Yahaya Sumara Sulley1,3*, Ramadan Zakaria Danaa2,3, Hamdiya Yakubu2,3, Ankamah Ameyaa Janet2,3, Azabla Abdul-Qawee Ibrahim2,3, Isaac Oboakoh1,3, Lydia Quansah1,2,3
1 Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana
2 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana
3 Dr Quansah Lab, (QLab) University for Development Studies, Ghana
Date: 25 August 2024
Background
The female microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms’ bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others living in and on the body. Each body site, like the gut or skin, hosts a unique microbial community shaped by factors such as birth method and diet (1).
The microbiome is crucial for health, aiding digestion, protecting against pathogens, and influencing immune responses. Its composition can change due to diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, impacting overall health (2).
The evolution of the female microbiome is a dynamic journey, shaped by hormonal fluctuations and environmental factors throughout various life stages. The female microbiome evolves through distinct life stages (1).
At birth, the microbiome is influenced by feeding methods, with breastfed infants showing dominance of Bifidobacterium and formula-fed infants having more Clostridium and Bacteroides (3). During puberty, hormonal changes cause shifts in microbial populations, notably increasing Propionibacterium acnes linked to acne (4).
In adulthood, while the microbiome stabilizes, it remains influenced by diet and hygiene. Ageing and menopause alter skin moisture and barrier function, affecting microbial diversity and overall health (5).
Case Study on Pre-Menopausal vs. Post-Menopausal Women
This study provided a detailed examination of the gut microbiota composition in pre-menopausal versus post-menopausal women, revealing significant microbial and inflammatory differences associated with menopausal status. The researchers observed notable variations in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a key indicator of gut microbiota health. Specifically, post-menopausal women exhibited a higher Firmicutes ratio, which has been linked to changes in metabolism and energy balance, potentially contributing to the increased risk of metabolic disorders observed during menopause. Moreover, the study reported distinct differences in the abundance of specific bacterial genera, particularly Lachnospira and Roseburia. These genera are known for their roles in producing short-chain fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining gut health and reducing inflammation. Post-menopausal women showed a decreased abundance of these beneficial bacteria, which could be associated with heightened inflammatory responses. The research also highlighted an increase in inflammatory markers in post-menopausal women, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiota alterations and systemic inflammation during menopause. These findings underscore the complex interplay between hormonal changes, gut microbiota composition, and inflammation, providing insights into how menopause might contribute to shifts in gut health and overall metabolic wellbeing (8).
Female Skin Microbiome Potentials in Forensic Casework
Understanding these stage-specific microbiome changes can enhance forensic investigations by integrating gender and age-related microbial profiles. For instance, microbial profiles linked to different life stages can help determine a victim’s age and gender if found at a crime scene or if vital parts decayed beyond recognition.
Additionally, changes in microbial communities related to hormonal shifts, such as those occurring during menopause, can be used to corroborate suspects’ profiles with evidence found at crime scenes. In cases where traditional evidence is sparse, the detailed microbial signatures from the female microbiome can play a crucial role in linking suspects to crime scenes and confirming victim identities, offering an additional layer of forensic evidence.
The analysis of skin microbiomes offers new possibilities in forensic science beyond traditional methods. Advances in sequencing technologies, such as amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, enable detailed characterization of microbial communities (6).
This detailed analysis can aid in individual identification, geolocation inference, and crime scene investigation. Unique microbial profiles from the skin can complement DNA profiling and fingerprint analysis, providing additional forensic evidence.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The microbiome evolves significantly throughout different life stages, from infancy through menopause. These microbial shifts offer valuable forensic insights, including age and gender profiling, and can link individuals to crime scenes based on microbial signatures. Future research should focus on refining microbial profiling techniques and integrating them with traditional forensic methods, such as DNA and fingerprint analysis. Additionally, advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics will be crucial in developing robust forensic applications and improving the reliability of microbial evidence in criminal investigations.
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Quansah Lab members especially Ibrahim Hawa for their invaluable support throughout this project.
Authors’ Contributions
Yahaya Sumara Sulley led the writing. Ramadan Zakaria Danaa contributed significantly to the drafting and revision stages of the manuscript. Hamdiya Yakubu, Ankamah Ameyaa Janet and Hamdiya Yakubu, worked on multiple drafts and provided valuable input for the final version. Lydia Quansah and Isaac Oboakoh, supervised the entire manuscript preparation, ensuring adherence to academic standards and guiding the publication process.
References
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