scholarly journals Pre-Pregnancy Diet and Vaginal Environment in Caucasian Pregnant Women: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Dall’Asta ◽  
Luca Laghi ◽  
Sara Morselli ◽  
Maria Carla Re ◽  
Sara Zagonari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Local Immunity ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
H Nmr ◽  
Metabolic Products ◽  
Dietary Nutrient ◽  
Total Carbohydrates ◽  
Vaginal Health ◽  
Caucasian Women

Vaginal microbes and their metabolic products have crucial functions, affecting local immunity development and maternal-fetal health. The composition of the vaginal microbiome can vary in response to various factors, including body mass index (BMI), and diet. In this study we get new insights into the vaginal ecosystem of Caucasian women (n = 24) at the first trimester of pregnancy, assessing whether pre-pregnancy diet can affect the structure of the vaginal environment in terms of bacterial composition and vaginal metabolite concentration. We characterized 1) the vaginal bacterial composition (Nugent score), 2) the vaginal metabolic profiles (1H-NMR spectroscopy), and 3) the dietary nutrient intake by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire. Pre-pregnancy BMI was negatively related to vaginal health status, indicating that women who begin pregnancy overweight/obese have a greater occurrence of vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy. A lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiota was negatively associated with higher pre-pregnancy intake of animal-sourced protein. Conversely, a higher pre-pregnancy consumption of total carbohydrates and sugars seemed to be a protective factor for vaginal health. The vaginal environment of BV-women was characterized by higher levels of biogenic amines and organic acids, whereas higher levels of phenylpropionate and diverse amino acids were fingerprints of a healthy vaginal status. A significant association between a higher pre-pregnancy BMI and several dysbiosis-related vaginal metabolites was also found. Our study shed light on the role of pre-pregnancy BMI and diet on the vaginal environment during pregnancy, underlining the importance of limiting protein intake from animal foods to maintain a healthy lactobacilli-dominated microbiota.

scholarly journals New Insights into Vaginal Environment During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Marangoni ◽  
Luca Laghi ◽  
Sara Zagonari ◽  
Giulia Patuelli ◽  
Chenglin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Trimester ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Nugent Score ◽  
H Nmr ◽  
Significant Enrichment ◽  
Novel Biomarkers ◽  
Caucasian Women

During pregnancy, the vaginal ecosystem undergoes marked changes, including a significant enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. and profound alterations in metabolic profiles. A deep comprehension of the vaginal environment may shed light on the physiology of pregnancy and may provide novel biomarkers to identify subjects at risk of complications (e.g., miscarriage, preterm birth). In this study, we characterized the vaginal ecosystem in Caucasian women with a normal pregnancy (n = 64) at three different gestational ages (i.e., first, second and third trimester) and in subjects (n = 10) suffering a spontaneous first trimester miscarriage. We assessed the vaginal bacterial composition (Nugent score), the vaginal metabolic profiles (1H-NMR spectroscopy) and the vaginal levels of two cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbiota became less diverse, being mainly dominated by lactobacilli. This shift was clearly associated with marked changes in the vaginal metabolome: over the weeks, a progressive reduction in the levels of dysbiosis-associated metabolites (e.g., biogenic amines, alcohols, propionate, acetate) was observed. At the same time, several metabolites, typically found in healthy vaginal conditions, reached the highest concentrations at the end of pregnancy (e.g., lactate, glycine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine). Lower levels of glucose were an additional fingerprint of a normal vaginal environment. The vaginal levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly associated with the number of vaginal leukocytes, as well as with the presence of vaginal symptoms, but not with a condition of dysbiosis. Moreover, IL-8 concentration seemed to be a good predictor of the presence of vaginal Candida spp. Cytokine concentrations were negatively correlated to lactate, serine, and glycine concentrations, whereas the levels of 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, glucose, O-acetylcholine, and choline were positively correlated with Candida vaginal loads. Finally, we found that most cases of spontaneous abortion were associated with an abnormal vaginal microbiome, with higher levels of selected metabolites in the vaginal environment (e.g., inosine, fumarate, xanthine, benzoate, ascorbate). No association with higher pro-inflammatory cytokines was found. In conclusion, our analysis provides new insights into the pathophysiology of pregnancy and highlights potential biomarkers to enable the diagnosis of early pregnancy loss.

scholarly journals Vaginal metabolic profiles during pregnancy: Changes between first and second trimester

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249925
Author(s):  
Luca Laghi ◽  
Sara Zagonari ◽  
Giulia Patuelli ◽  
Chenglin Zhu ◽  
Claudio Foschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Trimester ◽  
Vaginal Swab ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Vaginal Microbiome ◽  
Second Trimester ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Isoleucine Leucine ◽  
H Nmr ◽  
Microscopic Evaluation

During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome plays an important role in both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbial composition undergoes significant changes, including a decrease in overall diversity and enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. In turn, the modifications in the microbial profiles are associated with shifts in the composition of vaginal metabolites. In this study, we characterized the vaginal metabolic profiles throughout pregnancy at two different gestational ages, correlating them with a microscopic evaluation of the vaginal bacterial composition. A total of 67 Caucasian pregnant women presenting to the Family Advisory Health Centres of Ravenna (Italy) were enrolled and a vaginal swab was collected at gestational ages 9–13 weeks (first trimester) and 20–24 weeks (second trimester). The composition of the vaginal microbiome was assessed by Nugent score and women were divided in ‘H’ (normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota), ‘I’ (intermediate microbiota), and ‘BV’ (bacterial vaginosis) groups. Starting from the cell-free supernatants of the vaginal swabs, a metabolomic analysis was performed by means of a 1H-NMR spectroscopy. From the first to the second trimester, a greater number of women showed a normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota, with a reduction of cases of dysbiosis. These microbial shifts were associated with profound changes in the vaginal metabolic profiles. Over the weeks, a significant reduction in the levels of BV-associated metabolites (e.g. acetate, propionate, tyramine, methylamine, putrescine) was observed. At the same time, the vaginal metabolome was characterized by higher concentrations of lactate and of several amino acids (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine), typically found in healthy vaginal conditions. Over time, the vaginal metabolome became less diverse and more homogeneous: in the second trimester, women with BV showed metabolic profiles more similar to the healthy/intermediate groups, compared to the first trimester. Our data could help unravel the role of vaginal metabolites in the pathophysiology of pregnancy.

scholarly journals Relationship of maternal obesity and vitamin D concentrations with fetal growth in early pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qianqian Zhang ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Jiuru Zhao ◽  
Haiyuan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Maternal Obesity ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Singleton Pregnancy ◽  
Crown Rump Length

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of the association between first trimester vitamin D (VitD) concentrations and increased prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) on early fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods This retrospective cohort study included 15,651 women with singleton pregnancy who delivered at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and November 2016. Women were classified in two groups based on their serum 25(OH)D vitamin levels status: VitD sufficient (SUFF) group and VitD insufficient or deficient (INSUFF/DEF). The cut-off point for vit D concentration was 50.00 nmol/L. Comparisons were made between women with normal prepregnancy body weight (BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2) and overweight and obese (OWO) women (BMI > 24.0 kg/m2). Early FGR was defined as first-trimester gestational age-adjusted crown-rump length (CRL) in the lowest 20th centile of the population. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between maternal serum 25(OH)D levels and prepregnancy BMI with first trimester CRL and early FGR. Results In VitD INSUFF/DEF group, the first trimester CRL was decreased (P = 0.005), and the risk of early FGR was increased by 13% (95% CI 1.04–1.24, P = 0.004) compared to the VitD SUFF group. In OWO group, the first trimester CRL was also significantly decreased (P < 0.0001), and the risk of early FGR was significantly increased by 58% (95% CI 1.40–1.78, P < 0.001) compared with normal weight group. Furthermore, there was a significant combined effect of maternal VitD concentrations and OWO on CRL (P for interaction = 0.02) and the risk of early FGR (P for interaction = 0.07). Conclusion Sufficient first trimester serum 25(OH)D concentration was a protective factor for early fetal growth, especially among OWO mothers. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1900027447 with date of registration on November 13, 2019-retrospectively registered).

Metabolic characterization of amniotic fluids of fetuses with enlarged nuchal translucency

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambra Iuculano ◽  
Federica Murgia ◽  
Cristina Peddes ◽  
Maria Laura Santoru ◽  
Laura Tronci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Nuchal Translucency ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aneuploidy Screening ◽  
H Nmr

Abstract Background In prenatal diagnosis, a thickened nuchal translucency (NT) is one of the most sensitive and specific markers for several defects but it may also be found in 5% of healthy fetuses. The pathophysiological causes that lead to an increase in NT are not yet fully understood. Metabolomics represents a new promising approach, useful for studying different metabolites in biological organisms in response to environmental stressors. The aim of our study was to investigate the metabolomic profile of the amniotic fluid samples (AFS) of euploid fetuses with enlarged nuchal translucency (ENT) compared to a control group (C group). Methods This study was carried out on a group of women who underwent second-trimester amniocentesis for advanced maternal age (C group) or for NT ≥95th percentile (ENT group) found during first-trimester aneuploidy screening. AFS were analyzed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and subsequent multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were conducted, followed by pathway analysis. Results In total, 67 AFS from the C group and 23 from the ENT group were analyzed. Partial least square discriminate analysis was carried out (R2X=0.784, R2Y=0.658, Q2=0.622, P<0.0001). A different metabolic profile was observed in the ENT group compared with the C group, suggesting an energetic shift to a glycolytic phenotype in an oxidative environment in the ENT group compared to the C group. Conclusion Metabolomic studies enable the identification of metabolic alterations occurring in fetuses with ENT. These findings may provide a new basis for better understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms in this prenatal phenomenon.

scholarly journals Human Endometrial Microbiota at Term of Normal Pregnancies

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Leoni ◽  
Oronzo Ceci ◽  
Caterina Manzari ◽  
Bruno Fosso ◽  
Mariateresa Volpicella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Caesarean Delivery ◽  
Bacterial Population ◽  
Hypervariable Region ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Endometrial Biopsy ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Caucasian Women ◽  
Elective Caesarean Delivery

The endometrium is a challenging site for metagenomic analysis due to difficulties in obtaining uncontaminated samples and the limited abundance of the bacterial population. Indeed, solid correlations between endometrial physio-pathologic conditions and bacteria compositions have not yet been firmly established. Nevertheless, the study of the endometrial microbiota is of great interest due to the close correlations between microbiota profiles, women’s health, and successful pregnancies. In this study, we decided to tackle the study of the endometrial microbiota through analysis of bacterial population in women subjected to elective caesarean delivery. As a pilot study, a cohort of 19 Caucasian women at full term of normal pregnancy and with a prospection of elective caesarean delivery was enrolled for endometrium sampling at the time of caesarean section. Sampling was carried out by endometrial biopsy soon after the delivery of the newborn and the discharge of the placenta and fetal membranes from the uterus. Bacterial composition was established by a deep metabarcoding next generation sequencing (NGS) procedure addressing the V5–V6 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Amplicon sequences were analysed by bioinformatic procedures for denoising and taxonomic classification. The RDP database was used as 16S rRNA reference collection. Metabarcoding analysis showed the presence of a common bacterial composition, including six genera classifiable within the human microbiota (Cutibacterium, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium), that could be part of the core endometrial microbiota under the specific conditions examined. These results can provide useful information for future studies on the correlations between bacteria and successful pregnancies.

Prevalence of hereditary thrombophilic disorders in Caucasian women with two and with more first trimester miscarriages

2010 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-81
Author(s):  
Kristin Baumann ◽  
Petra Beuter-Winkler ◽  
Andreas Hackethal ◽  
Thomas Strowitzki ◽  
Michael K. Bohlmann
Keyword(s):  
First Trimester ◽  
Caucasian Women

scholarly journals Anamnestic and microbiological predictors of miscarriage

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-70
Author(s):  
Anna A. Sinyakova ◽  
Elena V. Shipitsyna ◽  
Olga V. Budilovskaya ◽  
Vyacheslav M. Bolotskikh ◽  
Alevtina M. Savicheva
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Outcome ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Ongoing Pregnancy ◽  
Vaginal Microflora ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Present Pregnancy ◽  
Late Miscarriage ◽  
Predictor Factors

Hypothesis/aims of study. Miscarriage is a significant medical and social problem. The etiology of pregnancy losses is diverse and depends on many factors. It is believed that dysbiotic disorders of the vagina are one of the main causes of this pathology. While the etiopathogenesis of miscarriage is actively studied, many questions still remain open. The aim of the study was to investigate anamnestic and microbiological predictor factors of miscarriage. Study design, materials, and methods. In a prospective cohort study, 159 pregnant women were examined in the first trimester of pregnancy: the anamnesis, course of pregnancy, vaginal microflora, and present pregnancy outcome were studied. The vaginal microflora was analyzed using microscopic, bacteriological and quantitative real-time PCR methods. Depending on the present pregnancy outcome, the patients were divided into two groups: those delivered at term and women with early and late miscarriage. The analysis of predictors of miscarriage of the ongoing pregnancy was performed depending on the period of delivery. Results. The rate of miscarriage in women was 13%. The independent predictors of early miscarriage were chronic endometritis (OR 10.54; 95% CI 2.54 to 43.64), the dominance of Lactobacillus iners in the vaginal microflora (OR 8.52; 95% CI 2.07 to 35.05), and the prevalence of non-Lactobacillus species in microscopy of vaginal preparations (OR 4.50; 95% CI 1.02 to 19.69). The dominance of Lactobacillus crispatus was a significant protective factor of late miscarriage (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.99). Conclusion. The undertaken analysis revealed significant associations of a number of anamnestic and microbiological predictor factors with miscarriage, which will enable to substantiate approaches for predicting pregnancy outcomes at different gestational age and to develop methods of pre-conception care and treatment in women with different risk of miscarriage.

scholarly journals 3049 Prenatal care as a protective factor for preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy in nulliparous patients: a propensity score analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 51-51
Author(s):  
Alexandra Noel Houston-Ludlam ◽  
Alison G. Cahill ◽  
Kathleen K. Bucholz ◽  
Andrew C. Heath
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Prenatal Care ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Birth Prevalence ◽  
Smoking During Pregnancy ◽  
Birth Record ◽  
Maternal Race

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Preterm birth rates have been rising in the United States, and reducing preterm birth is a high-priority clinical and public health concern. There are no existing strategies to reduce preterm birth in nulliparous individuals. The present study aims to evaluate prenatal care as a protective factor for preterm birth in this population. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Missouri birth record data for child birth years 1993-2016 were used to create a sample of 325,088 singleton births to nulliparous women, themselves born in MO 1975-1985. Logistic regressions, stratified by maternal race (White, African-American, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Other), were used to predict preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestational age) as a function of 1) initiation of prenatal care of by end of first trimester and 2) Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index, with sociodemographic covariates of child birth year, maternal age, highest educational level, and marital status (four level variable, including married yes/no, and partner named on birth record, yes/no). Subsequent analyses will use this logistic regression to create a propensity score predicting smoking during pregnancy using birth record parental sociodemographic characteristics, stratified by maternal race. Primary analyses will focus on the role of prenatal care in predicting smoking during pregnancy and preterm birth risk within propensity score stratum. Secondary analyses will consider the role of other risk factors, including maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal DUI history, on preterm birth risk. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Preliminary logistic regressions predicting preterm birth were analyzed, stratified by maternal race. In White mothers, preterm birth prevalence was 8.2%, and risk was significantly increased by maternal age ≤ 15 and ≥ 31, being unmarried, and by receiving no prenatal care, yet unaffected by timing of prenatal care initiation. For African-American mothers, preterm birth prevalence was 11.9%, and risk was significantly increased by being unmarried and both by not initiating prenatal care by end of first trimester and receiving no prenatal care. Preliminary samples were too small for solid inferences for other races. Anticipated results are that after propensity score match, earlier initiation of prenatal care will show modest protective effect on preterm birth, but other characteristics such as maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and DUI status will show stronger effects on predicting preterm birth risk. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: By evaluating the role of prenatal care initiation and delivery on preterm birth, this work provides an evidence base for prenatal care schedules and for understanding the interplay of sociodemographics, healthcare delivery, and individual characteristics in the context of preterm birth risk and potentially reduce negative health outcomes.

Salivary Factors in Caries Models

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.I. Hay
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Phosphate ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Metabolic Products ◽  
Tooth Surfaces ◽  
Complex Chemistry ◽  
Phosphate Salts ◽  
Acquired Enamel Pellicle

Consideration of salivary factors in caries models rarely extends beyond viewing saliva as a sink or diluent for plaque metabolic products, or as a source of buffering, for neutralizing plaque acids. In reality, saliva has a complex chemistry and a wide range of biochemical activities that may significantly affect plaque chemistry and microbiology. Thus, saliva is a major source of microbial nutrients, without which bacterial acid production is diminished. Buffering by salivary bicarbonate, and base production from urea and basic amino acids and peptides, significantly affect Stephan curves. Saliva is supersaturated with respect to basic calcium phosphate salts and contains novel inhibitors of calcium phosphate precipitation, while specific salivary proteins bind calcium. It seems important to consider if this system is reflected in plaque. Saliva, with contributions from serum and bacterial constituents, provides most of the precursors for the acquired enamel pellicle, which acts to slow demineralization during caries attack. Pellicle constituents appear to influence initial bacterial colonization of tooth surfaces and, therefore, may affect the microbial composition of plaque. There are several potent antibacterial systems in saliva which appear to influence the bacterial composition of plaque, but their detailed effects on plaque are poorly understood. Microbial adaptations to the anti-bacterial systems also seem important but are poorly investigated. Thus, saliva possesses an array of activities that have substantial actual or potential impact on plaque and, therefore, merit consideration for inclusion in systems intended to model dental caries.

Phagocytosis of Extracellular Vesicles Extruded From the Placenta by Ovarian Cancer Cells Inhibits Growth of the Cancer Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Chen ◽  
Victoria Rutten ◽  
Wei-Tzu Cheng ◽  
Mancy Tong ◽  
Jia Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Ovarian Cancer Cells ◽  
Inhibition Of Proliferation

ObjectiveOvarian cancer is a common gynecological cancer, and parity is negatively associated with the incidence of this disease. This negative association is hypothesized to be due in part to shifting the balance of estrogen and progesterone toward more progesterone and reduced ovulation during pregnancy. However, studies suggested that parity is also associated with estrogen-independent gynecological cancers suggesting balance of hormones may not be the only protective factor. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in cell-to-cell communication in physiological and pathological conditions. During pregnancy, large amounts of EVs are extruded from the placenta, and they seem to be involved in the remarkable adaptation of a woman's body to normal pregnancy. We hypothesized that EVs extruded from the placenta play a role in this protective effect.MethodsPlacental EVs were collected from first-trimester placentae, and cancer cell EVs were isolated from ovarian cancer cells. The EVs were exposed to ovarian cancer cells for 48 hours. The proliferation of cancer cells and the cell cycle were measured. In addition, phagocytosis of deported placental EVs by cancer cells was also measured.ResultsThe proliferation of cancer cells was significantly reduced by treatment with placental EVs (P = 0.001, analysis of variance), but not EVs from monocytes (P = 0.195), compared with untreated cancer cells. Furthermore, placental EVs also prevented the proliferation of cancer cells induced by cancer cell–derived EVs (P = 0.001). This inhibition of proliferation of ovarian cancer cells was partially due to phagocytosis of placental EVs by cancer cells. Phagocytosis of placental EVs delayed progression through the cell cycle. Calreticulin, a phagocytic “eat me” signal carried by placental EVs significantly inhibited ovarian cancer growth (P = 0.001).ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that EVs extruded from the placenta prevented ovarian cancer cell growth by a mechanism that involved delaying progression of the cell cycle after phagocytosis of the EVs.

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