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Is there a role for probiotics in the prevention of preterm birth?

Siwen Yang1, Gregor Reid2, John R G Challis3

  • 1Department of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital , Toronto, ON , Canada.

Frontiers in Immunology
|March 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth (PTB) is linked to vaginal microbiome changes and inflammation. Lactobacillus probiotics may help prevent PTB by restoring vaginal health and reducing inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive health
  • Microbiome research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health concern.
  • Inflammation, indicated by elevated cytokines and chemokines, and an altered maternal vaginal microbiome are implicated in PTB pathogenesis.
  • Lactobacillus depletion, common in bacterial vaginosis (BV), correlates with increased PTB risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the vaginal microbiome in PTB.
  • To explore the potential of Lactobacillus probiotics in preventing PTB.
  • To understand the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of lactobacilli.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PTB, vaginal microbiome, and Lactobacillus probiotics.
  • Analysis of the association between vaginal dysbiosis and PTB risk.
  • Examination of the anti-inflammatory properties of lactobacilli.

Main Results:

  • An aberrant vaginal microbiome composition may trigger PTB.
  • Lactobacillus probiotics show potential in reducing BV and inflammation.
  • Clinical studies, though not yet powered for PTB, suggest merit in this approach.

Conclusions:

  • The vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in PTB.
  • Lactobacillus probiotics offer a promising strategy for PTB prevention.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of probiotics in large-scale clinical trials.

Keywords:
bacterial vaginosiscytokinesinfection and inflammationpreterm birthprobioticsvaginal microbiome

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