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International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024In recent years, the relationship between the microbiota and various aspects of health has become a focal point of scientific investigation. Although the most studied... (Review)
Review
In recent years, the relationship between the microbiota and various aspects of health has become a focal point of scientific investigation. Although the most studied microbiota concern the gastrointestinal tract, recently, the interest has also been extended to other body districts. Female genital tract dysbiosis and its possible impact on pathologies such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and gynecological cancers have been unveiled. The incursion of pathogenic microbes alters the ecological equilibrium of the vagina, triggering inflammation and compromising immune defense, potentially fostering an environment conducive to cancer development. The most common types of gynecological cancer include cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, which occur in women of any age but especially in postmenopausal women. Several studies highlighted that a low presence of lactobacilli at the vaginal level, and consequently, in related areas (such as the endometrium and ovary), correlates with a higher risk of gynecological pathology and likely contributes to increased incidence and worse prognosis of gynecological cancers. The complex interplay between microbial communities and the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies is a burgeoning field not yet fully understood. The intricate crosstalk between the gut microbiota and systemic inflammation introduces a new dimension to our understanding of gynecologic cancers. The objective of this review is to focus attention on the association between vaginal microbiota and gynecological malignancies and provide detailed knowledge for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Genitalia, Female; Ovarian Neoplasms; Microbiota; Inflammation
PubMed: 38396914
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042237 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Universal diagnostic criteria for chronic endometritis (CE) have not been established due to differences in study design among researchers and a lack of typical clinical...
Universal diagnostic criteria for chronic endometritis (CE) have not been established due to differences in study design among researchers and a lack of typical clinical cases. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) have been reported to cause inflammation in the reproductive systems of several animals. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of LPS in the pathogenesis of CE in humans. We investigated whether LPS affected cytokine production and cell proliferation in the endometrium using in vivo and in vitro experiments. LPS concentrations were analyzed between control and CE patients using endometrial tissues. LPS administration stimulated the proliferation of EM-E6/E7 cells derived from human endometrial cells. High LPS concentrations were detected in CE patients. LPS concentration was found to correlate with IL-6 gene expression in the endometrium. Inflammation signaling evoked by LPS led to the onset of CE, since LPS stimulates inflammatory responses and cell cycles in the endometrium. We identified LPS and IL-6 as suitable candidate markers for the diagnosis of CE.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Endometritis; Endometrium; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Lipopolysaccharides
PubMed: 38396694
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042017 -
Nature Communications Feb 2024Gut bacteriome dysbiosis is known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease (CD) is an IBD subtype with extensive...
Gut bacteriome dysbiosis is known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease (CD) is an IBD subtype with extensive mucosal inflammation, yet the mucosal virome, an empirical modulator of the bacteriome and mucosal immunity, remains largely unclear regarding its composition and role. Here, we exploited trans-cohort CD patients and healthy individuals to compositionally and functionally investigate the small bowel (terminal ileum) virome and bacteriome. The CD ileal virome was characterised by an under-representation of both lytic and temperate bacteriophages (especially those targeting bacterial pathogens), particularly in patients with flare-up. Meanwhile, the virome-bacteriome ecology in CD ileal mucosa was featured by a lack of Bifidobacterium- and Lachnospiraceae-led mutualistic interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages; surprisingly it was more pronounced in CD remission than flare-up, underlining the refractory and recurrent nature of mucosal inflammation in CD. Lastly, we substantiated that ileal virions from CD patients causally exacerbated intestinal inflammation in IBD mouse models, by reshaping a gut virome-bacteriome ecology preceding intestinal inflammation (microbial trigger) and augmenting microbial sensing/defence pathways in the intestine cells (host response). Altogether, our results highlight the significance of mucosal virome in CD pathogenesis and importance of mucosal virome restoration in CD therapeutics.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Crohn Disease; Virome; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Intestinal Mucosa; Ileum; Bacteriophages; Bacteria; Inflammation
PubMed: 38388538
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45794-y -
Cureus Jan 2024Hydrosalpinx is defined as the obstruction and fluid distension of the fallopian tube. It is most often seen in the setting of pelvic inflammatory disease, but preserved...
Hydrosalpinx is defined as the obstruction and fluid distension of the fallopian tube. It is most often seen in the setting of pelvic inflammatory disease, but preserved fallopian tubes or tubal segments after hysterectomy can also develop hydrosalpinx. This case report highlights an instance of painful hydrosalpinx after vaginal hysterectomy and advocates for the complete removal of fallopian tubes as the standard of care at the time of hysterectomy of any route. In this case, a 40-year-old female, G4P3104, with a history of vaginal hysterectomy and prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding and symptomatic uterine leiomyoma two years prior, presented with one month of left lower quadrant pain. She was found to have an anechoic, tubular structure adjacent to the left ovary on transvaginal ultrasound. At the time of diagnostic laparoscopy, a 10x4 centimeter (cm) dilated hydrosalpinx was found and removed. Pathology confirmed the hydrosalpinx, and the patient's pain resolved after the surgery. Given our findings of painful hydrosalpinx following incomplete bilateral salpingectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy, attempts at the removal of the entire fallopian tube including the fimbriae are strongly recommended to prevent the morbidity of repeated surgery.
PubMed: 38371103
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52573 -
Journal of Crohn's & Colitis Jun 2024There is an unmet need in the treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease [PFCD]. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase 1 preferential... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
There is an unmet need in the treatment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease [PFCD]. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase 1 preferential inhibitor, filgotinib, for the treatment of PFCD.
METHODS
This phase 2, double-blind, multicentre trial enrolled adults with PFCD and prior treatment failure. Participants were randomised [2:2:1] to receive filgotinib 200 mg, filgotinib 100 mg, or placebo, once daily orally for up to 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was combined fistula response (reduction from baseline of at least one draining external opening determined by physical assessment, and no fluid collections >1 cm on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) at Week 24.
RESULTS
Between April 2017 and July 2020, 106 individuals were screened and 57 were randomised. Discontinuations were lowest in the filgotinib 200 mg group (3/17 [17.6%] versus 13/25 [52.0%] for filgotinib 100 mg and 9/15 [60.0%] for placebo). The proportion of participants who achieved a combined fistula response at Week 24 was 47.1% (8/17; 90% confidence interval [CI] 26.0, 68.9%) in the filgotinib 200 mg group, 29.2% [7/24; 90% CI 14.6, 47.9%] in the filgotinib 100 mg group, and 25.0% [3/12; 90% CI 7.2, 52.7%] in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred more frequently with filgotinib 200 mg (5/17 [29.4%]) than with placebo (1/15 [6.7%]). There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths.
CONCLUSIONS
Filgotinib 200 mg was associated with numerical reductions in the number of draining perianal fistulas based on combined clinical and MRI findings compared with placebo, and was generally well tolerated [NCT03077412].
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Male; Female; Double-Blind Method; Adult; Rectal Fistula; Middle Aged; Triazoles; Pyridines; Treatment Outcome; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38366672
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae003 -
Journal of the Korean Society of... Jan 2024Xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammatory disease is a rare benign disease involving various organs, including the gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, stomach, small... (Review)
Review
Xanthogranulomatous (XG) inflammatory disease is a rare benign disease involving various organs, including the gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, stomach, small bowel, colon, appendix, kidney, adrenal gland, urachus, urinary bladder, retroperitoneum, and female genital organs. The imaging features of XG inflammatory disease are nonspecific, usually presenting as a heterogeneous solid or cystic mass. The disease may also extend to adjacent structures. Due to its aggressive nature, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as a malignant neoplasm. Herein, we review the radiological features and clinical manifestations of XG inflammatory diseases in various organs of the abdomen and pelvis.
PubMed: 38362380
DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2023.0026 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jun 2024Salpingitis is caused by ascending microbes from the lower reproductive tract and contributes to tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Salpingitis is caused by ascending microbes from the lower reproductive tract and contributes to tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. The aim of this study was to analyze if the risk for complications and dissatisfaction after hysterectomy and adnexal surgery was increased in women reporting previous salpingitis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This is an observational cohort study including women undergoing gynecologic surgery from 1997 to 2020, registered in the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecologic Surgery (GynOp). Patient-reported previous salpingitis was the exposure. Complications up to 8 weeks and satisfaction at 1 year postoperatively were the outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression and ordinal regression were performed. Results were adjusted for potential confounders including age, body mass index, smoking and year of procedure as well as endometriosis and previous abdominal surgery. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data.
RESULTS
In this study, 61 222 women were included, of whom 5636 (9.2%) women reported a previous salpingitis. There was an increased risk for women reporting previous salpingitis in both the unadjusted and fully adjusted models to have complications within 8 weeks of surgery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.32). The highest odds ratios were found for bowel injury (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.29-2.03), bladder injury (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.23-1.58), and postoperative pain (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.22-1.54). Women exposed to salpingitis were also more likely to report a lower level of satisfaction 1 year after surgery compared with unexposed women (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported salpingitis appears to be a risk factor for complications and dissatisfaction after gynecologic surgery. This implies that known previous salpingitis should be included in the risk assessment before gynecologic procedures.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sweden; Adult; Hysterectomy; Salpingitis; Registries; Cohort Studies; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction; Adnexal Diseases
PubMed: 38358021
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14797 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Mar 2024The application of high throughput technologies has enabled unravelling of unique differences between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at transcriptomic and...
BACKGROUND
The application of high throughput technologies has enabled unravelling of unique differences between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at transcriptomic and proteomic levels. However, differences in the uterine microbiome are yet to be investigated.
OBJECTIVES
The present study was aimed at evaluating the differences in uterine microbiome between healthy mares and mares with endometritis.
METHODS
Low-volume lavage (LVL) samples were collected from the uterus of 30 mares classified into healthy (n = 15) and endometritis (n = 15) based on their reproductive history, intrauterine fluid accumulation, gross appearance of LVL samples, endometrial cytology and bacterial culture. The samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing.
RESULTS
Notable differences in the uterine microbiome were observed between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at various taxonomic levels. In healthy mares, the most abundant phylum, class, order and family were Firmicutes, Bacilli, Bacillales and Paenibacillaceae, respectively. In contrast, the most abundant corresponding taxonomic levels in mares with endometritis were Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacterales and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. At the genus level, Brevibacillus and Paenibacillus were more abundant in healthy mares, whereas Escherichia, Salmonella and Klebsiella were more abundant in mares with endometritis. In healthy mares, Brevibacillus brevis was the most abundant species, followed by Brevibacillus choshinensis and Paenibacillus sp JDR-2. However, in mares with endometritis, Escherichia coli was the most abundant species, followed by Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
CONCLUSIONS
These results confirmed the previously reported presence of a uterine microbiome in healthy mares and helped unravel some alterations that occur in mares with endometritis. The findings can potentially help formulate new approaches to prevent or treat equine endometritis.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Female; Endometritis; Proteomics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Uterus; Microbiota
PubMed: 38357732
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1369 -
Health Science Reports Feb 2024Vaginal douching is practiced by women for various reasons. Studies have shown that this practice can upset the normal vaginal flora, increasing susceptibility to...
OBJECTIVE
Vaginal douching is practiced by women for various reasons. Studies have shown that this practice can upset the normal vaginal flora, increasing susceptibility to certain sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with this practice among women aged 15-54 years in a densely populated community in Kumasi, the second capital city of Ghana.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather data on the prevalence of vaginal douching among young women and their beliefs, motivations, and knowledge about the practice. A structured questionnaire was used in recruiting participants. One-hundred and fifteen structured questionnaires were administered to women aged between 15 and 54 after their consent was sought.
RESULTS
The study established that more than half of the participants (69.6%) engaged in douching with a midpoint of 19.5. The study indicated no significant difference between the age of participants and douching ( < 0.93). However, there was an indication of a significant association between educational status, marital status, and perception in relation to douching ( < 0.003, 0.0015, and 0.00, respectively), which also influenced the frequency of douching and contraction of STIs.
CONCLUSION
Most women in the study community recruited, regardless of their educational and marital status, believed that douching is necessary and considered part of feminine hygiene practices. Practicing douching may lead to most health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility which must be given serious attention by researchers, health personnel, and various women's groups.
PubMed: 38357485
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1882