The causes of preterm delivery are often unknown but analyzing metabolic chemicals in the vaginal microbiome may be a means to predict the risk of early labor.
Highlights:
Chemicals that build in the vagina, maybe from personal care items, may contribute to spontaneous preterm birth, according to a new study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The study of 232 pregnant women discovered that a small number of non-biological compounds previously found in cosmetics and hygiene items are highly linked to premature birth. - Spontaneous preterm birth is a primary cause of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, yet early risk classification and prevention are limited
- Chemicals found in the vagina have been closely linked with subsequent preterm birth
- Vaginal metabolites can be used as early biomarkers of preterm birth
Link between Maternal Stress and Preterm Delivery/Birth
Understanding the link between stress and preterm delivery and the techniques to manage maternal stress during pregnancy.
Understanding the link between stress and preterm delivery and the techniques to manage maternal stress during pregnancy.
‘Previous studies have identified role of vaginal microbiome in preterm birth. However, researchers have now pinpointed that certain metabolites, and not microbes, have the strongest association with preterm birth.’
Limiting the Exposure to Harmful Chemicals to Prevent Preterm Birth
“Our findings suggest that we need to look more closely at whether common environmental exposures are in fact causing preterm births and, if so, where these exposures are coming from,” says study co-leader Tal Korem, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Program for Mathematical Genomics and the Departments of Systems Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia. “The good news is that if these chemicals are to blame, it may be possible to limit these potentially harmful exposures.”The findings were reported in Nature Microbiology.
Top 10 Alarming Risks of Low Birthweight in Babies
Low birthweight is a term given to babies who weigh less than 2,500 grams at birth. These babies look much smaller than babies with normal birthweight.
Low birthweight is a term given to babies who weigh less than 2,500 grams at birth. These babies look much smaller than babies with normal birthweight.
Preterm Delivery is the Leading Cause of Infant Death
Preterm delivery, or birthing before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the leading cause of infant death and can result in a range of long-term health problems. Despite substantial research, there are no strategies for predicting or avoiding spontaneous preterm delivery, which accounts for two-thirds of all preterm births.
Preterm Birth Risk in Severely COVID-19 Infected Mothers
Researchers reported that the rate of preterm birth in about 1,000 pregnant women who tested positive COVID-19, was a function of the severity of infection.
Researchers reported that the rate of preterm birth in about 1,000 pregnant women who tested positive COVID-19, was a function of the severity of infection.
Does Vaginal Microbiota Play a Role in Preterm Birth
Several studies have revealed that vaginal microbiota abnormalities play a role in preterm birth and other pregnancy complications. However, researchers have yet to establish a reproducible relationship between specific populations of bacteria and poor pregnancy outcomes.The study's co-leaders, Korem and Maayan Levy, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, decided to take a broader look at the vaginal microenvironment by examining its metabolome. The metabolome is the entire collection of tiny molecules found in a certain biological niche, including metabolites created by local cells and microbes as well as chemicals derived from outside sources. “The metabolome can be seen as a functional readout of the ecosystem as a whole,” Korem says. “Microbiome profiling can tell us who the microbes are; metabolomics gets us close to understanding what the microbes are doing.”
How to Avoid Early Preterm Births?
Preterm births are prevented by checking DHA levels in pregnant women and ensure proper dose of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation.
Preterm births are prevented by checking DHA levels in pregnant women and ensure proper dose of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation.
Vaginal Metabolome Variations among Pregnant Women
In the current study, the researchers measured over 700 different metabolites in the second-trimester metabolome of 232 pregnant women, including 80 pregnancies that ended prematurely.The study found multiple metabolites that were significantly higher in women who had delivered early than in those who delivered at full term.
“Several of these metabolites are chemicals that are not produced by humans or microbes- what we call xenobiotics,” says Korem. “These include diethanolamine, ethyl-beta glucoside, tartrate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. While we did not identify the source of these xenobiotics in our participants, all could be found in cosmetics and hygiene products.”
Preterm Birth Prediction Using Algorithm
The scientists also created an algorithm based on metabolite levels that can predict preterm birth with high accuracy, potentially paving the way for early diagnosis.Even though the predictions were more accurate than models based on microbiome data and maternal variables (such as age, BMI, race, preterm birth history, and past births), the new model still needs to be improved and validated before it can be utilized in the clinic.
Despite the current limitations, Korem says, “Our results demonstrate that vaginal metabolites have the potential to predict, months in advance, which women are likely to deliver early.”
Source-Medindia
