NYC Gazette

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is exploring the potential role of the vaginal microbiome in preeclampsia, a condition that affects 5% of pregnancies and can lead to serious health risks for both mother and child. Preeclampsia is marked by high maternal blood pressure and can result in premature birth. Despite its prevalence, the exact causes remain unclear.

Tal Korem, an assistant professor at Columbia University, suggests that local and systemic immune dysfunction may trigger preeclampsia. "We think that the vaginal microbiome could play an important role due to its influence on inflammation in the reproductive tract," Korem states.

Research led by Korem indicates a strong link between early pregnancy vaginal microbes and the development of preeclampsia. The study involved 124 pregnant women, half of whom had severe preeclampsia, revealing a first-trimester microbial signature associated with later development of the condition. "The connection is strong and could predict preeclampsia five to seven months before it emerged," Korem notes, emphasizing the need for further confirmation in larger studies.

Korem's ongoing research, funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to confirm these findings using samples from 778 participants as part of a comprehensive study. This research involves collaboration with Uma Reddy and Anne-Katrine Uhlemann at Columbia.

The study will utilize metagenomic sequencing to analyze not only bacterial identities but also their functional capabilities within the vaginal microbiome. Working with Pieter Dorrestein at UCSD, researchers will measure small molecules from various sources to better understand their roles in preeclampsia.

Korem hopes this work will identify predictors and mechanisms underlying preeclampsia, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools and treatments. Currently, treatment options are limited primarily to managing delivery timing without compromising maternal health. "We desperately need new ways to prevent and treat this condition," says Korem.

Tal Korem's research is supported by NIH grant 1R01HD114715.