Endobolome, a New Concept for Determining the Influence of Microbiota Disrupting Chemicals (MDC) in Relation to Specific Endocrine Pathogenesis

Abstract

Endogenous steroid hormones and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) interact with gut microbiota through different pathways. We suggest the use of the term “endobolome” when referring to the group of gut microbiota genes and pathways involved in the metabolism of steroid hormones and EDC. States of dysbiosis and reduced diversity of the gut microbiota may impact and modify the endobolome resulting at long-term in the development of certain pathophysiological conditions. The endobolome might play a central role in the gut microbiota as seen by the amount of potentially endobolome-mediated diseases and thereby it can be considered an useful diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for future functional research strategies that envisage the use of next generation of probiotics. In addition, we propose that EDC and other xenobiotics that alter the gut microbial composition and its metabolic capacities should be categorized into a subgroup termed “microbiota disrupting chemicals” (MDC). This will help to distinguish the role of contaminants from other microbiota natural modifiers such as those contained or released from diet, environment, physical activity and stress. These MDC might have the ability to promote specific changes in the microbiota that can ultimately result in common intestinal and chronic or long-term systemic diseases in the host. The risk of developing certain disorders associated with gut microbiota changes should be established by determining both the effects of the MDC on gut microbiota and the impact of microbiota changes on chemicals metabolism and host susceptibility. In any case, further animal controlled experiments, clinical trials and large epidemiological studies are required in order to establish the concatenated impact of the MDC-microbiota-host health axis.

Vaginal Probiotics for Reproductive Health and Related Dysbiosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…There are multiple factors that act modifying the reproductive tract microbiome equilibrium, mainly triggering bacterial vaginosis as the most reported dysbiosis [ 58 ]. However, we highlight the misuse of antibiotics, together with cumulative exposure to several xenobiotics, and endocrine disruptors, which can also influence the healthy microbiome [ 7 ], especially when exposure occurred via direct contact with a high level of contaminants in hygiene products [ 59 , 60 ].…”

“…The effects of microbiota imbalance seem to contribute to trigger reproductive [ 2 , 3 ], hormonal [ 4 ], and metabolic disorders [ 5 , 6 ]. Similarly, the reproductive-site microbiota can be affected by hormones or endocrine disruptor chemicals [ 7 ]. Conversely, if microbial dysbiosis occurs, subsequent decreased enzymes levels may diminish circulating estrogens and lead to recurrent reproductive pathologies [ 4 , 8 ].…”

Vaginal Probiotics for Reproductive Health and Related Dysbiosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The effects of a microbiota imbalance seem to contribute to the triggering of reproductive [2,3], hormonal [4], and metabolic disorders [5,6]. Similarly, the reproductive-site microbiota can be affected by hormones or endocrine disruptor chemicals [7]. Conversely, if microbial dysbiosis occurs, subsequent decreased enzymes levels may diminish circulating estrogens and lead to recurrent reproductive pathologies [4,8].…”

“…There are multiple factors that seem to modify 29 the reproductive tract microbiome equilibrium, mainly triggering bacterial vaginosis as 30 the most reported dysbiosis [58]. However, we highlight the misuse of antibiotics, to-31 gether with cumulative exposure to several xenobiotics, and endocrine disruptors, which 32 can also influence the healthy microbiome [7], especially when exposure occurs via direct 33 contact with a high level of contaminants in hygiene products [60]. 34 Our study highlights the probiotic modulation capacities in relation to bacterial 35 vaginosis, which showed the restoration of a healthy microbiome.…”

“…62 In agreement with the qualitative outcomes retrieved, we found wide variations in 63 the administration pattern of the probiotics used in the investigations selected. The doses 64 administered in the studies collected for the systematic review ranged from ≥10 7 65 CFU/day [46] to 2.5 × 10 10 CFU/day [48]. We found large variations in the administration 66 time between the administration of the probiotic for 1 day [52] and its administration for 67 12 weeks [51].…”