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Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
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The Cervicovaginal Mucus Barrier.

Guillaume Lacroix1, Valérie Gouyer1, Frédéric Gottrand1

  • 1Inserm U1286, Infinite, Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.

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|November 7, 2020
PubMed
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Cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug are vital for pregnancy health. Their interaction with microbes, especially during bacterial vaginosis, impacts preterm birth risk.

Keywords:
bacterial vaginosiscervical mucus plugcervixmicrobiotamouse modelmucin

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth is a major global health concern, affecting 15 million newborns annually.
  • Uterine infections are a significant factor in preterm delivery, yet effective treatments are lacking.
  • Cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health and preventing ascending infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug.
  • To explore their interactions with microbial communities in physiological and bacterial vaginosis states.
  • To focus on the role of gel-forming mucins in these processes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on microbial interactions and gel-forming mucins.
  • Inclusion of data from mouse models studying bacterial vaginosis and cervicovaginal mucus.

Main Results:

  • Cervicovaginal mucus acts as a barrier, supporting beneficial lactobacilli and clearing pathogens.
  • The cervical mucus plug prevents vaginal flora from reaching the uterus, protecting the fetus.
  • Abnormalities in the mucus plug and bacterial vaginosis are linked to increased preterm delivery risk.

Conclusions:

  • Gel-forming mucins are key components of cervicovaginal mucus and the cervical mucus plug.
  • Understanding these structures and their microbial interactions is crucial for developing strategies against preterm birth.
  • Further research, including studies in mouse models, can elucidate protective mechanisms and therapeutic targets.