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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
68
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

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The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
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Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

37
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
37
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

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The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
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Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

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The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
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Introduction: Microbiome in human reproduction.

Jason M Franasiak1, Richard T Scott1

  • 1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

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The human microbiome, containing more microbial cells than human cells, is crucial for reproduction. Advanced technology is revealing its complex role in reproductive health and disease.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Human Reproduction
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The human microbiome is increasingly recognized for its complexity, rivaling the human genome.
  • Microbial cells outnumber human cells 10-fold, constituting 1-3% of body mass.
  • Microbial interactions are now understood to occur throughout the body, including previously sterile sites.

Discussion:

  • The role of the microbiome in human reproduction, encompassing both the lower and upper reproductive tracts, is a key area of research.
  • Interactions within the microbiome extend to gametogenesis, highlighting its fundamental role in reproductive processes.
  • Scientific understanding of microbes and their biofilms has evolved significantly over 150 years.

Key Insights:

  • Technological advancements are driving a new era of microbiome research.
  • The microbiome's impact on reproductive health and disease is becoming clearer.
  • Biofilms created by microbes play a significant role in these interactions.

Outlook:

  • Further research promises a deeper understanding of the microbiome's influence on reproduction.
  • This enhanced understanding may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive health issues.
  • The interplay between the microbiome, biofilms, and reproductive outcomes is a critical future research direction.