scholarly journals Sub-communities of the vaginal ecosystem in pregnant and non-pregnant women

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Symul ◽  
Pratheepa Jeganathan ◽  
Elizabeth K. Costello ◽  
Michael France ◽  
Seth M. Bloom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Heterogeneous Structure ◽  
Structure And Properties ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Microbiota Structure

AbstractDiverse and non-Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbial communities are associated with adverse health outcomes such as preterm birth and acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Despite the importance of recognizing and understanding the key risk-associated features of these communities, their heterogeneous structure and properties remain ill-defined. Clustering approaches have been commonly used to characterize vaginal communities, but they lack sensitivity and robustness in resolving community substructures and revealing transitions between potential sub-communities. We used a more highly resolved approach based on mixed membership topic models with multi-domain longitudinal data from cohorts of pregnant and non-pregnant subjects to identify several non-Lactobacillus-dominated sub-communities common to women regardless of reproductive status. These sub-communities correlated with clusters of metabolites. In non-pregnant subjects, we identified a few sub-communities that were more common during menses but did not predict an increased likelihood of non-Lactobacillus-dominated communities during the rest of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle was a strong driver of transitions between sub-communities and was correlated with changes in levels of cytokines, for example, elevated TNF-α concentrations at the time of ovulation, and metabolites, for example, elevated kynurenine concentrations during menses. In pregnant women, some metabolite clusters were predictive of changes in vaginal microbiota structure. Overall, our results show that the vaginal community substructure is shaped by the menstrual cycle and that specific sets of metabolites are associated with community instability during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Genome Sequences of 15 Gardnerella vaginalis Strains Isolated from the Vaginas of Women with and without Bacterial Vaginosis: TABLE 1 

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd S. Robinson ◽  
Justin Perry ◽  
Sai Lek ◽  
Aye Wollam ◽  
Erica Sodergren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes

Gardnerella vaginalis is a predominant species in bacterial vaginosis, a dysbiosis of the vagina that is associated with adverse health outcomes, including preterm birth. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of 15 Gardnerella vaginalis strains (now available through BEI Resources) isolated from women with and without bacterial vaginosis.

scholarly journals Vaginal Microbiota, Genital Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Remodelling Collagenase: MMP-9 in Pregnant Women With HIV, a Potential Preterm Birth Mechanism Warranting Further Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte-Eve S. Short ◽  
Rachael A. Quinlan ◽  
Xuan Wang ◽  
Veronica Georgiana Preda ◽  
Ann Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Vaginal Fluid ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes ◽  
Genital Tract Infection ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Tnf Α

BackgroundPregnant women living with HIV infection (PWLWH) have elevated rates of preterm birth (PTB) in which HIV and cART are implicated. PWLWH also have a high prevalence of adverse vaginal microbiota, which associate with genital tract inflammation. The mechanism underlying PTB in PWLWH is unknown. We present the first data in PWLWH on genital-tract matrix-metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), an important collagenase implicated in labour onset, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1) and explore correlations with local inflammation and vaginal bacteria.Material and MethodsCervical vaginal fluid (CVF) collected by a soft cup and high vaginal swabs (HVS) were obtained from PWLWH and HIV uninfected pregnant women (HUPW) at three antenatal time points. Maternal characteristics, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) exposure, and pregnancy outcome were recorded. Concentrations of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and ten cytokines were measured by immunoassays. Vaginal microbiota composition was determined through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. MMP-9, TIMP-1 and cytokine concentrations were compared by HIV status, cART, and prematurity and in PWLWH correlations with polymorphonuclear leucocytes, cytokines and bacterial genera were explored.ResultsCVF was available for 50 PWLWH (108 samples) and 12 HUPW (20 samples) between gestation weeks 14-38. Thirty-six PWLWH conceived on cART and 14 initiated post-conception. There were five and one PTB outcomes in PWLWH and HUPW respectively. PWLWH had higher mean CVF concentrations of MMP-9 (p<0.001) and TIMP-1 (p=0.035) in the second trimester compared with HUPW with a similar trend in the third trimester. PWLWH also had higher CVF values of cytokines: IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α in both trimesters compared to HUPW (p ≤ 0.003). In PWLWH, MMP-9 positively correlated with TIMP-1 (r=0.31, p=0.002) and CVF polymorphonuclear leucocytes (r=0.57, p=0.02). Correlations were observed between MMP-9 and three cytokines: IL-1β (r=0.61), IL-8 (r=0.57) and TNF-α (r=0.64), p<0.001, similarly for TIMP-1. Abundance of anaerobic pathobionts correlated with MMP-9: Gardnerella (r=0.44, p<0.001), Atopobium (r=0.33, p=0.005), and Prevotella genera (r=0.39, p<0.001). Conversely proportion of Lactobacillus genera negatively correlated with MMP-9 (rho=-0.46, p<0.001). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio increased with gestational age at sampling in PWLWH, but this was no longer significant after adjusting for confounders and no difference by prematurity was observed in this sub-study.ConclusionsHere we show strong correlations of MMP-9 to genital tract inflammation and sub-optimal bacterial genera in PWLWH indicating the ascending genital tract infection pathway may be a contributory mechanism to the high risk of PTB.

Pesticide Contaminated Drinking Water and Health Effects on Pregnant Women and Children

2019 ◽  
pp. 123-136
Author(s):  
Sanjeevi Ramakrishnan ◽  
Anuradha Jayaraman
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Pesticide Residues ◽  
Contaminated Water ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Contaminated Drinking Water ◽  
Women And Children

In the recent years, pesticide research and regulatory efforts have focused on the prevention of acute health effects from pesticide poisonings and pesticide residues on foods, but more attention is being given to the deleterious chronic health effects. Children and pregnant women's exposure to contaminated water in particular are at high risk for subsequent adverse health outcomes. The chapter summaries the health effects of water contamination.

scholarly journals Perinatal Outcomes in HIV Positive Pregnant Women with Concomitant Sexually Transmitted Infections

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Burnett ◽  
Tammy L. Loucks ◽  
Michael Lindsay
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
City Hospital ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective. To evaluate whether HIV infected pregnant women with concomitant sexually transmitted infection (STIs) are at increased risk of adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes.Methods. We conducted a cohort study of HIV positive women who delivered at an inner-city hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, from 2003 to 2013. Demographics, presence of concomitant STIs, prenatal care information, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected. The outcomes examined were the association of the presence of concomitant STIs on the risk of preterm birth (PTB), postpartum hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age, low Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care admission. Multiple logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders.Results. HIV positive pregnant women with concomitant STIs had an increased risk of spontaneous PTB (odds ratio (OR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–3.97). After adjusting for a history of preterm birth, maternal age, and low CD4+ count at prenatal care entry the association between concomitant STIs and spontaneous PTB persisted (adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.01–3.78).Conclusions. HIV infected pregnant women with concomitant STIs relative to HIV positive pregnant women without a concomitant STI are at increased risk of spontaneous PTB.

scholarly journals An assessment of risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea and its relationship with adverse health outcomes among pregnant women. A multi-hospital based study

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-334
Author(s):  
Nitin Joseph ◽  
Shreeshaina Shreeshaina ◽  
Shivani L Bhat ◽  
Vinod Kumar Gundi ◽  
Mrudula H S Bharghav ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Obstructive Sleep

Associations between second-trimester amniotic fluid levels of ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, IL-6, and TNF-α and spontaneous preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rauf Melekoglu ◽  
Ercan Yilmaz ◽  
Osman Ciftci ◽  
Yusuf Taner Kafadar ◽  
Ebru Celik
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preterm Delivery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Second Trimester ◽  
Spontaneous Preterm Delivery ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Fluid Levels

Abstract Background We investigated the roles of inflammatory cytokines and the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family in the etiopathogenesis of spontaneous preterm delivery by comparing the ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in second-trimester amniotic fluid between pregnant women with preterm birth and term controls. Methods All pregnant women who underwent second-trimester amniocentesis for genetic analysis between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2018, were enrolled in this study. From this cohort, 22 patients who subsequently experienced spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks of pregnancy formed the study group, and 22 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched patients without preterm birth constituted the control group. Results No significant differences were observed between the preterm birth and control groups in terms of age, BMI, obstetric history of preterm delivery, gestational age at amniocentesis, or indication for amniocentesis. The mean amniotic fluid levels of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 were significantly increased in the preterm birth group compared to the control group (248.3±22.6 and 182.4±19.8 pg/mL, P=0.012; and 198.6±21.6 and 159.1±21.7 pg/mL, P=0.035, respectively). Significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels were also detected in the amniotic fluid of women who experienced spontaneous preterm delivery, relative to controls (142.1±16.2 and 95.8±16.4 pg/mL, P<0.001; and 139.4±12.5 and 89.6±11.2 pg/mL, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion The results of this study imply that increased mid-trimester amniotic fluid levels of ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, IL-6, and TNF-α play an important role in the pathophysiology of spontaneous preterm delivery.

Cervical and Vaginal Cytokine Determinations in Pregnant Women: Methodologic Issues

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Gennaro ◽  
Nancy Raftery ◽  
Donald Campbell ◽  
Justine Shults
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Protein Quantification ◽  
Protein Assay ◽  
Quantification Method ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Weight Method ◽  
Protein Versus

Investigations of the role cytokines play in preterm birth are complicated by a number of methodologic issues that arise as to the most feasible and efficient methods to measure cytokines. The purpose of this article is to review methodologic issues surrounding the measurement of vaginal and cervical cytokines, specifically IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in pregnant women experiencing preterm labor. Specifically, two quantification methods, weight and protein assay, and cytokine specimens from two different sites, vaginal and cervical, were compared. There were no significant correlations between cytokine levels using the protein versus weight quantification method. The weight method had more negative values and thus the protein quantification method was more accurate. There were high correlations between cervical and vaginal IL-1β levels and IL-6 levels, but cervical and vaginal TNF-α levels were not correlated.

Methodologic Considerations for Epigenomic Investigation of Preterm Birth in African American Women

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110303
Author(s):  
Alexandra L. Nowak ◽  
Carmen Giurgescu ◽  
Jodi L. Ford ◽  
Amy Mackos ◽  
Joyce Ohm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
African American Women ◽  
White Women ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
American Women ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes

Epigenetic modifications are chemical changes that can modify gene expression without changing the sequence of the gene. These modifications are potentially identifiable and reversible, making the epigenome an important area of research for discovering biomarkers to identify those who may be at risk and providing therapeutic interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes. African Americans bear a disproportionate risk of adverse health outcomes (e.g., hypertension, cancer). Indeed, African American women experience preterm birth (PTB; <37 completed weeks gestation) at more than twice the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Research suggests that environmental influences may play a significant role in PTB outcomes for this population. However, the biological pathways by which these influences contribute to PTB are poorly understood. This paper describes research methods and ethical considerations for the collection and analysis of biological samples based on our study examining the epigenetic regulation of stress pathways in PTB in pregnant African American women.

Preconceptional screening of sexually transmitted infections/diseases

Open Medicine ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferenc Bánhidy ◽  
Istvan Dudás ◽  
Andrew Czeizel
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Preterm Births ◽  
Vaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Preconceptional Care ◽  
Vaginal Candidosis ◽  
Candida Colonisation

AbstractHungarian Preconceptional Care includes the preconceptional screening of sexually transmitted infections/disorders (STD) and vaginal candidosis of potential mothers and pyospermia of potential fathers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this screening and treatment for the rate of preterm births. Clinical and subclinical vaginal candidiasis (asymptomatic candida colonisation), combination of STD and vaginal candidiasis, STD without vaginal candidiasis, finally women without STD and vaginal candidiasis as references were evaluated in 4,672 pregnant women. The association of STD in pregnant women with higher risk of preterm birth was confirmed. However, an association was also found between clinically diagnosed vaginal candidiasis, asymptomatic candida colonisation, and a higher risk for preterm births. This risk was reduced with clotrimazole treatment. However, pregnant women without recognized STD and/or vaginal candidiasis had a higher risk for preterm birth than pregnant women with STD or vaginal candidiasis after appropriate treatment. Thus the conclusion of the study is that the preconceptional screening of STD and vaginal candidiasis followed by appropriate treatment is important to prevent a certain part of preterm birth but it is necessary to improve the efficacy of the previously used methods for this screening.

scholarly journals Features of systemic and local immunity in pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 70-75
Author(s):  
E.I. Krotik
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Local Immunity ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Placental Dysfunction ◽  
Infectious Origin ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
History Of

The objective: to study the features of systemic and local immunity in pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections.Materials and methods. We examined 100 patients, which were divided into groups: Group I (main) – 50 pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections, with a high risk of placental dysfunction of infectious origin; Group II (control) – 50 pregnant women without obstetric and somatic pathology, who became pregnant spontaneously and had vaginal delivery.In-depth immunological examination included: determination of absolute (×109/л) and relative (%) number of subpopulations of CD3+ lymphocytes (T-lymphocytes), CD4+ (helpers-inductors), CD8+ (cytotoxic suppressors), CD56+ (natural killers), CD19 + (B-lymphocytes); determination of levels of IgG, IgM, IgA in serum and vaginal secretions; studied the content of a number of cytokines (interleukins – IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, INFγ) in serum and vaginal contents.Results. The results of studies indicate that in pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), that formulate a group of high infectious risk, changes in systemic and local immunity, cytokine status are statistically prognostic. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-2, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and γ IFN in serum and vaginal contents can be used as prognostic criteria for complications before their clinical manifestations and clinical features of pregnancy. It was also detected that the percentage of СD56+-lymphocytes with properties of natural killers was greater in group of pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections than in the control group dynamically throughout pregnancy (12,3±1,7%, 15,1±1,7%, 13,9±1,73% against 8,6±1,4%, 8,1±1,18%, 7,2±0,98%; р<0,05). Studies also showed a significant increase in IgG levels in pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections compared to the pregnant women in the control group (p <0,05).Conclusion. The study of systemic and local immunity, cytokine status in pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted infections expands the possibilities of choice of rational, pathogenetic therapy, thereby reducing the incidence of early placental dysfunction of infectious origin, intrauterine infection, obstetric and perinatal complications in these patients.

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