Underexplored maternal microbiomes: immune, metabolic, and microbial pathways shaping pregnancy outcomes.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative minireview synthesizing existing literature without systematic review methodology or new human data.
PubMed 41661098 · doi:10.1128/iai.00608-25
What was done
This minireview synthesized existing literature on underexplored maternal microbial ecosystems, focusing on cervicovaginal, urinary, respiratory, oral, and upper reproductive tract niches. It evaluated cross-niche microbial signaling, interactions with the placenta and fetus, social and environmental determinants, and proposed mechanisms linking microbial products to maternal immune tolerance, nutrient metabolism, and pregnancy complications.
What was found
The abstract provides a conceptual synthesis and reports no quantitative findings, effect estimates, or numerical data. It summarizes theoretical and biological pathways through which non-gut maternal microbiomes influence maternal-fetal physiology and contribute to complications such as preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes.
Why it matters
It broadens reproductive microbiome research beyond the maternal gut, conceptualizing multi-site microbial niches as a coordinated network that could inform targeted interventions for pregnancy complications.
Limits
This is a narrative review presenting no original empirical data, systematic review methodology, or meta-analytic pooling. The interactions and mechanisms described rely on existing literature where causality, cross-niche dynamics, and translational efficacy remain unquantified.
Cited by
- supports Microorganisms residing in the gut, vaginal microbiome, and mouth shape human reproductive health.