horn, and placental tissues at gestational day 17. The presence (Fisher exact tests) and levels (Mann-Whitney U tests) of bacterial titers were compared between mono- and coinoculated dams in each compartment. Relative risks were calculated for outcomes that occurred in both groups. Tissue samples were also examined for evidence of pathophysiology. RESULTS Inoculation of pregnant mice with 107 group B Streptococcus alone did not result in vaginal colonization or ascending infection. In contrast, coinoculation of group B Streptococcus with Gardnerella vaginalis in pregnant mice resulted in a 10-fold higher risk of group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization (relative risk, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.710-59.04; P=.0006 [Fisher exact test]). Ascending group B Streptococcus infection of the uterus and placenta occurred in approximately 40% of coinoculated animals, whereas none of those receiving group B Streptococcus alone developed uterine or placental infections. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed group B Streptococcus in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. Histologic inflammation and increased proinflammatory cytokines were evident in the setting of group B Streptococcus placental infection. Interestingly, placentas from dams exposed to group B Streptococcus and Gardnerella vaginalis, but without recoverable vaginal or placental bacteria, displayed distinct histopathologic features and cytokine signatures. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Gardnerella vaginalis vaginal exposure can promote group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization, resulting in a greater likelihood of invasive perinatal group B Streptococcus infections. These findings suggest that future clinical studies should examine whether the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis is a risk factor for group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in women. Because Gardnerella vaginalis can also be present in women without bacterial vaginosis, these findings may be relevant both inside and outside of the context of vaginal dysbiosis.
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21
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Agarwal K, Lewis AL. Vaginal sialoglycan foraging by Gardnerella vaginalis: mucus barriers as a meal for unwelcome guests? Glycobiology 2021; 31:667-680. [PMID: 33825850 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition of the vaginal microbiome in which there are few lactobacilli and abundant anaerobic bacteria. Members of the genus Gardnerella are often one of the most abundant bacteria in BV. BV is associated with a wide variety of poor health outcomes for women. It has been recognized since the 1980s that women with BV have detectable and sometimes markedly elevated levels of sialidase activity in vaginal fluids and that bacteria associated with this condition produce this activity in culture. Mounting evidence collected using diverse methodologies points to the conclusion that BV is associated with a reduction in intact sialoglycans in cervicovaginal secretions. Here we review evidence for the contributions of vaginal bacteria, especially Gardnerella, in the processes of mucosal sialoglycan degradation, uptake, metabolism and depletion. Our understanding of the impacts of vaginal sialoglycan degradation is still limited. However, the potential implications of sialic acid depletion are discussed in light of our current understanding of the roles played by sialoglycans in vaginal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
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22
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Abstract
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in human health and species of vaginal bacteria have been associated with reproductive disease. Strain-level variation is also thought to be important, but the diversity, structure and evolutionary history of vaginal strains is not as well characterized. We developed and validated an approach to measure strain variation from metagenomic data based on SNPs within the core genomes for six species of vaginal bacteria: Gardnerella vaginalis, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus gasseri and Atopobium vaginae. Despite inhabiting the same environment, strain diversity and structure varies across species. All species except L. iners are characterized by multiple distinct groups of strains. Even so, strain diversity is lower in the Lactobacillus species, consistent with a more recent colonization of the human vaginal microbiome. Both strain diversity and the frequency of multi-strain samples is related to species-level diversity of the microbiome in which they occur, suggesting similar ecological factors influencing diversity within the vaginal niche. We conclude that the structure of strain-level variation provides both the motivation and means of testing whether strain-level differences contribute to the function and health consequences of the vaginal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A. Tortelli
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Present address: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Justin C. Fay
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
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23
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Foam sclerotherapy is the process of using an aqueous foam to deliver surfactant to a varicose vein to damage vein wall endothelial cells, causing the vein to spasm, collapse and ultimately be re-absorbed into the body. Aqueous foams are complex fluids that can exhibit a significant yield stress and high effective viscosity which depend on their composition, particularly the bubble size and liquid fraction. OBJECTIVE To characterise the properties of foams used for varicose vein sclerotherapy and determine their effectiveness in the displacement of blood during sclerotherapy. METHODS Foams are modelled as yield stress fluids and their flow profiles in a model vein are predicted. Values of the yield stress are determined from experimental data for three different foams using the Sauter mean of the bubble size distribution. Along with the measured liquid fraction of the foams, this information is collected into a Bingham number which entirely characterises the process of sclerotherapy. RESULTS Polydispersity in bubble size has a strong effect on the yield stress of a foam and the Sauter mean of the size distribution better captures the effects of a few large bubbles. Reducing the polydispersity increases the yield stress, and a higher yield stress results in a larger plug region moving along the vein, which is more effective in displacing blood. The width of the plug region is proportional to the Bingham number, which also has a quadratic dependence on the liquid fraction of the foam. Assuming typical values for the rate of injection of a foam, we predict that for a vein of diameter 5 mm, the most effective foams have low liquid fraction, a narrow size distribution, and a Bingham number B ≈ 4.5. CONCLUSIONS The Sauter mean radius provides the most appropriate measure of the bubble size for sclerotherapy and the Bingham number then provides a simple measure of the efficacy of foam sclerotherapy in a vein of a given size, and explains the ability of different foams to remove varicose veins. Foams containing small bubbles, with a narrow size distribution, and a low liquid fraction are beneficial for sclerotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Roberts
- Department of Mathematics, Aberystwyth University, UK
| | - S J Cox
- Department of Mathematics, Aberystwyth University, UK
| | - A L Lewis
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, a Boston Scientific Company, Lakeview, Camberley, Surrey, UK
| | - S A Jones
- Biocompatibles UK Ltd, a Boston Scientific Company, Lakeview, Camberley, Surrey, UK
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24
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O'Brien VP, Joens MS, Lewis AL, Gilbert NM. Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 33346201 DOI: 10.3791/61967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are common and costly. Previous articles describing models of UTI in male and female mice have illustrated the procedures for bacterial inoculation and enumeration in urine and tissues. During an initial bladder infection in C57BL/6 mice, UPEC establish latent reservoirs inside bladder epithelial cells that persist following clearance of UPEC bacteriuria. This model builds on these studies to examine rUTI caused by the emergence of UPEC from within latent bladder reservoirs. The urogenital bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis is used as the trigger of rUTI in this model because it is frequently present in the urogenital tracts of women, especially in the context of vaginal dysbiosis that has been associated with UTI. In addition, a method for in situ bladder fixation followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of bladder tissue is also described, with potential application to other studies involving the bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie P O'Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | - Matthew S Joens
- Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; TESCAN USA, Inc
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; University of California San Diego
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis;
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25
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Drake MJ, Lewis AL, Young GJ, Abrams P, Blair PS, Chapple C, Glazener CM, Horwood J, McGrath JS, Noble S, Taylor GT, Lane JA. Diagnostic Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men Considering Prostate Surgery: A Noninferiority Randomised Controlled Trial of Urodynamics in 26 Hospitals. Eur Urol 2020; 78:701-710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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26
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Selman LE, Clement C, Ochieng CA, Lewis AL, Chapple C, Abrams P, Drake MJ, Horwood J. Treatment decision-making among men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A qualitative study of men's experiences with recommendations for patient-centred practice. Neurourol Urodyn 2020; 40:201-210. [PMID: 33053240 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To inform and guide patient-centred care for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), by providing in-depth qualitative evidence regarding men's perspectives on treatment decision-making for LUTS. METHODS An interview study of men recruited from 26 English urology departments. Purposive sampling captured surgical/nonsurgical treatment decisions, and diversity in demographics and symptom burden, in men who had urodynamics and those who did not. After diagnostic assessments, men were interviewed either pre-treatment or after LUTS surgery. Thematic analysis was conducted. Participants' descriptions of how LUTS treatment decisions were made were categorised as patient-led, doctor-led, or shared. RESULTS A total of 41 men participated (25 pre-treatment, 16 post-surgery), ages 52-89. Twenty out of 41 described the treatment decision as shared with their consultant, 14 as doctor-led, and seven as patient-led. There was no obvious association between treatment decision-making style and patients' satisfaction with either clinicians' role in their decision or their treatment decision. Incomplete or rushed discussions and misperceptions of LUTS and its treatment were reported, indicating a risk of suboptimal decision-making support by clinicians. As well as clinician opinion, men's treatment decision-making was influenced by the results of urological assessments, comparing current symptoms with possible side-effects of surgery, and others' experiences and opinions. CONCLUSIONS Men with LUTS report and prefer different kinds of decision-making support from their clinicians, who must tailor their input to patients' preferences and needs. Patients' treatment decision-making involves multiple factors and can be challenging, and areas of inadequate clinician support were identified. Recommendations for patient-centred consultations about LUTS treatment are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E Selman
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Clement
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cynthia A Ochieng
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher Chapple
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.,Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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27
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Lewis AL, Young GJ, Selman LE, Rice C, Clement C, Ochieng CA, Abrams P, Blair PS, Chapple C, Glazener CM, Horwood J, McGrath JS, Noble S, Taylor GT, Lane JA, Drake MJ. Urodynamics tests for the diagnosis and management of bladder outlet obstruction in men: the UPSTREAM non-inferiority RCT. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-122. [PMID: 32902375 DOI: 10.3310/hta24420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men may indicate bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or weakness, known as detrusor underactivity (DU). Severe bothersome LUTS are a common indication for surgery. The diagnostic tests may include urodynamics (UDS) to confirm whether BOO or DU is the cause, potentially reducing the number of people receiving (inappropriate) surgery. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to determine whether a care pathway including UDS is no worse for symptom outcome than one in which it is omitted, at 18 months after randomisation. Rates of surgery was the key secondary outcome. DESIGN This was a pragmatic, multicentre, two-arm (unblinded) randomised controlled trial, incorporating a health economic analysis and qualitative research. SETTING Urology departments of 26 NHS hospitals in England. PARTICIPANTS Men (aged ≥ 18 years) seeking further treatment, potentially including surgery, for bothersome LUTS. Exclusion criteria were as follows: unable to pass urine without a catheter, having a relevant neurological disease, currently undergoing treatment for prostate or bladder cancer, previously had prostate surgery, not medically fit for surgery and/or unwilling to be randomised. INTERVENTIONS Men were randomised to a care pathway based on non-invasive routine tests (control) or routine care plus invasive UDS (intervention arm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 18 months after randomisation and the key secondary outcome was rates of surgery. Additional secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs), quality of life, urinary and sexual symptoms, UDS satisfaction, maximum urinary flow rate and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS A total of 820 men were randomised (UDS, 427; routine care, 393). Sixty-seven men withdrew before 18 months and 11 died (unrelated to trial procedures). UDS was non-inferior to routine care for IPSS 18 months after randomisation, with a confidence interval (CI) within the margin of 1 point (-0.33, 95% CI -1.47 to 0.80). A lower surgery rate in the UDS arm was not found (38% and 36% for UDS and routine care, respectively), with overall rates lower than expected. AEs were similar between the arms at 43-44%. There were more cases of acute urinary retention in the routine care arm. Patient-reported outcomes for LUTS improved in both arms and satisfaction with UDS was high in men who received it. UDS was more expensive than routine care. From a secondary care perspective, UDS cost an additional £216 over an 18-month time horizon. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were similar, with a QALY difference of 0.006 in favour of UDS over 18 months. It was established that UDS was acceptable to patients, and valued by both patients and clinicians for its perceived additional insight into the cause and probable best treatment of LUTS. LIMITATIONS The trial met its predefined recruitment target, but surgery rates were lower than anticipated. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of UDS in the diagnostic tests results in a symptom outcome that is non-inferior to a routine care pathway, but does not affect surgical rates for treating BOO. Results do not support the routine use of UDS in men undergoing investigation of LUTS. FUTURE WORK Focus should be placed on indications for selective utilisation of UDS in individual cases and long-term outcomes of diagnosis and therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN56164274. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 42. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Lewis
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Grace J Young
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy E Selman
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Caoimhe Rice
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Clement
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cynthia A Ochieng
- Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter S Blair
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Jeremy Horwood
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sian Noble
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - J Athene Lane
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
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Tortelli BA, Lewis WG, Allsworth JE, Member-Meneh N, Foster LR, Reno HE, Peipert JF, Fay JC, Lewis AL. Associations between the vaginal microbiome and Candida colonization in women of reproductive age. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 222:471.e1-471.e9. [PMID: 31654610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The composition of bacteria within the vaginal microbiome has garnered a lot of recent attention and has been associated with reproductive health and disease. Despite the common occurrence of yeast (primarily Candida) within the vaginal microbiome, there is still an incomplete picture of relationships between yeast and bacteria (especially lactobacilli), as well as how such associations are governed. Such relationships could be important to a more holistic understanding of the vaginal microbiome and its connection to reproductive health. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to perform molecular characterization of clinical specimens to define associations between vaginal bacteria (especially Lactobacillus species) and Candida colonization. In vitro studies were conducted to test the 2 most common dominant Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners) in their ability to inhibit Candida growth and to examine the basis for such inhibition. STUDY DESIGN A nested cross-sectional study of reproductive-age women from the Contraceptive CHOICE Project was conducted. Vaginal swabs from 299 women were selected to balance race and bacterial vaginosis status, resulting in a similar representation of black and white women in each of the 3 Nugent score categories (normal [0-3], intermediate [4-6], and bacterial vaginosis [7-10]). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene (V4 region) was used to determine the dominant Lactobacillus species present (primarily Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus crispatus), defined as >50% of the community. Subjects without dominance by a single Lactobacillus species were classified as Diverse. A Candida-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the internally transcribed spacer 1 was validated using vaginal samples collected from a second cohort of women and used to assess Candida colonization. Two hundred fifty-five nonpregnant women with sufficient bacterial biomass for analysis were included in the final analysis. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associations between Lactobacillus dominance, sociodemographic and risk characteristics, and vaginal Candida colonization. In separate in vitro studies, the potential of cell-free supernatants from Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners cultures to inhibit Candida growth was evaluated. RESULTS Forty-two women (16%) were vaginally colonized with Candida. Microbiomes characterized as Diverse (38%), Lactobacillus iners-dominant (39%), and Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant (20%) were the most common. The microbiome, race, and Candida colonization co-varied with a higher prevalence of Candida among black women and Lactobacillus iners-dominant communities compared with white women and Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant communities. Lactobacillus iners-dominant communities were more likely to harbor Candida than Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant communities (odds ratio, 2.85, 95% confidence interval, 1.03-7.21; Fisher exact test, P = .048). In vitro, Lactobacillus crispatus produced greater concentrations of lactic acid and exhibited significantly more pH-dependent growth inhibition of Candida albicans, suggesting a potential mechanism for the clinical observations. CONCLUSION In nonpregnant women, Lactobacillus iners-dominant communities were significantly more likely to harbor Candida than Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant communities, suggesting that Lactobacillus species have different relationships with Candida. In vitro experiments indicate that Lactobacillus crispatus may impede Candida colonization more effectively than Lactobacillus iners through a greater production of lactic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Tortelli
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jenifer E Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
| | - Nadum Member-Meneh
- Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Lynne R Foster
- Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Hilary E Reno
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Jeffrey F Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Justin C Fay
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
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Morrill S, Gilbert NM, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis as a Cause of Bacterial Vaginosis: Appraisal of the Evidence From in vivo Models. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:168. [PMID: 32391287 PMCID: PMC7193744 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Koch's postulates dictate the use of experimental models to illustrate features of human disease and provide evidence for a singular organism as the cause. The underlying cause(s) of bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been debated in the literature for over half a century. In 1955, it was first reported that a bacterium now known as Gardnerella vaginalis may be the cause of a condition (BV) resulting in higher vaginal pH, thin discharge, a fishy odor, and the presence of epithelial cells covered in bacteria. Here we review contemporary and historical studies on BV with a focus on reports of experimental infections in human or animal models using Gardnerella vaginalis. We evaluate experimental evidence for the hypothesis that G. vaginalis is sufficient to trigger clinical features of BV or relevant health complications associated with the condition. Additionally, we evaluate in vivo models of co-infection employing G. vaginalis together with other bacterial species to investigate evidence for the hypothesis that G. vaginalis may encourage colonization or virulence of other potential pathogens. Together, these studies paint a complex picture in which G. vaginalis has both direct and indirect roles in the features, health complications, and co-infections associated with BV. We briefly review the current taxonomic landscape and genetic diversity pertinent to Gardnerella and note the limitations of sequence-based studies using different marker genes and priming sites. Although much more study is needed to refine our understanding of how BV develops and persists within the human host, applications of the experimental aspects of Koch's postulates have provided an important glimpse into some of the causal relationships that may govern this condition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Lewis
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Louise C Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California
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31
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Lewis AL, Gilbert NM. Roles of the vagina and the vaginal microbiota in urinary tract infection: evidence from clinical correlations and experimental models. GMS Infect Dis 2020; 8:Doc02. [PMID: 32373427 PMCID: PMC7186798 DOI: 10.3205/id000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the vagina can harbor uropathogenic bacteria. Here, we consider three roles played by the vagina and its bacterial inhabitants in urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary health. First, the vagina can serve as a reservoir for Escherichia coli, the most common cause of UTI, and other recognized uropathogens. Second, several vaginal bacterial species are frequently detected upon urine culture but are underappreciated as uropathogens, and other vaginal species are likely under-reported because of their fastidious nature. Third, some vaginal bacteria that are not widely viewed as uropathogens can transit briefly in the urinary tract, cause injury or immunomodulation, and shift the balance of host-pathogen interactions to influence the outcomes of uropathogenesis. This chapter describes the current literature in these three areas and summarizes the impact of the vaginal microbiota on susceptibility to UTI and other urologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Lewis
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology, St. Louis, United States
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, United States
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32
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Gilbert NM, Lewis WG, Li G, Sojka DK, Lubin JB, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia Trigger Distinct and Overlapping Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1099-1108. [PMID: 30715405 PMCID: PMC6736442 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [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: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common imbalance of the vaginal microbiota characterized by overgrowth of diverse Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gram-negative anaerobes. Women with BV are at increased risk of secondary reproductive tract infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, which specific bacteria cause clinical features of BV is unclear. METHODS We previously demonstrated that Gardnerella vaginalis could elicit many BV features in mice. In this study, we established a BV model in which we coinfected mice with G. vaginalis and another species commonly found in women with BV: Prevotella bivia. RESULTS This coinfection model recapitulates several aspects of human BV, including vaginal sialidase activity (a diagnostic BV feature independently associated with adverse outcomes), epithelial exfoliation, and ascending infection. It is notable that G. vaginalis facilitated uterine infection by P. bivia. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our model provides a framework for advancing our understanding of the role of individual or combinations of BV-associated bacteria in BV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center or Reproductive Health Sciences, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Guocai Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Yangzhou University College of Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dorothy K Sojka
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jean Bernard Lubin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Rheumatology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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O’Brien VP, Gilbert NM, Lebratti T, Agarwal K, Foster L, Shin H, Lewis AL. Low-dose inoculation of Escherichia coli achieves robust vaginal colonization and results in ascending infection accompanied by severe uterine inflammation in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219941. [PMID: 31329630 PMCID: PMC6645506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli infection of the female reproductive tract is a significant cause of disease in humans and animals, but simple animal models are lacking. Here we report that vaginal inoculation of uropathogenic E. coli strains UTI89 and CFT073 in non-pregnant, estrogen-treated mice resulted in robust colonization of the vagina and uterine horns, whereas titers of the lab strain MG1655 were significantly lower. Non-estrogenized mice also became colonized, but there was more variation in titers. A dose of 104 colony-forming units (CFU) UTI89 was sufficient to result in colonization in all estrogenized mice, and we also observed bacterial transfer between inoculated and uninoculated estrogenized cage mates. UTI89 infection led to inflammation and leukocyte infiltration into the uterine horns as evidenced by tissue histology. Flow cytometry experiments revealed that neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil populations were significantly increased in infected uterine horns. This model is a simple way to study host-pathogen interactions in E. coli vaginal colonization and uterine infection. There are immediate implications for investigators studying urinary tract infection using mouse models, as few E. coli are required to achieve reproductive colonization, resulting in an additional, underappreciated mucosal reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie P. O’Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Tania Lebratti
- Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Lynne Foster
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Haina Shin
- Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
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Brookheart RT, Lewis WG, Peipert JF, Lewis AL, Allsworth JE. Association between obesity and bacterial vaginosis as assessed by Nugent score. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:476.e1-476.e11. [PMID: 30707966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.01.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis is 1 of the most common vaginal conditions in the United States. Recent studies have suggested that obese women have an abnormal microbiota reminiscent of bacterial vaginosis; however, few studies have investigated the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in overweight and obese populations. Moreover, despite the increased prevalence of obesity and bacterial vaginosis in black women, it is not known whether racial disparities exist in the relationship between obesity and bacterial vaginosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index and bacterial vaginosis as determined by Nugent score and to determine the influence of race in this context. STUDY DESIGN We performed a cross-sectional study using patient data and vaginal smears from 5918 participants of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. Gram-stained vaginal smears were scored with the Nugent method and categorized as bacterial vaginosis-negative (Nugent score, 0-3), bacterial vaginosis-intermediate (Nugent score, 4-6), or bacterial vaginosis-positive (Nugent score, 7-10). Body mass index was determined with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and obese individuals were categorized as class I, II, or III obese based on National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization body mass index parameters. Linear regression was used to model mean differences in Nugent scores; Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to model prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS In our cohort, 50.7% of participants were black; 41.5% were white, and 5.1% were of Hispanic ethnicity; the average age of 25.3 years old. Overall, 28.1% of participants were bacterial vaginosis-positive. Bacterial vaginosis was prevalent in 21.3% of lean, 30.4% of overweight, and 34.5% of obese women (P<.001). The distribution of bacterial vaginosis-intermediate individuals was similar across all body mass index categories. Compared with the scores of lean women, Nugent scores were highest among overweight and obese class I women (adjusted mean difference: overweight women, 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.51] and obese women, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.72]). Consistent with this, overweight and obese women had a higher frequency of bacterial vaginosis compared with lean women, even after adjustment for variables that included race. Among white women, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was higher for overweight and class I and class II/III obese white women compared with lean white women, which is a phenomenon not observed among black women and suggests an effect modification. CONCLUSION Overweight and obese women have higher Nugent scores and a greater occurrence of bacterial vaginosis compared with lean women. Black women have a greater prevalence of bacterial vaginosis independent of their body mass index compared with white women.
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Lewis AL, Young GJ, Abrams P, Blair PS, Chapple C, Glazener CMA, Horwood J, McGrath JS, Noble S, Taylor GT, Ito H, Belal M, Davies MC, Dickinson AJ, Foley CL, Foley S, Fulford S, Gammal MM, Garthwaite M, Harris MRE, Ilie PC, Jones R, Sabbagh S, Mason RG, McLarty E, Mishra V, Mom J, Morley R, Natale S, Nitkunan T, Page T, Payne D, Rashid TG, Saeb-Parsy K, Sandhu SS, Simoes A, Singh G, Sullivan M, Tempest HV, Viswanath S, Walker RMH, Lane JA, Drake MJ. Clinical and Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Men Referred for Consideration of Surgery to Treat Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Baseline Results and Diagnostic Findings of the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery Trial; Randomised Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM). Eur Urol Focus 2019; 5:340-350. [PMID: 31047905 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical evaluation of male lower urinary tract symptoms (MLUTS) in secondary care uses a range of assessments. It is unknown how MLUTS evaluation influences outcome of therapy recommendations and choice, notably urodynamics (UDS; filling cystometry and pressure flow studies). OBJECTIVE To report participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and initial diagnostic findings of the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery Trial; Randomised Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM). UPSTREAM is a randomised controlled trial evaluating whether symptoms are noninferior and surgery rates are lower if UDS is included. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 820 men (≥18 yr of age) seeking treatment for bothersome LUTS were recruited from 26 National Health Service hospital urology departments. INTERVENTION Care pathway based on routine, noninvasive tests (control) or routine care plus UDS (intervention arm). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The primary outcome is International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the key secondary outcome is surgery rates 18 mo after randomisation. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires were captured for MLUTS, sexual function, and UDS satisfaction. Baseline clinical and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and UDS findings were informally compared between arms. Trends across age groups for urinary and sexual PROMs were evaluated with a Cuzick's test, and questionnaire items were compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Storage LUTS, notably nocturia, and impaired sexual function are prominent in men being assessed for surgery. Sociodemographic and clinical evaluations were similar between arms. Overall mean IPSS and quality of life scores were 18.94 and 4.13, respectively. Trends were found across age groups, with older men suffering from higher rates of incontinence, nocturia, and erectile dysfunction, and younger men suffering from increased daytime frequency and voiding symptoms. Men undergoing UDS testing expressed high satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Men being considered for surgery have additional clinical features that may affect treatment decision making and outcomes, notably storage LUTS and impaired sexual function. PATIENT SUMMARY We describe initial assessment findings from a large clinical study of the treatment pathway for men suffering with bothersome urinary symptoms who were referred to hospital for further treatment, potentially including surgery. We report the patient characteristics and diagnostic test results, including symptom questionnaires, bladder diaries, flow rate tests, and urodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Lewis
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), Bristol Trials Centre, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Grace J Young
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), Bristol Trials Centre, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Abrams
- Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter S Blair
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), Bristol Trials Centre, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher Chapple
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cathryn M A Glazener
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), Bristol Trials Centre, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John S McGrath
- University of Exeter Medical School, St. Luke's Campus, Exeter, UK
| | - Sian Noble
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Hiroki Ito
- Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Mohammed Belal
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Melissa C Davies
- Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | | | - Charlotte L Foley
- East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Urology Department, Ashwell Block, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Steve Foley
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, Berkshire, UK
| | - Simon Fulford
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Mohsen M Gammal
- Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Southport, Merseyside, UK
| | - Mary Garthwaite
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Mark R E Harris
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Petre C Ilie
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, King's Lynn, UK
| | - Robert Jones
- Urology Department, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, UK
| | - Samer Sabbagh
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Tooting, London, UK
| | - Robert G Mason
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, UK
| | - Ester McLarty
- Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Vibhash Mishra
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jaswant Mom
- North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, West Cumberland Hospital, Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK
| | - Roland Morley
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Tharani Nitkunan
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carshalton, Surrey, UK
| | - Tobias Page
- The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - David Payne
- Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kettering, Northants, UK
| | - Tina G Rashid
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kasra Saeb-Parsy
- Urology Department, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Adrian Simoes
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Southport, Merseyside, UK
| | - Mark Sullivan
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Oxford University, Headington, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Heidi V Tempest
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Oxford University, Headington, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Srinivasa Viswanath
- Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Roger M H Walker
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Carshalton, Surrey, UK
| | - J Athene Lane
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), Bristol Trials Centre, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Gilbert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Robinson LS, Schwebke J, Lewis WG, Lewis AL. Identification and characterization of NanH2 and NanH3, enzymes responsible for sialidase activity in the vaginal bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5230-5245. [PMID: 30723162 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella vaginalis is abundant in bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition associated with adverse reproductive health. Sialidase activity is a diagnostic feature of BV and is produced by a subset of G. vaginalis strains. Although its genetic basis has not been formally identified, sialidase activity is presumed to derive from the sialidase A gene, named here nanH1 In this study, BLAST searches predicted two additional G. vaginalis sialidases, NanH2 and NanH3. When expressed in Escherichia coli, NanH2 and NanH3 both displayed broad abilities to cleave sialic acids from α2-3- and α2-6-linked N- and O-linked sialoglycans, including relevant mucosal substrates. In contrast, recombinant NanH1 had limited activity against synthetic and mucosal substrates under the conditions tested. Recombinant NanH2 was much more effective than NanH3 in cleaving sialic acids bearing a 9-O-acetyl ester. Similarly, G. vaginalis strains encoding NanH2 cleaved and foraged significantly more Neu5,9Ac2 than strains encoding only NanH3. Among a collection of 34 G. vaginalis isolates, nanH2, nanH3, or both were present in all 15 sialidase-positive strains but absent from all 19 sialidase-negative isolates, including 16 strains that were nanH1-positive. We conclude that NanH2 and NanH3 are the primary sources of sialidase activity in G. vaginalis and that these two enzymes can account for the previously described substrate breadth cleaved by sialidases in human vaginal specimens of women with BV. Finally, PCRs of nanH2 or nanH3 from human vaginal specimens had 81% sensitivity and 78% specificity in distinguishing between Lactobacillus dominance and BV, as determined by Nugent scoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd S Robinson
- From the Departments of Molecular Microbiology and.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | - Jane Schwebke
- the Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Warren G Lewis
- From the Departments of Molecular Microbiology and.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- From the Departments of Molecular Microbiology and .,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and.,Obstetrics and Gynecology and
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McDonald ND, DeMeester KE, Lewis AL, Grimes CL, Boyd EF. Structural and functional characterization of a modified legionaminic acid involved in glycosylation of a bacterial lipopolysaccharide. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:19113-19126. [PMID: 30315110 PMCID: PMC6295735 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonulosonic acids (NulOs) are a diverse family of α-keto acid carbohydrates present across all branches of life. Bacteria biosynthesize NulOs among which are several related prokaryotic-specific isomers and one of which, N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), is common among all vertebrates. Bacteria display various NulO carbohydrates on lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the identities of these molecules tune host-pathogen recognition mechanisms. The opportunistic bacterial pathogen Vibrio vulnificus possesses the genes for NulO biosynthesis; however, the structures and functions of the V. vulnificus NulO glycan are unknown. Using genetic and chemical approaches, we show here that the major NulO produced by a clinical V. vulnificus strain CMCP6 is 5-N-acetyl-7-N-acetyl-d-alanyl-legionaminic acid (Leg5Ac7AcAla). The CMCP6 strain could catabolize modified legionaminic acid, whereas V. vulnificus strain YJ016 produced but did not catabolize a NulO without the N-acetyl-d-alanyl modification. In silico analysis suggested that Leg5Ac7AcAla biosynthesis follows a noncanonical pathway but appears to be present in several bacterial species. Leg5Ac7AcAla contributed to bacterial outer-membrane integrity, as mutant strains unable to produce or incorporate Leg5Ac7AcAla into the LPS have increased membrane permeability, sensitivity to bile salts and antimicrobial peptides, and defects in biofilm formation. Using the crustacean model, Artemia franciscana, we demonstrate that Leg5Ac7AcAla-deficient bacteria have decreased virulence potential compared with WT. Our data indicate that different V. vulnificus strains produce multiple NulOs and that the modified legionaminic acid Leg5Ac7AcAla plays a critical role in the physiology, survivability, and pathogenicity of V. vulnificus CMCP6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen E DeMeester
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716 and
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- the Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Catherine Leimkuhler Grimes
- From the Departments of Biological Sciences and
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716 and
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Selman LE, Ochieng CA, Lewis AL, Drake MJ, Horwood J. Recommendations for conducting invasive urodynamics for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Qualitative interview findings from a large randomized controlled trial (UPSTREAM). Neurourol Urodyn 2018; 38:320-329. [PMID: 30311686 PMCID: PMC6334271 DOI: 10.1002/nau.23855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims To capture in‐depth qualitative evidence regarding attitudes to and experiences of urodynamic testing among men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at each end of the clinical pathway. Methods Semi‐structured interview study conducted within the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery: Randomized Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) trial, which randomized men to a care pathway including urodynamics or routine non‐invasive tests from 26 secondary care urology sites across England. Men were interviewed after assessments but prior to treatment, or after surgery for LUTS. Men were purposively sampled to include those who had urodynamics and those who did not, and diversity in demographic characteristics and symptom burden. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Forty‐one men participated (25 pre‐treatment, 16 post‐surgery), ages 52‐89. The 16 men who had not previously experienced urodynamics said they would accept the test in their assessment, but some were apprehensive or wanted more information. The 25 men who had experienced urodynamics all found it acceptable, though some reported pain, infection, or embarrassment. Embarrassment was minimized by informing patients what the procedure would be like, and ensuring privacy. Urodynamics was valued for its perceived diagnostic insight. Information deficits were reported before, during, and after the test. How and when results were explained and the adequacy of explanations varied. Conclusions Urodynamics is acceptable to men with LUTS and generally well‐tolerated. To ensure patients are prepared and informed, good communication before and during the procedure is essential. Privacy should be prioritized, and test results discussed promptly and in sufficient detail. Staff require training and guidance in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E Selman
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cynthia A Ochieng
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- Bristol Urological Institute, North Bristol NHS Trust, Level 3 Learning and Research Building, Bristol, UK.,Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Young GJ, Lewis AL, Lane JA, Winton HL, Drake MJ, Blair PS. Statistical analysis plan for the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery Trial; Randomised Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM). Trials 2017; 18:455. [PMID: 28974250 PMCID: PMC5627464 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2206-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current management for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a pathway that results in prostate surgery in a significant proportion. While helpful in relieving benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), surgery may be ineffective for men suffering from difficulties not relating to BPO. The UPSTREAM trial started recruitment in October 2014 with the aim of establishing whether a care pathway including urodynamics (a diagnostic tool for BPO and thus an indication of whether surgery is needed) is no worse for men, in terms of symptomatic outcome, than one without (routine care). METHODS/DESIGN This analysis plan outlines the main outcomes of the study and specific design choices, such as non-inferiority margins. The trial is currently recruiting in 26 hospitals across the UK, randomising men to either urodynamics or routine care, with recruitment set to end on the 31 December 2016. All outcomes will be measured 18 months after randomisation to allow sufficient time for surgical procedures and recovery. The primary outcome is based on a non-inferiority design with a margin of 1 point on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scale. The key secondary outcome for this trial is surgery rate per arm, which is estimated to be at least 18% lower in the urodynamics arm. Surgery rates, adverse events, flow rate, urinary symptoms and sexual symptoms are secondary outcomes to be assessed for superiority. This is an update to the UPSTREAM protocol, which has already been published in this journal. DISCUSSION This a priori statistical analysis plan aims to reduce reporting bias by allowing access to the trial's objectives and plans in advance of recruitment end. The results of the trial are expected to be published soon after the trial end date of 30 September 2018. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN56164274 . Registered on 8 April 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace J Young
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - J Athene Lane
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Helen L Winton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Marcus J Drake
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK. .,Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Peter S Blair
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Robinson LS, Lewis WG, Lewis AL. The sialate O-acetylesterase EstA from gut Bacteroidetes species enables sialidase-mediated cross-species foraging of 9- O-acetylated sialoglycans. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11861-11872. [PMID: 28526748 PMCID: PMC5512079 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.769232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut harbors many symbiotic, commensal, and pathogenic microbes that break down and metabolize host carbohydrates. Sialic acids are prominent outermost carbohydrates on host glycoproteins called mucins and protect underlying glycan chains from enzymatic degradation. Sialidases produced by some members of the colonic microbiota can promote the expansion of several potential pathogens (e.g. Clostridium difficile, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli) that do not produce sialidases. O-Acetyl ester modifications of sialic acids help resist the action of many sialidases and are present at high levels in the mammalian colon. However, some gut bacteria, in turn, produce sialylate-O-acetylesterases to remove them. Here, we investigated O-acetyl ester removal and sialic acid degradation by Bacteroidetes sialate-O-acetylesterases and sialidases, respectively, and subsequent utilization of host sialic acids by both commensal and pathogenic E. coli strains. In vitro foraging studies demonstrated that sialidase-dependent E. coli growth on mucin is enabled by Bacteroides EstA, a sialate O-acetylesterase acting on glycosidically linked sialylate-O-acetylesterase substrates, particularly at neutral pH. Biochemical studies suggested that spontaneous migration of O-acetyl esters on the sialic acid side chain, which can occur at colonic pH, may serve as a switch controlling EstA-assisted sialic acid liberation. Specifically, EstA did not act on O-acetyl esters in their initial 7-position. However, following migration to the 9-position, glycans with O-acetyl esters became susceptible to the sequential actions of bacterial esterases and sialidases. We conclude that EstA specifically unlocks the nutritive potential of 9-O-acetylated mucus sialic acids for foraging by bacteria that otherwise are prevented from accessing this carbon source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd S Robinson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
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42
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Amegashie CP, Gilbert NM, Peipert JF, Allsworth JE, Lewis WG, Lewis AL. Relationship between nugent score and vaginal epithelial exfoliation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177797. [PMID: 28562623 PMCID: PMC5451030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Clue cells characteristic of bacterial vaginosis (BV) are thought to arise due to exfoliation of the vaginal epithelium; however, there is little published data connecting total numbers of epithelial cells to markers of BV. The purpose of this study was to enumerate exfoliated epithelial cells (independent of clue cells) and examine the relationship to Nugent score. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional sub-study of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project cohort. Vaginal swabs were used to create vaginal smears for Gram staining and these smears were later scored using the Nugent method, and then two blinded observers used microscopy to enumerate exfoliated epithelial cells. The degree of epithelial cell exfoliation was compared between women diagnosed as BV-negative (Nugent score 0–3), BV-intermediate (Nugent score 4–6), and BV-positive (Nugent score 7–10). BV specimens (Nugent 7–10) were randomly matched to specimens in the two other groups (Nugent low and Nugent-intermediate), in order to avoid comparing groups of women with potentially confounding baseline demographics. Results Exfoliated epithelial cell counts were higher in the vaginal smears from BV-positive women compared with BV-negative women. Higher levels of epithelial exfoliation were also evident in BV-intermediate women compared to those with low Nugent scores. After adjustment for clustering introduced by matching, the incidence ratio of increased epithelial cell counts was 2.09 (95% CI 1.50–2.90) for the BV-intermediate women and 1.71 (95% CI 1.23–2.38) for the BV positive women. Conclusion A vaginal epithelial exfoliation phenotype was measured in both Nugent-defined BV-positive and BV-intermediate women. Bacterial vaginosis and intermediate status (Nugent score >3) was associated with significantly more vaginal epithelial exfoliation compared to women with Lactobacillus-dominated microbiotas (Nugent 0–3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P. Amegashie
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey F. Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Jenifer E. Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | - Warren G. Lewis
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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Lin AE, Autran CA, Szyszka A, Escajadillo T, Huang M, Godula K, Prudden AR, Boons GJ, Lewis AL, Doran KS, Nizet V, Bode L. Human milk oligosaccharides inhibit growth of group B Streptococcus. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11243-11249. [PMID: 28416607 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.789974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [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: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in newborns, typically acquired vertically during childbirth secondary to maternal vaginal colonization. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have important nutritional and biological activities that guide the development of the immune system of the infant and shape the composition of normal gut microbiota. In this manner, HMOs help protect against pathogen colonization and reduce the risk of infection. In the course of our studies of HMO-microbial interactions, we unexpectedly uncovered a novel HMO property to directly inhibit the growth of GBS independent of host immunity. By separating different HMO fractions through multidimensional chromatography, we found the bacteriostatic activity to be confined to specific non-sialylated HMOs and synergistic with a number of conventional antibiotic agents. Phenotypic screening of a GBS transposon insertion library identified a mutation within a GBS-specific gene encoding a putative glycosyltransferase that confers resistance to HMOs, suggesting that HMOs may function as an alternative substrate to modify a GBS component in a manner that impairs growth kinetics. Our study uncovers a unique antibacterial role for HMOs against a leading neonatal pathogen and expands the potential therapeutic utility of these versatile molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann E Lin
- From the Divisions of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics
| | - Chloe A Autran
- Neonatology, and.,Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Alexandra Szyszka
- Neonatology, and.,Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics
| | | | - Mia Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
| | | | - Anthony R Prudden
- the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Geert-Jan Boons
- the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, and
| | - Kelly S Doran
- From the Divisions of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics.,the Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182
| | - Victor Nizet
- From the Divisions of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics.,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California 92123
| | - Lars Bode
- Neonatology, and .,Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California 92123.,Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
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44
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Gilbert NM, O'Brien VP, Lewis AL. Transient microbiota exposures activate dormant Escherichia coli infection in the bladder and drive severe outcomes of recurrent disease. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006238. [PMID: 28358889 PMCID: PMC5373645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens often inhabit the body asymptomatically, emerging to cause disease in response to unknown triggers. In the bladder, latent intracellular Escherichia coli reservoirs are regarded as likely origins of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI), a problem affecting millions of women worldwide. However, clinically plausible triggers that activate these reservoirs are unknown. Clinical studies suggest that the composition of a woman’s vaginal microbiota influences her susceptibility to rUTI, but the mechanisms behind these associations are unclear. Several lines of evidence suggest that the urinary tract is routinely exposed to vaginal bacteria, including Gardnerella vaginalis, a dominant member of the vaginal microbiota in some women. Using a mouse model, we show that bladder exposure to G. vaginalis triggers E. coli egress from latent bladder reservoirs and enhances the potential for life-threatening outcomes of the resulting E. coli rUTI. Transient G. vaginalis exposures were sufficient to cause bladder epithelial apoptosis and exfoliation and interleukin-1-receptor-mediated kidney injury, which persisted after G. vaginalis clearance from the urinary tract. These results support a broader view of UTI pathogenesis in which disease can be driven by short-lived but powerful urinary tract exposures to vaginal bacteria that are themselves not “uropathogenic” in the classic sense. This “covert pathogenesis” paradigm may apply to other latent infections, (e.g., tuberculosis), or for diseases currently defined as noninfectious because routine culture fails to detect microbes of recognized significance. Millions of women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) and the only treatment option is prophylactic antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance. In experimental models, Escherichia coli, the dominant UTI pathogen, establishes reservoirs inside the bladder lining; it is believed that some cases of rUTI in women may be due to these reservoirs awakening in response to triggers that are still unknown. Here we present a new mouse model that demonstrates the first clinically plausible trigger of rUTI arising from these reservoirs. Specifically, we show that bladder exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis, a common member of the vaginal microbial community, can drive the emergence of E. coli from bladder reservoirs. Furthermore, upon its exposure to the urinary tract, this vaginal organism caused severe kidney damage and other complications, suggesting that carriage of particular vaginal bacteria could also impact a woman’s risk for kidney infection. Bladder exposure to G. vaginalis is likely to occur during sexual activity in many women. Taken together, these data provide the first explanation for why certain characteristics of the vaginal microbiota have been linked with rUTI. Finally, our findings suggest that targeting specific members of the vaginal community may be an effective strategy for treating rUTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gilbert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Valerie P O'Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Madigan CD, Daley AJ, Lewis AL, Aveyard P, Jolly K. Erratum to: Is self-weighing an effective tool for weight loss: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2016; 13:42. [PMID: 27029188 PMCID: PMC4815132 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-016-0366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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O'Brien VP, Hannan TJ, Yu L, Livny J, Roberson EDO, Schwartz DJ, Souza S, Mendelsohn CL, Colonna M, Lewis AL, Hultgren SJ. A mucosal imprint left by prior Escherichia coli bladder infection sensitizes to recurrent disease. Nat Microbiol 2016; 2:16196. [PMID: 27798558 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent bacterial infections are a significant burden worldwide, and prior history of infection is often a significant risk factor for developing new infections. For urinary tract infection (UTI), a history of two or more episodes is an independent risk factor for acute infection. However, mechanistic knowledge of UTI pathogenesis has come almost exclusively from studies in naive mice. Here we show that, in mice, an initial Escherichia coli UTI, whether chronic or self-limiting, leaves a long-lasting molecular imprint on the bladder tissue that alters the pathophysiology of subsequent infections, affecting host susceptibility and disease outcome. In bladders of previously infected versus non-infected, antibiotic-treated mice, we found (1) an altered transcriptome and defects in cell maturation, (2) a remodelled epithelium that confers resistance to intracellular bacterial colonization, and (3) changes to cyclooxygenase-2-dependent inflammation. Furthermore, in mice with a history of chronic UTI, cyclooxygenase-2-dependent inflammation allowed a variety of clinical E. coli isolates to circumvent intracellular colonization resistance and cause severe recurrent UTI, which could be prevented by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition or vaccination. This work provides mechanistic insight into how a history of infection can impact the risk for developing recurrent infection and has implications for the development of therapeutics for recurrent UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie P O'Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Thomas J Hannan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Jonathan Livny
- The Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Elisha D O Roberson
- Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Drew J Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Spenser Souza
- Departments of Urology and Genetics &Development, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Cathy L Mendelsohn
- Departments of Urology and Genetics &Development, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Scott J Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Lewis AL, Robinson LS, Agarwal K, Lewis WG. Discovery and characterization of de novo sialic acid biosynthesis in the phylum Fusobacterium. Glycobiology 2016; 26:1107-1119. [PMID: 27613803 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cww068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids are nine-carbon backbone carbohydrates found in prominent outermost positions of glycosylated molecules in mammals. Mimicry of sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid, Neu5Ac) enables some pathogenic bacteria to evade host defenses. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a ubiquitous oral bacterium also linked with invasive infections throughout the body. We employed multidisciplinary approaches to test predictions that F. nucleatum engages in de novo synthesis of sialic acids. Here we show that F. nucleatum sbsp. polymorphum ATCC10953 NeuB (putative Neu5Ac synthase) restores Neu5Ac synthesis to an Escherichia coli neuB mutant. Moreover, purified F. nucleatum NeuB participated in synthesis of Neu5Ac from N-acetylmannosamine and phosphoenolpyruvate in vitro Further studies support the interpretation that F. nucleatum ATCC10953 NeuA encodes a functional CMP-sialic acid synthetase and suggest that it may also contain a C-terminal sialic acid O-acetylesterase. We also performed BLAST queries of F. nucleatum genomes, revealing that only 4/31 strains encode a complete pathway for de novo Neu5Ac synthesis. Biochemical studies including mass spectrometry were consistent with the bioinformatic predictions, showing that F. nucleatum ATCC10953 synthesizes high levels of Neu5Ac, whereas ATCC23726 and ATCC25586 do not express detectable levels above background. While there are a number of examples of sialic acid mimicry in other phyla, these experiments provide the first biochemical and genetic evidence that a member of the phylum Fusobacterium can engage in de novo Neu5Ac synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | | | | | - Warren G Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, 660 South Euclid Ave, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Parretti HM, Jebb SA, Johns DJ, Lewis AL, Christian-Brown AM, Aveyard P. Clinical effectiveness of very-low-energy diets in the management of weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev 2016; 17:225-34. [PMID: 26775902 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines suggest that very-low-energy diets (VLEDs) should be used to treat obesity only when rapid weight loss is clinically indicated because of concerns about rapid weight regain. Literature databases were searched from inception to November 2014. Randomized trials were included where the intervention included a VLED and the comparator was no intervention or an intervention that could be given in a general medical setting in adults that were overweight. Two reviewers characterized the population, intervention, control groups, outcomes and appraised quality. The primary outcome was weight change at 12 months from baseline. Compared with a behavioural programme alone, VLEDs combined with a behavioural programme achieved -3.9 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) -6.7 to -1.1] at 1 year. The difference at 24 months was -1.4 kg (95%CI -2.6 to -0.2) and at 38-60 months was -1.3 kg (95%CI -2.9 to 0.2). Nineteen per cent of the VLED group discontinued treatment prematurely compared with 20% of the comparator groups, relative risk 0.96 (0.56 to 1.66). One serious adverse event, hospitalization with cholecystitis, was reported in the VLED group and none in the comparator group. Very-low-energy diets with behavioural programmes achieve greater long-term weight loss than behavioural programmes alone, appear tolerable and lead to few adverse events suggesting they could be more widely used than current guidelines suggest.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Parretti
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - S A Jebb
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - D J Johns
- Human Nutrition Research, Medical Research Council, UK and Public Health Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - A L Lewis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - A M Christian-Brown
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - P Aveyard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
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Daley AJ, Jolly K, Jebb SA, Roalfe AK, Mackillop L, Lewis AL, Clifford S, Kenyon S, MacArthur C, Aveyard P. Effectiveness of regular weighing, weight target setting and feedback by community midwives within routine antenatal care in preventing excessive gestational weight gain: randomised controlled trial. BMC Obes 2016; 3:7. [PMID: 26885375 PMCID: PMC4743115 DOI: 10.1186/s40608-016-0086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Many pregnant women gain excess weight during pregnancy which increases the health risks to the mother and her baby. Interventions to prevent excess weight gain need to be given to the whole population to prevent excess weight gain. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a simple and brief intervention embedded withinroutine antenatal care to prevent excessive gestation weight gain. Methods Six hundred and ten pregnant women (between 10-14 weeks gestation), aged ≥18 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m2, planned to receive community midwife led care or shared care at the time of recruitment are eligible to take part in the study. Women will be recruited from four maternity centres in England. Community midwives complete a short training module before delivering the intervention. In the intervention, midwives weigh women, set maximum weight limits for weight gain at each antenatal appointment and ask women to monitor their weight at home. Themaximum weight limit is adjusted by the midwife at each antenatal appointment if women have exceeded their maximum weight gain limit set at their previous appointment. The intervention will be compared with usual antenatal care. The primary outcome is the proportion of women per group who exceed the Institute of Medicine guidelines for gestational weight gain at 38 weeks of pregnancy according to their early pregnancy BMI category. Discussion The proposed trial will test a brief intervention comprising regular weighing, target setting and monitoring ofweight during pregnancy that can be delivered at scale as part of routine antenatal care. Using the professional expertise of community midwives, but without specialist training in weight management, the intervention will incur minimal additionalhealthcare costs, and if effective at reducing excess weight gain, is likely to be very cost effective. Trial registration Current controlled trials ISRCTN67427351. Date assigned 29/10/2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Daley
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - K Jolly
- Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - S A Jebb
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - A K Roalfe
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - L Mackillop
- Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - A L Lewis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS UK
| | - S Clifford
- Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - S Kenyon
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - C MacArthur
- Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - P Aveyard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
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Bailey K, Abrams P, Blair PS, Chapple C, Glazener C, Horwood J, Lane JA, McGrath J, Noble S, Pickard R, Taylor G, Young GJ, Drake MJ, Lewis AL. Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery Trial; Randomised Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) for diagnosis and management of bladder outlet obstruction in men: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2015; 16:567. [PMID: 26651344 PMCID: PMC4676182 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-1087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comprise storage symptoms, voiding symptoms and post-voiding symptoms. Prevalence and severity of LUTS increase with age and the progressive increase in the aged population group has emphasised the importance to our society of appropriate and effective management of male LUTS. Identification of causal mechanisms is needed to optimise treatment and uroflowmetry is the simplest non-invasive test of voiding function. Invasive urodynamics can evaluate storage function and voiding function; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to support urodynamics becoming part of routine practice in the clinical evaluation of male LUTS. Design A 2-arm trial, set in urology departments of at least 26 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK), randomising men with bothersome LUTS for whom surgeons would consider offering surgery, between a care pathway based on urodynamic tests with invasive multichannel cystometry and a care pathway based on non-invasive routine tests. The aim of the trial is to determine whether a care pathway not including invasive urodynamics is no worse for men in terms of symptom outcome than one in which it is included, at 18 months after randomisation. This primary clinical outcome will be measured with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). We will also establish whether inclusion of invasive urodynamics reduces rates of bladder outlet surgery as a main secondary outcome. Discussion The general population has an increased life-expectancy and, as men get older, their prostates enlarge and potentially cause benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) which often requires surgery. Furthermore, voiding symptoms become increasingly prevalent, some of which may not be due to BPO. Therefore, as the population ages, more operations will be considered to relieve BPO, some of which may not actually be appropriate. Hence, there is sustained interest in the diagnostic pathway and this trial could improve the chances of an accurate diagnosis and reduce overall numbers of surgical interventions for BPO in the NHS. The morbidity, and therapy costs, of testing must be weighed against the cost saving of surgery reduction. Trial registration Controlled-trials.com - ISRCTN56164274 (confirmed registration: 8 April 2014). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-1087-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bailey
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - P Abrams
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5N, UK.
| | - P S Blair
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, University of Bristol, St. Michael's Hospital, Level D, Southwell Street, Bristol, UK.
| | - C Chapple
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Room H26, H-Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK.
| | - C Glazener
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland.
| | - J Horwood
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - J A Lane
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - J McGrath
- Exeter Surgical Health Services Research Unit - Urology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, UK.
| | - S Noble
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - R Pickard
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, University of Newcastle, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - G Taylor
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - G J Young
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - M J Drake
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol Urological Institute, Level 3, Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5N, UK. .,School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, 69 St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DZ, Bristol, UK.
| | - A L Lewis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. .,Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration (BRTC), University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
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