Inflammatory mediators in bacterial vaginosis: The role of cytokines

Abstract

BV is a significant concern in women's health with a varying prevalence rate in different cities of China. The condition has been linked to the acquisition of STIs, including HIV and HPV, and can lead to infertility, adverse obstetric outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed. The search was performed from 01/01/2018 to 01/09/2023. The following search terms were used: bacterial vaginosis and cytokine. We also manually searched the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews to identify additional articles. The presence of Gardnerella spp. can lead to changes in cytokine levels. The immune system of the female reproductive tract consists of various immune cells and molecules that play a vital role in defending against infections. Cytokines, signaling molecules involved in immune cell recruitment and activation, have been identified as potential biomarkers for diagnosing BV and predicting STIs. Current treatments for BV primarily involve antibiotics, but there is a high recurrence rate posttreatment. BV is a complex condition that affects a significant number of women worldwide. The role of cytokines in the onset, progression, and treatment of BV offers promising avenues for future research and potential diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.