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Lactic acid enhances vaginal epithelial barrier integrity and ameliorates inflammatory effects of dysbiotic short chain fatty acids and HIV-1
- Source :
- Scientific Reports, Vol 13, Iss 1, Pp 1-16 (2023)
- Publication Year :
- 2023
- Publisher :
- Nature Portfolio, 2023.
-
Abstract
- Abstract The vaginal microenvironment is key in mediating susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. A polymicrobial environment with reduced Lactobacilllus spp. is characteristic of vaginal dysbiosis, associated with increased production of several short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vaginal inflammation and an increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition. In contrast, a eubiotic vaginal microbiome (VMB), dominated by Lactobacillus spp. correlates with increased production of lactic acid (LA), an acidic milieu and protection against HIV-1. Vaginal metabolites, specifically LA and SCFAs including butyric, succinic and acetic acids are associated with modulation of HIV-1 risk. We assessed the impact of combined and individual SCFAs and LA on vaginal epithelial cells (VK2) grown in air–liquid interface cultures. Treatment of VK2 cells with eubiotic SCFA + LA mixture showed increased epithelial barrier integrity, reduced FITC dextran leakage and enhanced expression of cell–cell adhesion proteins. Treatment with dysbiotic SCFA + LA mixture diminished epithelial barrier integrity, increased NFκB activation and inflammatory mediators: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and RANTES. LA was found to be the primary contributor of the beneficial effects. Eubiotic SCFA + LA mixture ameliorated HIV-1 mediated barrier disruption and HIV-1 leakage, whereas dysbiotic SCFA + LA treatment exacerbated HIV-1 effects. These findings indicate a key role for LA in future prophylactic strategies.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20452322
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Scientific Reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.9416fbeaa3c34f1b8186fb5f1d2faf58
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47172-y