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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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Edwards TL, Greene CA, Piekos JA, Hellwege JN, Hampton G, Jasper EA, Velez Edwards DR. Challenges and Opportunities for Data Science in Women's Health. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2023; 6:23-45. [PMID: 37040736 PMCID: PMC10877578 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-105958] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The intersection of women's health and data science is a field of research that has historically trailed other fields, but more recently it has gained momentum. This growth is being driven not only by new investigators who are moving into this area but also by the significant opportunities that have emerged in new methodologies, resources, and technologies in data science. Here, we describe some of the resources and methods being used by women's health researchers today to meet challenges in biomedical data science. We also describe the opportunities and limitations of applying these approaches to advance women's health outcomes and the future of the field, with emphasis on repurposing existing methodologies for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Edwards
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
| | - Catherine A Greene
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacqueline A Piekos
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacklyn N Hellwege
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gabrielle Hampton
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
| | - Elizabeth A Jasper
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Precision Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Dhar JP, Walline H, Mor G, Fathallah L, Szpunar S, Saravolatz L, Carey T. Cervical Health in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle) 2023; 4:328-337. [PMID: 37476603 PMCID: PMC10354720 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective A health disparity exists for African American (AA) women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have increased prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and cervical neoplasia. We used a self-sampling brush to obtain cervical cells to assess cytology, HPV infection, and vaginal cytokine production in AA women with SLE. Methods Thirty AA women with SLE ages 18-50 years consented to participate. Clinical information was obtained by review of records and patient interviews, and surveys administered to assess cervical health history, knowledge of HPV, and satisfaction with the self-sampling brush. Vaginal samples were analyzed for cytology, HPV DNA and RNA, and vaginal cytokine RNA. Results Our cohort (mean 36.9, ±9.4 years) had moderate/severe SLE and were on immunosuppressives. The majority had history of abnormal pap smears (63%) with prevalent risk factors for HPV infection: multiple sex partners (9.5 ± 7), not vaccinated for HPV (83.3%), smoking (26.7%), and not using condoms (73.3%). Most were aware of HPV causing cervical cancer (70%) but were unaware of other HPV-related diseases. Most preferred self-sampling over traditional pap smear (80%). Abnormal cytology was detected in 13.3%. HPV DNA was detected in 70%, with half showing multiple types, and all showing active infection (+RNA). HPV-infected samples demonstrated RNA expression of multiple cytokines with no specific/ consistent pattern. Conclusion Our high-risk cohort lacked knowledge about HPV-related diseases and were not employing strategies to reduce their risk with vaccination and condoms. This study highlights the need for cervical health education, increased monitoring, and intervention in these high-risk women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Patricia Dhar
- Department of Internal Medicine/Rheumatology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Rheumatology Fellowship Program, Department of Internal Medicine/Rheumatology, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Heather Walline
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Susanna Szpunar
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA
- Biomedical Investigations and Research, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Louis Saravolatz
- Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Thomas Carey
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Wesselink AK, Henn BC, Fruh V, Orta OR, Weuve J, Hauser R, Williams PL, McClean MD, Sjodin A, Bethea TN, Brasky TM, Baird DD, Wise LA. A Prospective Ultrasound Study of Plasma Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations and Incidence of Uterine Leiomyomata. Epidemiology 2021; 32:259-267. [PMID: 33427764 PMCID: PMC8862183 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyomata, or fibroids, are hormone-dependent neoplasms of the myometrium that can cause severe gynecologic morbidity. In previous studies, incidence of these lesions has been positively associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals. However, previous studies have been retrospective in design and none has used ultrasound to reduce disease misclassification. METHODS The Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids is a prospective cohort of 1,693 reproductive-aged Black women residing in Detroit, Michigan (enrolled during 2010-2012). At baseline and every 20 months for 5 years, women completed questionnaires, provided blood samples, and underwent transvaginal ultrasound to detect incident fibroids. We analyzed 754 baseline plasma samples for concentrations of 24 PCB congeners using a case-cohort study design. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for the association between plasma PCB concentrations and ultrasound-detected fibroid incidence over a 5-year period. RESULTS We observed little association between PCB congener concentrations and fibroid incidence. The HR for a one-standard deviation increase in log-transformed total PCBs was 0.94 (95% CI = 0.78, 1.1). The PCB congener with the largest effect estimate was PCB 187 (HR for a one-standard deviation increase in log-transformed exposure = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.73, 1.1). Associations did not seem to vary strongly across PCB groupings based on hormonal activity. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of reproductive-aged Black women, plasma PCB concentrations typical of the contemporary general population were not appreciably associated with higher risk of fibroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K. Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Olivia R. Orta
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael D. McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andreas Sjodin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Traci N. Bethea
- Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Theodore M. Brasky
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Donna D. Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Backonja U, Taylor-Swanson L, Miller AD, Jung SH, Haldar S, Woods NF. "There's a problem, now what's the solution?": suggestions for technologies to support the menopausal transition from individuals experiencing menopause and healthcare practitioners. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 28:209-221. [PMID: 33582820 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elicit novel ideas for informatics solutions to support individuals through the menopausal transition. (Note: We use "individuals experiencing menopause" and "experiences" rather than "symptoms" when possible to counter typical framing of menopause as a cisgender women's medical problem.). METHODS A participatory design study was conducted 2015-2017 in the Western US. Two sessions were held with individuals experiencing menopause recruited from the general public; and 3 sessions with healthcare practitioners (HCPs) including nurses, physicians, and complementary and integrative health (CIH) practitioners were held. Participants designed technologies addressing informational needs and burdensome experiences. HCPs reflected on designs from participants experiencing menopause. Directed content analysis was used to analyze transcripts. RESULTS Eight individuals experiencing menopause (n = 4 each session) and 18 HCPs (n = 10 CIH, n = 3 nurses, n = 5 physicians) participated. All participants provided ideas for solution purpose, hardware, software, features and functions, and data types. Individuals experiencing menopause designed technologies to help understand and prevent burdensome menopause experiences. HCPs designed technologies for tracking and facilitating communication. Compared to nurses and physicians, CIH practitioners suggested designs reframing menopause as a positive experience and accounted for the complex lives of individuals experiencing menopause, including stigma; these ideas corresponded to comments made by participants experiencing menopause. Participants from both populations were concerned about data confidentiality and technology accessibility. CONCLUSIONS Participant generated design ideas included novel ideas and incorporated existing technologies. This study can inform the development of new technologies or repurposing of existing technologies to support individuals through the menopausal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uba Backonja
- School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, Washington, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,School of Informatics and Computing, IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Se-Hee Jung
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Shefali Haldar
- Department of Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nancy Fugate Woods
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington, USA
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