Is the role of human female reproductive tract microbiota underestimated?

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kamińska ◽  
M. Gajecka
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Bacterial Community Composition ◽  
Intrauterine Infection ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Foetal Development ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
The Impact

An issue that is currently undergoing extensive study is the influence of human vaginal microbiota (VMB) on the health status of women and their neonates. Healthy women are mainly colonised with lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus iners; however, other bacteria may be elements of the VMB, particularly in women with bacterial vaginosis. The implementation of culture-independent molecular methods in VMB characterisation, especially next-generation sequencing, have provided new information regarding bacterial diversity in the vagina, revealing a large number of novel, fastidious, and/or uncultivated bacterial species. These molecular studies have contributed new insights regarding the role of bacterial community composition. In this study, we discuss recent findings regarding the reproductive tract microbiome. Not only bacteria but also viruses and fungi constitute important components of the reproductive tract microbiome. We focus on aspects related to the impact of the maternal microbiome on foetal development, as well as the establishment of the neonatal microbiomes, including the placenta microbiome, and the haematogenous source of intrauterine infection. We also discuss whether the role of the vaginal microbiome is currently understood and appreciated.

scholarly journals Increased FOXL2 Expression Alters Uterine Structures and Functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Li ◽  
San-Pin Wu ◽  
Lecong Zhou ◽  
Barbara Nicol ◽  
John P. Lydon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Endometrial Biopsy ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Ovariectomized Mice ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTranscription factor FOXL2 exhibits an increase in mRNA levels in eutopic endometrial biopsy in endometriosis patients. While FOXL2 is known of regulating sex differentiation and reproductive function, the impact of elevated FOXL2 expression on uterine physiology remains unknown. To answer this question, we generated mice with over expression of FOXL2 (FOXL2OE) in the female reproductive tract by crossing Foxl2LsL/+ with the Pgrcre model. FOXL2OE uterus showed severe morphological abnormality including abnormal epithelial stratification, blunted adenogenesis, increased endometrial fibrosis and disrupted myometrial morphology. In contrast, increasing FOXL2 levels specifically in uterine epithelium by crossing the Foxl2LsL/+ with the Ltficre mice resulted in the eFOXL2OE mice with uterine epithelial stratification but without defects in endometrial fibrosis and adenogenesis, demonstrating a role of the endometrial stroma in the uterine abnormalities of the FOXL2OE mice. Transcriptomic analysis of 12 weeks old Pgrcre and FOXL2OE uterus at diestrus stage showed a positive correlation of FOXL2OE uterine transcriptome with human endometrium of endometriosis patients. Furthermore, we found FOXL2OE mice were sterile. The infertility was caused in part by a disruption of the hypophyseal ovarian axis resulting in an anovulatory phenotype. The FOXL2OE mice failed to show decidual responses during artificial decidualization in ovariectomized mice which demonstrates the uterine contribution to the infertility phenotype. These data supported that aberrantly increased FOXL2 expressions in the female reproductive tract can disrupt ovarian and uterine functions, particularly, may be involved in the progressions of endometriosis.

scholarly journals Proteomics and metabolomics in cow fertility: a systematic review

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 639-658
Author(s):  
Nicolas Aranciaga ◽  
James D Morton ◽  
Debra K Berg ◽  
Jessica L Gathercole
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
The Impact

Cow subfertility is a multi-factorial problem in many countries which is only starting to be unravelled. Molecular biology can provide a substantial source of insight into its causes and potential solutions, particularly through large scale, untargeted omics approaches. In this systematic review, we set out to compile, assess and integrate the latest proteomic and metabolomic research on cow reproduction, specifically that on the female reproductive tract and early embryo. We herein report a general improvement in technical standards throughout the temporal span examined; however, significant methodological limitations are also identified. We propose easily actionable avenues for ameliorating these shortcomings and enhancing the reach of this field. Text mining and pathway analysis corroborate the relevance of proteins and metabolites related to the triad oxidative stress-inflammation-disease on reproductive function. We envisage a breakthrough in cattle reproductive molecular research within the next few years as in vivo sample techniques are improved, omics analysis equipment becomes more affordable and widespread, and software tools for single- and multi-omics data processing are further developed. Additional investigation of the impact of local oxidative stress and inflammation on fertility, both at the local and systemic levels, is key towards realising the full potential of this field.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Status Impacts Genital Mucosal Immunity and Markers of HIV-1 Susceptibility in Women

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3176
Author(s):  
Sharon M. Anderson ◽  
Andrea R. Thurman ◽  
Neelima Chandra ◽  
Suzanne S. Jackson ◽  
Susana Asin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Hiv 1

While vitamin D insufficiency is known to impact a multitude of health outcomes, including HIV-1, little is known about the role of vitamin D-mediated immune regulation in the female reproductive tract (FRT). We performed a pilot clinical study of 20 women with circulating 25(OH)D levels <62.5 nmol/L. Participants were randomized into either weekly or daily high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation groups. In addition to serum vitamin D levels, genital mucosal endpoints, including soluble mediators, immune cell populations, gene expression, and ex vivo HIV-1 infection, were assessed. While systemic vitamin D levels showed a significant increase following supplementation, these changes translated into modest effects on the cervicovaginal factors studied. Paradoxically, post-supplementation vitamin D levels were decreased in cervicovaginal fluids. Given the strong correlation between vitamin D status and HIV-1 infection and the widespread nature of vitamin D deficiency, further understanding of the role of vitamin D immunoregulation in the female reproductive tract is important.

scholarly journals Do spermathecal morphology and inter-mating interval influence paternity in the polyandrous beetle Tribolium castaneum?

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovic Arnaud ◽  
Giorgina Bernasconi ◽  
Yves Brostaux ◽  
Eric P. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Tribolium Castaneum ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Phenotypic Marker ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Different Strains

AbstractIn polyandrous insects, postcopulatory sexual selection is a pervasive evolutionary force favouring male and female traits that allow control of offspring paternity. Males may influence paternity through adaptations for sperm competition, and females through adaptations facilitating cryptic female choice. Yet, the mechanisms are often complex, involving behaviour, physiology or morphology, and they are difficult to identify. In red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum), paternity varies widely, and evidence suggests that both male and female traits influence the outcome of sperm competition. To test the role of spermathecal morphology and of sperm storage processes on the outcome of sperm competition, we mated each of 26 virgin females with two males, one of which carrying a phenotypic marker to assign offspring paternity. We manipulated the interval between mating with the first and the second male, to create different conditions of sperm storage (overlapping and non-overlapping) in the female reproductive tract. To investigate the role of sperm storage more closely, we examined the relationship between paternity and spermathecal morphology in a subset of 14 experimental females. In addition, we also characterized variation in spermathecal morphology in three different strains, wildtype, Chicago black and Reindeer. No significant influence of the intermating interval was found on the paternity of the focal male, although the direction of the difference was in the expected direction of higher last male paternity for longer intervals. Moreover, paternity was not significantly associated with spermathecal morphology, although spermathecal volume, complexity, and tubule width varied significantly and substantially among individuals in all investigated strains.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from the Lamiaceae Family against Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans Biofilms

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Ramona Iseppi ◽  
Roberta Tardugno ◽  
Virginia Brighenti ◽  
Stefania Benvenuti ◽  
Carla Sabia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Retention Data ◽  
Natural Defense

The antimicrobial activity of different essential oils (EOs) from the Lamiaceae family was evaluated on Streptococcus agalactiae, Candida albicans, and lactobacilli. S. agalactiae is the main cause of severe neonatal infections, such as sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia. C. albicans is a primary causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis, a multifactorial infectious disease of the lower female reproductive tract. Lactobacilli represent the dominant bacterial species of the vaginal flora and constitute the natural defense against pathogens. On the basis of the preliminary results, the attention was focused on the EOs from Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. and Mentha arvensis L. By using gas ghromatography (GS) retention data and mass spectra, it was possible to identify more than 90% of the total composition of the EO samples. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and anti-biofilm activity of the two EOs were determined against all isolated strains, using the EOs by themselves or in combination with each other and with drugs (erythromycin and fluconazole). The results showed a good antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of both EOs and a synergistic effect, leading to the best results against all the strains, resulted using the combinations EOs/EOs and antimicrobials/EOs.

Antimicrobial peptides in the pathogenesis of infectious complications in obstetrics and gynecology

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olesya Nikolaevna Ivashova ◽  
Olga Petrovna Lebedeva ◽  
Sergey Petrovich Pakhomov ◽  
Natal’ya Alexandrovna Rudyh ◽  
Marina Sergeevna Seliverstova
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Infectious Complications ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Cationic Peptides ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Angiogenic Effect

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are cationic peptides of innate immune system with antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity. AMP act as immunomodulators, promote bacterial opsonization, inhibit proteases activity, have anti-endotoxic and angiogenic effect. The review describes main types of AMPs, features of their expression in female reproductive tract depending from menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Data about the role of AMPs in defending from sexually transmitted infections (HIV, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea), in pathogenesis of extrauterine pregnancy and preterm birth are described. Possibility of practical application of AMPs as alternative to antibiotics and as contraceptives is estimated.

scholarly journals The LH/hCG Axis in Endometrial Cancer: A New Target in the Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Disease

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Arcangeli ◽  
I. Noci ◽  
A. Fortunato ◽  
G. F. Scarselli
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Cell Invasiveness ◽  
Activate Protein Kinase ◽  
Kinase A

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a hormone-dependent cancer that currently represents the most frequent malignancy of the female reproductive tract. The involvement of steroid hormones in EC etiology and progression has been reported. More recently, gonadotropins, and, in particular LH/hCG, are emerging as novel regulators of tumor progression. In the present review, we discuss the role of the LH/hCG axis (i.e. LH/hCG and its receptors, LH/hCG-R) in both gonadal and nongonadal tissues, in physiological and neoplastic conditions. In cancer cells, LH/hCG mainly controls cell proliferation and apoptosis. In particular, in EC LH/hCG improves cell invasiveness, through a mechanism which involves the LH/hCG-R, which in turn activate protein kinase A and modulate integrin adhesion receptors. Indeed, the LH/hCG-R mRNA is expressed in primary ECs and this expression correlates with LH/hCG-induced cell invasiveness in vitro. These results lead to hypothesize that recurrent and metastatic ECs, which express LH/hCG-R, could benefit from therapies aimed at decreasing LH levels, through Gn-RH analogues. Hence, the LH/hCG axis could represent a prognostic factor and a new therapeutic target in EC.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document