Medicine in Microecology最新文献

{"title":"Impact of zinc-mediated nutritional immunity on uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) virulence gene expression in female recurrent UTI patients","authors":"Muthana Badeea Farhan ,&nbsp;Areej Hamad Hassan ,&nbsp;Hanan Hamed","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100143","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100143","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the influence of zinc-mediated nutritional immunity on virulence gene expression in <em>Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (</em>UPEC) among female patients <u>with</u> recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fifty women with microbiologically confirmed UTIs were enrolled in a controlled interventional design and divided equally into zinc-supplemented and control groups. The intervention group received 40 mg elemental zinc daily for three days. Urine samples collected pre- and post-intervention were analyzed for bacterial gene expression (znuA, hlyA, fimH) using RT-qPCR, and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8) via ELISA. Urinary zinc levels were also quantified. The results revealed a significant increase in urinary zinc concentration following supplementation (p = 1.35 × 10⁻⁹), accompanied by marked downregulation of znuA and hlyA expression (fold changes of 0.42 and 0.53, respectively), but not fimH. Statistically significant post-intervention differences in ΔCt values for znuA and hlyA were observed only in the zinc group (p &lt; 0.001), indicating gene-specific suppression due to zinc availability. Additionally, urinary IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly lower in the zinc-supplemented group (p = 1.63 × 10⁻⁵ and 4.33 × 10⁻¹², respectively), suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Multivariate linear regression further identified zinc supplementation as an independent predictor of reduced IL-6 levels and increased znuA ΔCt values, while age and BMI had no significant effect <u>on these outcomes</u>. These findings support zinc's role in modulating both bacterial virulence and host inflammatory responses, highlighting its potential as an adjunct therapy for recurrent UTIs. By disrupting critical virulence mechanisms and reducing urinary cytokine levels, zinc supplementation may reduce the pathogenicity of UPEC and improve host outcomes. This study provides molecular and clinical insights that support dietary zinc modulation as a promising non-antibiotic strategy in managing recurrent UTIs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterisation of class I integrons in clinical multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp.","authors":"Yasir Adil Jabbar Alabdali","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Enterococci</em> have caused health problems and infections in recent years around the world, especially <em>E. faecalis and E. faecium</em>, due to antibiotic resistance. This study examined clinical <em>Enterococcus</em> isolates collected from patients at the Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Samawah, Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq, focusing on class 1 integrons and their role in resistance. Enterococci isolated from different clinical samples were initially identified using selective medium, then confirmed using Taqman real-time PCR. A Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion test was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates. The variable region of class 1 integrons was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and the resulting ∼2000 bp amplicons were sequenced. Sequencing analysis of VR amplification products showed the presence of three gene cassettes encoding antibiotic resistance (<em>dhfrXII, dfrA12, aadA2</em>). Three hundred and fifty different clinical samples were isolated between July and November 2024. The current study obtained 125 (35.7 %) enterococcal isolates divided into 35 (28 %) <em>E. faecium</em> and 90 (72 %) <em>E. faecalis</em>. Among the 125 enterococcal isolates, the <em>int</em>1 gene was detected in 67.2 %, and sequencing analysis of CS amplification products showed the presence of three resistance genes in this cassette (<em>dhfrXII, dfrA12, aadA2</em>) within clinical <em>Enterococci</em>, and the phylogenetic tree showed the genetic closeness with the international isolates registered in NCBI. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation rates within int1-positive enterococci were noticeably higher than those lacking the int1 gene.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144830569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Porphyromonas gingivalis modulates E-cadherin expression: a mini-review of possible involved mechanisms","authors":"Zahra Khorshidi Asl ,&nbsp;Mahtab Mottaghi ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Farshad ,&nbsp;Faezeh Azmoudeh","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Porphyromonas gingivalis</em> (<em>P. gingivalis</em>), the bacterial strain responsible for pathogenic changes in periodontitis, can significantly deteriorate epithelial integrity, leading to its malfunction as a protective barrier against pathogens. As one of the known intercellular adhesive proteins, E-cadherin can be affected by <em>P. gingivalis</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This review summarizes the most recent research on the effect of this bacterium on E-cadherin, the suggested involved mechanisms, and the contribution of this protein deterioration in the systemic disease associated with periodontitis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In September 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search focused on articles published within the last five years. Review and non-English articles were excluded. Out of 83 records found in databases, 10 records were selected for this study.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Most recent studies have consistently demonstrated the downregulation of E-cadherin in <em>P. gingivalis</em>-infected cells and tissues. However, there remains a need to elucidate the contribution of the bacterial infection and E-cadherin downregulation that occur during systemic diseases related to periodontitis, such as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in cancer development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nasal-gut microbiome axis in health and disease","authors":"Jude Oluwapelumi Alao ,&nbsp;Favour Oluwadara Bamigboye","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nasal and gut microbiomes are recognised as key regulators of mucosal and systemic immunity. While each has been studied extensively in isolation, evidence suggests they are connected through a bidirectional network of immune signalling, microbial metabolites, and barrier integrity, forming what may be termed “the nasal–gut microbiome axis”. This review synthesises current knowledge on the composition and function of these microbiomes, highlighting shared features, environmental influences, and patterns of dysbiosis observed in conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We examine potential mechanisms of cross-talk, including cytokine and chemokine exchange, short-chain fatty acid mediated epigenetic regulation, and dendritic cell–driven immune priming across mucosal sites. Clinical implications are explored, with particular attention to dual-site microbiome modulation strategies, concurrent nasal–gut microbial profiling for diagnostics, and microbiome-informed precision therapies. Despite promising early evidence, knowledge gaps persist, particularly the scarcity of longitudinal, multi-omic studies and mechanistic human data. Framing the nasal and gut microbiomes as components of an integrated mucosal network, this review aims to advance understanding of their connection, and encourage research that could transform prevention and treatment strategies for immune-mediated respiratory disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145424436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the interconnected roles of gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles in alcoholic liver disease pathophysiology and their potential for innovative treatment strategies","authors":"Jeyakumar Balakrishnan ,&nbsp;Suganya Kannan ,&nbsp;Ganeshbala Arivazhagan ,&nbsp;Niranjjan Ramachandran ,&nbsp;Vanitha Gnanasoundran Sundarasamy","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains a major global health burden driven by chronic alcohol consumption and characterized by progressive liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. A growing body of evidence highlights the central role of the gut-liver axis in ALD pathogenesis, where alcohol-induced dysbiosis and intestinal barrier disruption facilitate the translocation of bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the liver. These microbial products activate Kupffer cells via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, triggering inflammatory cascades, oxidative stress, and hepatic stellate cell activation, thereby promoting fibrogenesis. Dysregulated bile acid metabolism, impaired FXR and TGR5 signaling, and depletion of beneficial microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) further contribute to liver damage. Advances in metabolomics have uncovered distinct microbial and host-derived metabolic signatures linked to disease severity, including SCFA depletion, elevated trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and bile acid imbalances. Precision interventions targeting the gut microbiota—such as probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and microbial metabolite supplementation—are showing promise in modulating gut-liver interactions and mitigating ALD progression. Furthermore, the integration of multi-omics datasets with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven models is paving the way for personalized treatment strategies based on individual microbiome-metabolome profiles. This review consolidates current insights into ALD pathogenesis, the gut-liver axis, and emerging microbiota-centered precision therapies that are reshaping the future of ALD management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145361623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Porphyromonas gingivalis modulates E-cadherin expression: a mini-review of possible involved mechanisms” [Med Microecol 26 (2025) 100146]","authors":"Zahra Khorshidi Asl ,&nbsp;Mahtab Mottaghi ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Farshad ,&nbsp;Faezeh Azmoudeh","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100150","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbiota during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and its relationship with health and disease states","authors":"Adriana Alejandra Márquez Ibarra,&nbsp;Laura Fernanda Barrera Hernández,&nbsp;Edith Valbuena Gregorio,&nbsp;Francisco Javier Olivas Aguirre,&nbsp;Jael Teresa de Jesús Quintero Vargas","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolic adaptations are essential for achieving a healthy full-term pregnancy. These changes are influenced by the maternal microbiota, specifically its composition and diversity, which are, in turn, shaped by the physiological demands of pregnancy. This review examines scientific evidence on the role of the microbiota during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and its association with both health and disease states. Notable microbiota shifts during pregnancy include changes in the vaginal microbiota (with a predominance of <em>Lactobacillus</em> species), the gastrointestinal tract (increased levels of <em>Proteobacteria</em> and <em>Actinobacteria</em>), the oral cavity (higher prevalence of bacteria such as <em>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</em>), and breast milk (presence of <em>Lactobacillus</em> spp.). Disruption of microbial homeostasis (dysbiosis) during pregnancy has been linked to a variety of obstetric, fetal, and neonatal complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Multiple studies have documented the role of diet in the development of dysbiosis and its connection to mental health disorders. Diets high in saturated fats appear to significantly influence gut microbiota due to their pro-inflammatory effects. Additionally, low fiber intake has been associated with reduced microbial diversity and an increased abundance of <em>Collinsella</em>, a genus linked to type 2 diabetes. Therefore, dietary interventions aimed at enhancing microbial balance and reducing systemic inflammation are recommended. A multidisciplinary approach is also crucial for translating current findings into clinical strategies, particularly for populations at increased risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering CAP1 of Candida albicans as a key druggable target protein","authors":"Neha Jaiswal,&nbsp;Awanish Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Candida albicans</em> is a significant opportunistic fungal pathogen known for its virulence and capacity to develop multidrug resistance (MDR), complicating treatment efforts. Its pathogenicity is driven by factors such as adhesion to host tissues, morphological switching between yeast and filamentous forms, biofilm formation, and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes. These mechanisms allow <em>C. albicans</em> to evade the host immune response, persist on medical devices, and resist available antifungal treatments. In our study, we investigated the CAP1 protein as a potent therapeutic target due to its critical role in these processes. Further, we identified its localization, and it was found that CAP1 is located in the cytoplasm, which further makes it a viable drug target. The gene ontology analysis reveals that CAP1 is involved in crucial cellular functions, including metabolism and regulation, suggesting that inhibiting CAP1 could disrupt essential processes. Our findings reveal that CAP1 is expressed in both planktonic, hyphal, and biofilm stages of <em>C. albicans</em>, playing a pivotal role in the transition from planktonic to hyphal and biofilm states. The interaction analysis via string database and Cytoscape highlights the extensive protein-protein interaction network centred around CAP1. This network includes key proteins such as ALS3, HWP1, TUP1, SAP4, and others involved in MDR, like MRR1, MDR2, CDR1, and biofilm formation. CAP1's interactions with these proteins suggest its crucial role in phase switching, regulating virulence, and pathogenicity. The identification of CAP1 as a central hub protein within this network underscores its significance in the regulation of MDR and biofilm formation of <em>C. albicans</em>, which highlights its potential as a promising futuristic target for the development of effective antifungal agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100136"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular insights into the impact of environmental pollution on gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) mediated metabolic dysregulation","authors":"S.P. Ramya Ranjan Nayak ,&nbsp;Anamika Das ,&nbsp;Ki Choon Choi ,&nbsp;M. Valan Arasu ,&nbsp;S. Karthick Raja Namasivayam ,&nbsp;Ajay Guru ,&nbsp;Jesu Arockiaraj","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is an undeniable link between environmental pollution and various metabolic disorders, as well as increased mortality rates. This phenomenon has become a significant concern in the health field over the past few decades. Multiple scientific studies have provided evidence that environmental pollutants can directly disturb the equilibrium of gut microbiota. It is well-known that an imbalance in gut microbes leads to alterations in their metabolic byproducts. A notable byproduct is short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), mainly generated through the fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates by gut bacteria. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that SCFAs have a significant impact on overall health and the development of various diseases. Recent advancements in SCFA research have highlighted their considerable effects on various physiological systems operating at the cellular and molecular levels. Considering the role of SCFAs in regulating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and histone deacetylase (HADC), it becomes evident that their upregulation or downregulation can significantly impact the development of various diseases. This review explores the impact of various environmental pollutants on SCFA levels. Furthermore, it delves into the possible implications of SCFAs on developing different diseases and the intricate molecular mechanisms involved.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The subtle threat of human papilloma virus: A comprehensive overview","authors":"Nisha Beniwal ,&nbsp;Baljeet Singh Saharan","doi":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.medmic.2025.100135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oncogenic viruses that flourish in people as well as animals can produce malignances. With almost more than 200 different forms, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main oncogenic virus present in the reproductive tract. The most common form is HPV 16; large amounts of this type have been found in warty and basaloid vulvar cancer. Particularly HPV strains 6, 11, and 18, which are linked to vaginal cancer, women who participate in sexual activity have a higher risk of obtaining HPV. Comprising five species and a 7.9 kilobase genome, HPV consists in 120 identified strains. Men have more HPV infections than women; 11.5 % of men and 3.2 % of women get infected with HPV. Men who engage in oral intercourse with two or more partners had the highest prevalence of oral HPV infection; high-risk oral HPV is linked with factors including cigarette and marijuana usage. Because of concurrent genital HPV infection, women had three times higher oral HPV infection rate. As HPV DNA can transform normal breast cells into a unique and self-sustaining phenotype, conision is a definitive sign of HPV infection. Linked to HPV, cancer is a major worldwide burden; several types of cancers in humans are brought on by HPV infection. Cryotherapy for cervical intra epithelial neoplasia (CIN), photodynamic therapy (PDT), prodrug 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated PDT, HPV inactivation by antiviral medicine and salicylic acid, and medications against cancer and monoclonal antibodies comprise treatment and preventive techniques. Among the FDA-approved treatments for several malignancies include Bleomycin sulfates, gemcitabine and cisplatin, topotecan hydrochloride, bevacizumab, pembrolizumab, platinum and fluorouracil, and durvalumab. This paper offers a thorough review of HPV-related cervical cancer addressing issues including pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, prevention, infection, epidemiology, global effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36019,"journal":{"name":"Medicine in Microecology","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100135"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144240941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}