Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
08:15
Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip
Published on: February 16, 2024
2.3K
Women Skin Microbiota Modifications during Pregnancy
Giulia Radocchia1, Francesca Brunetti1, Massimiliano Marazzato1
1Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Microorganisms
|April 27, 2024
Summary
Pregnancy alters the skin microbiota, affecting immune responses and potentially infant skin health. These dynamic microbial shifts may support fetal development during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Maternal microbiota fluctuations are documented in gut, oral, and vaginal sites.
- Limited research exists on skin microbiota changes during pregnancy.
- Skin microbiota variations may influence host immune/inflammatory responses and predict infant skin disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize skin microbiota modifications throughout pregnancy.
- To investigate the impact of pregnancy on skin microbial composition and function.
Main Methods:
- Collected skin samples from 52 pregnant women (trimesters 1-3) and 17 controls.
- Utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region.
- Assessed skin microbiota composition, interactions, and metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in skin microbiota composition were observed from the first to the third trimester.
- Alterations in microbial interactions and metabolic pathways occurred during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy-associated skin microbiota changes may create a more favorable environment for fetal growth.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy induces significant modifications in the maternal skin microbiota.
- These alterations have implications for maternal immune function and fetal development.
- Further research is warranted to explore the predictive potential for infant skin conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
1.1K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
1.1K
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
71.8K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
71.8K
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
6.5K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
6.5K
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
432
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
432
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
357
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
357
02:07Oogenesis
63.7K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
63.7K