Lactic acid enhances vaginal epithelial barrier integrity and ameliorates inflammatory effects of dysbiotic short chain fatty acids and HIV-1.

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 c

SUBMITTER: Schwecht I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10654711 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature