The Microbiome as a Key Regulator of Female Genital Tract Barrier Function

The microbiome, the collection of microbial species at a site or compartment, has been an underappreciated realm of human health up until the last decade. Mounting evidence suggests the microbiome has a critical role in regulating the female genital tract (FGT) mucosa’s function as a barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pathogens. In this review, we provide the most recent experimental systems and studies for analyzing the interplay between the microbiome and host cells and soluble factors with an influence on barrier function. Key components, such as microbial diversity, soluble factors secreted by host and microbe, as well as host immune system, all contribute to both the physical and immunologic aspects of the FGT mucosal barrier. Current gaps in what is known about the effects of the microbiome on FGT mucosal barrier function are compared and contrasted with the literature of the gut and respiratory mucosa. This review article presents evidence supporting that the vaginal microbiome, directly and indirectly, contributes to how well the FGT protects against infection.

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A Pyrosequencing Assay for the Quantitative Methylation Analysis ofGALR1in Endometrial Samples: Preliminary Results

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/756359 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Christine Kottaridi ◽

Nikolaos Koureas ◽

Niki Margari ◽

Emmanouil Terzakis ◽

Evripidis Bilirakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Critical Role ◽

Female Genital Tract ◽

Methylation Analysis ◽

Preliminary Results ◽

Pyrosequencing Assay ◽

Aberrant Dna Methylation ◽

Common Malignancy ◽

Female Genital

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract while aberrant DNA methylation seems to play a critical role in endometrial carcinogenesis. Galanin’s expression has been involved in many cancers. We developed a new pyrosequencing assay that quantifies DNA methylation of galanin’s receptor-1 (GALR1). In this study, the preliminary results indicate that pyrosequencing methylation analysis ofGALR1promoter can be a useful ancillary marker to cytology as the histological status can successfully predict. This marker has the potential to lead towards better management of women with endometrial lesions and eventually reduce unnecessary interventions. In addition it can provide early warning for women with negative cytological result.

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Effects of Yeast and Bacterial Commensals and Pathogens of the Female Genital Tract on the Transepithelial Electrical Resistance of HeLa Cells

The Open Microbiology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874285801610010090 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 90-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vassiliki Tsata ◽

Aristea Velegraki ◽

Anastasios Ioannidis ◽

Cornelia Poulopoulou ◽

Pantelis Bagos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Resistance ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Female Genital Tract ◽

Transepithelial Electrical Resistance ◽

Host Immune System ◽

Opportunistic Pathogens ◽

Selective Effect ◽

Cell Monolayers ◽

Female Genital

Commensals of the human body can shift to a pathogenic phase when the host immune system is impaired. This study aims to investigate the effect of seven yeast and two bacterial commensals and opportunistic pathogens isolated from blood and the female genital tract on the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of human cervical epithelial cell cultures (HeLa). The pathogensCandida tropicalis,C. parapsilosis,C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. albicansandSaccharomyces cerevisiae, caused a significant decrease in TER as compared to the controls;Lactobacillusspp caused a significant increase in TERversusthe controls andEscherichia colihad no effect on the TER of the cell monolayers. The above data show thatCandidaspp.,S. cerevisiaeandLactobacillusspp. have a non-selective effect on the TER of HeLa cell monolayers. These results are consistent with thein vivonon-selective action of these microorganisms on the various human mucosal epithelia.

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Tu1774 - A Critical Role for the Sympathetic Nervous System in Maintaining Intestinal Epithelial Tissue Homeostasis and Mucosal Barrier Function

Gastroenterology ◽

10.1016/s0016-5085(18)33400-0 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 154 (6) ◽

pp. S-1016

Author(s):

Anne S. ten Hove ◽

Rose Willemze ◽

Patricia van Hamersveld ◽

Olaf Welting ◽

Wouter J. de Jonge

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Sympathetic Nervous System ◽

Barrier Function ◽

Critical Role ◽

Tissue Homeostasis ◽

Mucosal Barrier ◽

Epithelial Tissue ◽

Intestinal Epithelial ◽

Mucosal Barrier Function ◽

Sympathetic Nervous

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Protective Effect of Probiotic Bacteria and Estrogen in Preventing HIV-1-Mediated Impairment of Epithelial Barrier Integrity in Female Genital Tract

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8101120 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 1120 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sara Dizzell ◽

Aisha Nazli ◽

Gregor Reid ◽

Charu Kaushic

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Protective Effect ◽

Sex Hormones ◽

Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽

Barrier Function ◽

Genital Tract ◽

Female Genital Tract ◽

Probiotic Lactobacilli ◽

Hiv 1 ◽

Female Genital

Approximately 40% of global HIV-1 transmission occurs in the female genital tract (FGT) through heterosexual transmission. Epithelial cells lining the FGT provide the first barrier to HIV-1 entry. Previous studies have suggested that certain hormonal contraceptives or a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota can enhance HIV-1 acquisition in the FGT. We examined the effects of lactobacilli and female sex hormones on the barrier functions and innate immune responses of primary endometrial genital epithelial cells (GECs). Two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GR-1, were tested, as were sex hormones estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), and the hormonal contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Our results demonstrate that probiotic lactobacilli enhance barrier function without affecting cytokines. Treatment of GECs with MPA resulted in reduced barrier function. In contrast, E2 treatment enhanced barrier function and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines. Comparison of hormones plus lactobacilli as a pre-treatment prior to HIV exposure revealed a dominant effect of lactobacilli in preventing loss of barrier function by GECs. In summary, the combination of E2 and lactobacilli had the best protective effect against HIV-1 seen by enhancement of barrier function and reduction in proinflammatory cytokines. These studies provide insights into how probiotic lactobacilli in the female genital microenvironment can alter HIV-1-mediated barrier disruption and how the combination of E2 and lactobacilli may decrease susceptibility to primary HIV infection.

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