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Potential of Maintaining a Healthy Vaginal Environment by Two Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Cocoa Fermentation
Ana Clara Correia Melgaço1, Wallace Felipe Blohem Pessoa1, Herbert Pina Freire1
1Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Imunologia, Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade, Salobrinho, Rodovia Jorge Amado, Km 16, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
Abstract:
Bacteria in the genera Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma do not have cell walls and therefore interact with host cells through lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMP). These lipoproteins are important for both surface adhesion and modulation of host immune responses. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma have been implicated in cases of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can cause infertility, abortion, and premature delivery. In contrast, bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, which are present in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women, are thought to inhibit local colonization by pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro interactions between lipoproteins of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species and vaginal lineage (HMVII) cells and to study the effect of Lactobacillus isolates from cocoa fermentation on these interactions. The tested Lactobacillus strains showed some important probiotic characteristics, with autoaggregation percentages of 28.55% and 31.82% for L. fermentum FA4 and L. plantarum PA3 strains, respectively, and percent adhesion values of 31.66 and 41.65%, respectively. The two strains were hydrophobic, with moderate to high hydrophobicity values, 65.33% and 71.12% for L. fermentum FA4 and L. plantarum PA3 in toluene. Both strains secreted acids into the culture medium with pH=4.32 and pH=4.33, respectively, and showed antibiotics susceptibility profiles similar to those of other lactobacilli. The strains were also able to inhibit the death of vaginal epithelial cells after incubation with U. parvum LAMP from 41.03% to 2.43% (L. fermentum FA4) and 0.43% (L. plantarum PA3) and also managed to significantly decrease the rate of cell death caused by the interaction with LAMP of M. hominis from 34.29% to 14.06% (L. fermentum FA4) and 14.61% (L. plantarum PA3), thus demonstrating their potential for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.
Insights
Certain Lactobacillus strains protect vaginal cells from Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma lipoproteins. These findings highlight the potential of specific lactobacilli in maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species lack cell walls, interacting with host cells via lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMP).
- These lipoproteins are implicated in bacterial vaginosis (BV), potentially causing infertility, abortion, and premature delivery.
- Lactobacillus species are key components of a healthy vaginal microbiota, known to inhibit pathogenic microorganism colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro interactions between Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma lipoproteins and human vaginal epithelial cells (HMVII).
- To assess the protective effects of specific Lactobacillus isolates from cocoa fermentation against these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of probiotic characteristics of Lactobacillus fermentum FA4 and Lactobacillus plantarum PA3, including autoaggregation, adhesion, hydrophobicity, and acid production.
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the tested Lactobacillus strains.
- Determination of the ability of Lactobacillus strains to inhibit vaginal epithelial cell death induced by Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma parvum LAMP.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus fermentum FA4 and Lactobacillus plantarum PA3 exhibited significant autoaggregation (28.55–31.82%) and adhesion (31.66–41.65%) properties.
- Both strains demonstrated moderate to high hydrophobicity and produced acid, lowering the pH to approximately 4.32–4.33.
- Lactobacillus strains significantly reduced vaginal epithelial cell death induced by Ureaplasma parvum LAMP (from 41.03% to 0.43–2.43%) and Mycoplasma hominis LAMP (from 34.29% to 14.06–14.61%).
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus fermentum FA4 and Lactobacillus plantarum PA3 possess significant probiotic characteristics relevant to vaginal health.
- These Lactobacillus strains effectively protect vaginal epithelial cells from the detrimental effects of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma lipoproteins.
- The findings support the potential use of these specific Lactobacillus isolates as probiotics for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment and preventing associated complications.
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