The role of probiotics in vaginal health

Mei, Zhaojun; Li, Dandan

doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.963868

Cited by 40 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…As mentioned above, lactobacilli in the vagina are thought to be a key defensive mechanism against infection. Consequently, lactobacilli replenishment of the vaginal microbiome is an intriguing strategy for vaginal infection prevention ( van de Wijgert and Verwijs, 2020 ; Mei and Li, 2022 ). Furthermore, probiotic lactobacilli have been found to be effective in changing the vaginal microbiota and improving individual health ( López-Moreno and Aguilera, 2021 ).…”

Section: Lactobacilli In the Vagina And Their Crucial Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Owing to their “Generally Recognized as Safe” status, probiotic lactobacilli have been used as alternatives and adjuncts to antibiotics, reducing antimicrobial resistance caused by the overuse of antibiotics in the treatment of illnesses ( Aslam et al., 2021 ; Magalhães et al., 2021 ; Mei and Li, 2022 ). In addition, the efficacy of lactobacilli as a prophylactic agent has been demonstrated in long-term administration, although most probiotics are recommended for gastrointestinal use, several are marketed for vaginal health ( Lagenaur et al., 2021 ; Nader-Macías et al., 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Liu

et al. 2023

Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.

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The vaginal microbiome is a distinct component of the human microbiome that is colonized by a wide variety of microorganisms. Lactobacilli are the most frequently identified microorganisms in the healthy human vagina. These Gram-positive bacilli can acidify the vaginal microenvironment, inhibit the proliferation of other pathogenic microorganisms, and promote the maintenance of a eubiotic vaginal microbiome. However, a vaginal flora with a reduced proportion or abundance of lactobacilli is associated with various vaginal infections that have been linked to serious health consequences such as infertility, preterm birth, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature rupture of membranes, and miscarriage. Due to their “Generally Recognized as Safe” classification and critical role in vaginal health, probiotic lactobacilli have been widely used as an alternative or adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy for the treatment of vaginal infections and restoration of the vaginal microbiome. This review focuses on the significant role of probiotic lactobacilli in the vaginal microenvironment and discusses the use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of female vaginal infections in vitro and in vivo.

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Section: Lactobacilli In the Vagina And Their Crucial Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Liu

et al. 2023

Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.

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“…A Nugent score of 0–3 was interpreted as Lactobacillus -predominant normal vaginal microbiota, a score of 4–6 was considered as intermediate, and a score of 7–10 was assumed as BV-like condition ( 24 ). Lactobacillary grade (LBG) was evaluated according to Donders classification: LBG I was assumed for a normal microbiota with predominant lactobacillary morphotypes, LBG II corresponded to a reduction of the lactobacillary population and a concomitant presence of other bacteria, whereas LBG III was defined as an abnormal flora which consists of numerous other bacteria with the absence of lactobacillary population ( 25 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain as a new driver in restoring the normal vaginal microbiota: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Rapisarda

Pino²,

Grimaldi³

et al. 2023

Front. Surg.

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Probiotics play a key role in maintaining the health of the female reproductive tract, representing a promising alternative to safeguard or restore the homeostasis of the vaginal microbiota. The present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed to evaluate the ability of the potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain, orally administrated, to balance the vaginal microbiota of women with vaginal dysbiosis. Sixty women, with signs and symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis, were recruited and randomly allocated to receive oral capsules containing the L. rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain at 1.0 × 1010 colony-forming units or placebo once daily for 10 days. Clinical and microbiological parameters were evaluated in three scheduled appointments: at baseline (T0), 10 days after the start of the treatment (T1), and 30 days after the end of the treatment (T2). In addition, the quality of life, through the WHO quality of life assessment questionnaire, was assessed at baseline (T0) and 30 days after the end of the treatment (T2). The probiotic was well tolerated and no side effects were reported. The oral consumption of the potential probiotic L. rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain determined a significant improvement of both clinical signs and symptoms not only 10 days after the start of the treatment (T1) but also 30 days after the end of the treatment (T2). A significant reduction of potential pathogens and a concomitant increase of lactobacilli was revealed, by microbial count, at both T1 and T2 sampling times. In addition, the enhancement of the perceived physical health, social relations, and environment was reported. Differently, in placebo group clinical and microbiological parameters as well as quality of life remained almost unchanged. The potential probiotic L. rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain could be a safe and effective approach to restore and maintain a balanced vaginal microbiota.

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“…While probiotic administration fails to engender persistent gut microbiota changes, it has been reported to improve vaginal lactobacilli concentration, female health system bowel movement, and immune system responses in healthy adults [ 20 ]. Moreover, probiotics help enhance local vaginal immunity and maintain female reproductive tract health [ 21 ]. Notably, certain bacterial strains, namely, Lactobacillus strains have been shown to prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Section: Gut Microbiome In Healthy Femalesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Gut Microbiome and Female Health

Siddiqui

Makhlouf

Alharbi

et al. 2022

Biology

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The possession of two X chromosomes may come with the risk of various illnesses, females are more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis, heart disease, and anxiety. Given the reported correlations between gut microbiome dysbiosis and various illnesses, the female gut microbiome is worthy of exploration. Herein, we discuss the composition of the female gut microbiota and its dysbiosis in pathologies affecting the female population. Using PubMed, we performed a literature search, using key terms, namely: “gut microbiome”, “estrogen”, “menopause”, “polycystic ovarian syndrome”, “pregnancy”, and “menstruation”. In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus, Firmicutes, Streptococcus, and the ratio of Escherichia/Shigella was found to be increased while that of Tenericutes ML615J-28, Tenericutes 124-7, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae, and Bacteroidetes S24-7 was reduced. In breast cancer, the abundance of Clostridiales was enhanced, while in cervical cancer, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Dialister were enhanced but Bacteroides, Alistipes, and members of Lachnospiracea, were decreased. In ovarian cancer, Prevotella abundance was increased. Interestingly, the administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus fermentum ameliorated PCOS symptoms while that of a mix of Bifidobacterium lactis W51, Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Lactobacillus brevis W63, Bifidobacterium lactis W52, Lactobacillus salivarius W24, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactococcus lactis W19, Lactobacillus casei W56, and Lactococcus lactis W58 alleviated vascular malfunction and arterial stiffness in obese postmenopausal women, and finally, while further research is needed, Prevotella maybe protective against postmenopausal bone mass loss. As several studies report the therapeutic potential of probiotics and since the gut microbiota of certain female pathological states has been relatively characterized, we speculate that the administration of certain bacterial species as probiotics is warranted, as novel independent or adjunct therapies for various female pathologies.

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The role of probiotics in vaginal health

Cited by 40 publications

References 84 publications

Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CA15 (DSM 33960) strain as a new driver in restoring the normal vaginal microbiota: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

The Gut Microbiome and Female Health

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