-
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Probiotics have been widely used in the treatment of intestinal diseases, but the effect of probiotics on female reproductive tract health is still controversial. is... (Review)
Review
Probiotics have been widely used in the treatment of intestinal diseases, but the effect of probiotics on female reproductive tract health is still controversial. is the most abundant microorganism in the vagina, which is related to the vaginal mucosal barrier. adheres to the vaginal epithelium and can competitively antagonize the colonization of pathogens. The factors produced by , such as bacteriocin and hydrogen peroxide (HO), can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and maintain the low pH environment of the vagina. Probiotics play an important role in maintaining the stability of vaginal microenvironment, improving immune defense and blocking the progression of cervical cancer. We review the research progress of probiotics represented by in gynecological diseases such as human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), so as to provide basis for further exerting the role of probiotics in women's health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lactobacillus; Probiotics; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 35967876
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.963868 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021The vaginal microbiome is a well-defined compartment of the human microbiome. It has unique conditions, characterized by the dominance of one bacterial species, the... (Review)
Review
The vaginal microbiome is a well-defined compartment of the human microbiome. It has unique conditions, characterized by the dominance of one bacterial species, the This microbiota manifests itself by a low degree of diversity and by a strong dynamic of change in its composition under the influence of various exogenous and endogenous factors. The increase in diversity may paradoxically be associated with dysbiosis, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is the result of a disturbance in the vaginal ecosystem; i.e., a sudden replacement of by anaerobic bacteria such as , and others. It is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age, approximately 30% of all causes. The etiology of this dysbiosis remains unknown, but its health consequences are significant, including obstetrical complications, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and urogenital infections. Its diagnosis is based on Amsel's clinical criteria and/or a gram stain based on the Nugent score. While both of these methods have been widely applied worldwide for approximately three decades, Nugent score are still considered the "gold standard" of BV diagnostic tools. Given the limitations of these tools, methods based on molecular biology have been developed as alternative rational strategies for the diagnosis of BV. The treatment of BV aims at restoring the balance of the vaginal flora to stop the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Prescription of antibiotics such as metronidazole, clindamycin, etc. is recommended. Faced with the considerable uncertainty about the cause of BV, the high rate of recurrence, the unacceptable treatment options, and clinical management which is often insensitive and inconsistent, research on this topic is intensifying. Knowledge of its composition and its associated variations represents the key element in improving the therapeutic management of patients with the most suitable treatments possible.
Topics: Ecosystem; Female; Gardnerella vaginalis; Humans; Lactobacillus; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 35118003
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.672429 -
Microbial Cell Factories Nov 2020Human vagina is colonised by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most frequently isolated... (Review)
Review
Human vagina is colonised by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most frequently isolated microorganism from the healthy human vagina, this includes Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus jensenii. These vaginal lactobacilli have been touted to prevent invasion of pathogens by keeping their population in check. However, the disruption of vaginal ecosystem contributes to the overgrowth of pathogens which causes complicated vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Predisposing factors such as menses, pregnancy, sexual practice, uncontrolled usage of antibiotics, and vaginal douching can alter the microbial community. Therefore, the composition of vaginal microbiota serves an important role in determining vagina health. Owing to their Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status, lactobacilli have been widely utilised as one of the alternatives besides conventional antimicrobial treatment against vaginal pathogens for the prevention of chronic vaginitis and the restoration of vaginal ecosystem. In addition, the effectiveness of Lactobacillus as prophylaxis has also been well-founded in long-term administration. This review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of lactobacilli derivatives (i.e. surface-active molecules) with anti-biofilm, antioxidant, pathogen-inhibition, and immunomodulation activities in developing remedies for vaginal infections. We also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of the use of lactobacilli derivatives in promotion of human health. In the current review, we intend to provide insights for the development of lactobacilli derivatives as a complementary or alternative medicine to conventional probiotic therapy in vaginal health.
Topics: Complementary Therapies; Female; Humans; Lactobacillus; Microbiota; Probiotics; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 33160356
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2021There are many proposed classification systems for müllerian anomalies. The American Fertility Society (AFS) Classification from 1988 has been the most recognized and...
There are many proposed classification systems for müllerian anomalies. The American Fertility Society (AFS) Classification from 1988 has been the most recognized and utilized. The advantages of this iconic classification include its simplicity, recognizability, and correlation with clinical pregnancy outcomes. However, the AFS classification has been criticized for its focus primarily on uterine anomalies, with exclusion of those of the vagina and cervix, its lack of clear diagnostic criteria, and its inability to classify complex aberrations. Despite this classification and others, the wide range of müllerian anomalies is still largely unknown and confusing to many providers. Consequently, müllerian anomalies may go undiagnosed for extended periods, receive inappropriate or inadequate surgical interventions, and result in persistent issues such as pain or loss of reproductive function. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Task Force on Müllerian Anomalies Classification was formed and charged with designing a new classification. The Task Force set goals for a new classification and chose to base it on the iconic AFS classification from 1988 because of its simplicity and recognizability, while expanding and updating it to include all categories of anomalies. In addition, this was recognized as an opportunity to raise awareness of this area of medicine, educate providers and learners, and promote patient advocacy. Presented here is the new American Society for Reproductive Medicine Müllerian Anomalies Classification 2021.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Decision Support Techniques; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mullerian Ducts; Predictive Value of Tests; Terminology as Topic; Ultrasonography; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 34756327
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.025 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Vaginal microbiome is mutually beneficial to the host and has a significant impact on health and disease. species, including , are part of the mucosal flora of most... (Review)
Review
Vaginal microbiome is mutually beneficial to the host and has a significant impact on health and disease. species, including , are part of the mucosal flora of most healthy women. Under suitable conditions, they can live in the vulvovaginal mucosa, resulting in symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Based on the analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences, great progress has been made in exploring the composition and structure of vaginal bacterial community. Moreover, researchers have conducted several studies on whether vaginal microbiome will change during VVC infection. In addition, it has been reported that vaginal colonization of probiotics in vaginal microorganisms, especially , can effectively reduce the risk of VVC and treat VVC. This review aims to summarize the changes of vaginal microflora during VVC infection, and further point out the possibility of using lactic acid bacteria as probiotics to treat VVC, so as to reduce the adverse consequences of VVC infection and reduce the expensive treatment cost.
Topics: Female; Humans; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Vagina; Candida albicans; Candida; Probiotics; Antifungal Agents
PubMed: 36816582
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1123026 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2022Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic progressive disease involving the female genital apparatus and lower urinary tract. This condition is related to hypoestrogenism... (Review)
Review
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic progressive disease involving the female genital apparatus and lower urinary tract. This condition is related to hypoestrogenism consequent to menopause onset but is also due to the hormonal decrease after adjuvant therapy for patients affected by breast cancer. Considering the high prevalence of VVA and the expected growth of this condition due to the increase in the average age of the female population, it is easy to understand its significant social impact. VVA causes uncomfortable disorders, such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia, and requires constant treatment, on cessation of which symptoms tend to reappear. The currently available therapies include vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal estrogens and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), systemic hormone therapy, and Ospemifene. Considering, however, that such therapies have some problems that include contraindications, ineffectiveness, and low compliance, finding an innovative, effective, and safe treatment is crucial. The present data suggest great efficacy and safety of a vaginal laser in the treatment of genital symptoms and improvement in sexual function in patients affected by VVA. The beneficial effect tends to be sustained over the long-term, and no serious adverse events have been identified. The aim of this review is to report up-to-date efficacy and safety data of laser energy devices, in particular the microablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and the non-ablative photothermal Erbium-YAG laser.
Topics: Atrophy; Female; Humans; Lasers, Gas; Menopause; Treatment Outcome; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 35744033
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060770 -
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:... Aug 2021This review discusses the interactions of steroids with the gut and vaginal microbiomes within each life phase of adult women and the implications for women's health.... (Review)
Review
This review discusses the interactions of steroids with the gut and vaginal microbiomes within each life phase of adult women and the implications for women's health. Each phase of a woman's life is characterized by distinct hormonal states which drive overall physiology of both host and commensal microbes. These host-microbiome interactions underlie disease pathology in disorders that affect women across their lifetime, including bacterial vaginosis, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anxiety, depression, and obesity. Although many associations between host health and microbiome composition are well defined, the mechanistic role of the microbiome in women's health outcomes is largely unknown. This review addresses potential mechanisms by which the microbiota influences women's health and highlights gaps in current knowledge.
Topics: Adult; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Microbiota; Steroids; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Women's Health
PubMed: 34049772
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.04.014 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts... (Review)
Review
The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts of the female genital tract. It allows sperm and birth passage and hinders the upward movement of microorganisms into a relatively sterile uterus. It is also the predicted site for sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The healthy cervicovaginal microbiota maintains cervical epithelial barrier integrity and modulates the mucosal immune system. Perturbations of the microbiota composition accompany changes in microbial metabolites that induce local inflammation, damage the cervical epithelial and immune barrier, and increase susceptibility to STI infection and relative disease progression. This review examined the intimate interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota, relative metabolites, and the cervical epithelial-, immune-, and mucus barrier, and the potent effect of the host-microbiota interaction on specific STI infection. An improved understanding of cervicovaginal microbiota regulation on cervical microenvironment homeostasis might promote advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various STI diseases.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Semen; Cervix Uteri; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Microbiota; Mucus; Vagina
PubMed: 36909729
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1124591 -
Cell Feb 2024The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains...
The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains poorly explored. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we systematically characterized morphological and gene expression changes occurring in ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina at each phase of the mouse estrous cycle, during decidualization, and into aging. These analyses reveal that fibroblasts play central-and highly organ-specific-roles in FRT remodeling by orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization and inflammation. Our results suggest a model wherein recurrent FRT remodeling over reproductive lifespan drives the gradual, age-related development of fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This hypothesis was directly tested using chemical ablation of cycling, which reduced fibrotic accumulation during aging. Our atlas provides extensive detail into how estrus, pregnancy, and aging shape the organs of the female reproductive tract and reveals the unexpected cost of the recurrent remodeling required for reproduction.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Pregnancy; Aging; Genitalia, Female; Inflammation; Uterus; Vagina; Single-Cell Analysis
PubMed: 38325365
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.021 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy are linked with modifications in the maternal microbiota. We describe the importance of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy... (Review)
Review
Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy are linked with modifications in the maternal microbiota. We describe the importance of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy and examine whether changes in maternal microbiotic composition at different body sites (gut, vagina, endometrium) are associated with pregnancy complications. We analyze the likely interactions between microbiota and the immune system. During pregnancy, the gastrointestinal (gut) microbiota undergoes profound changes that lead to an increase in lactic acid-producing bacteria and a reduction in butyrate-producing bacteria. The meaning of such changes needs clarification. Additionally, several studies have indicated a possible involvement of the maternal gut microbiota in autoimmune and lifelong diseases. The human vagina has its own microbiota, and changes in vaginal microbiota are related to several pregnancy-related complications. Recent studies show reduced lactobacilli, increased bacterial diversity, and low vaginal levels of beta-defensin 2 in women with preterm births. In contrast, early and healthy pregnancies are characterized by low diversity and low numbers of bacterial communities dominated by . These observations suggest that early vaginal cultures that show an absence of and polymicrobial vaginal colonization are risk factors for preterm birth. The endometrium is not a sterile site. Resident endometrial microbiota has only been defined recently. However, questions remain regarding the main components of the endometrial microbiota and their impact on the reproductive tract concerning both fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A classification based on endometrial bacterial patterns could help develop a microbiota-based diagnosis as well as personalized therapies for the prevention of obstetric complications and personalized treatments through nutritional, microbiotic, or pharmaceutical interventions.
Topics: Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Lactobacillus; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Vagina
PubMed: 33193302
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.528202