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Gordhan BG, Liebenberg D, Scarlatti G, Herrera C, Chiodi F, Martinson N, Fox J, Kana BD. Ex vivo challenge models for infectious diseases. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37909097 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2274855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis for infectious agents were studied in cell culture or animal models but have limitations on the extent to which the resulting data reflect natural infection in humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to rapidly develop laboratory models that enable the study of host-pathogen interactions, particularly the relative efficacy of preventive measures. Recently, human and animal ex vivo tissue challenge models have emerged as a promising avenue to study immune responses, screen potential therapies and triage vaccine candidates. This approach offers the opportunity to closely approximate human disease from the perspective of pathology and immune response. It has advantages compared to animal models which are expensive, lengthy and often require containment facilities. Herein, we summarize some recent advances in the development of ex vivo tissue challenge models for COVID-19, HIV-1 and other pathogens. We focus on the contribution of these models to enhancing knowledge of host-pathogen interactions, immune modulation, and their value in testing therapeutic agents. We further highlight the advantages and limitations of using ex vivo challenge models and briefly summarize how the use of organoids provides a useful advancement over current approaches. Collectively, these developments have enormous potential for the study of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Gowan Gordhan
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dale Liebenberg
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bavesh Davandra Kana
- Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Escaffre O, Popov V, Hager E, Freiberg AN. Characterization of an air-liquid interface primary human vaginal epithelium to study Ebola virus infection and testing of antivirals. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105551. [PMID: 36731656 PMCID: PMC10286122 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) is the causative agent of the often-fatal Ebola virus disease (EVD) characterized by hemorrhagic fever in humans and non-human primates. Sexual transmission from male survivors has been at the origin of multiple outbreak flare-ups between 2015 and 2021. However, this route is still poorly understood and the resulting EVD from it is also understudied. To support epidemiological studies documenting sexual transmission to women, and as a transition from previously using monolayer vaginal epithelial cells (VK2/E6E7), we first determined the biological relevance of two similar air-liquid interface models of the human vaginal epithelium (VEC and VLC Epivaginal™) and then characterized their susceptibility to EBOV and virus-induced inflammation. Finally, we evaluated toxicity of Polyphenylene Carboxymethylene (PPCM) microbicide in VLC and reassessed its antiviral effect. As expected, the VEC, but also VLC model showed stratified layers including a lamina propria under an epithelial structure similar to the full thickness of the human vaginal epithelium. However, we could not detect the immune cells featured in the most relevant model (VLC) of the vaginal epithelium using the dendritic cell CD1a and CD11c markers. Consistent with our previous work using the VK2/E6E7 cell line, infectious virus was detected from the apical side of both primary human cell systems, but only when using a high infective dose, with titers remaining at a constant level of 103-4 pfu/ml over 7 days suggesting lasting infectious virus shedding. In addition, infection caused disruption of the epithelium of both models and virus antigen was found from the apical superficial layers down to the lamina propria suggesting full virus penetration and overall confirming the susceptibility of the human vaginal tissue for EBOV. Just like previously seen in VK2/E6E7 cells, VLC infection also caused significant increase in inflammatory markers including IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 suggesting vaginitis which is again consistent with tissue lesions seen in non-human primates. Finally, both virus infection and virus-induced inflammatory response in VLC could be prevented by a single 5-min PPCM microbicide treatment prior infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Escaffre
- Department of Pathology, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity and Sealy & Smith Foundation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Vsevolod Popov
- Department of Pathology, USA; Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity and Sealy & Smith Foundation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | | | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, USA; Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity and Sealy & Smith Foundation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Lyon LM, Doran KS, Horswill AR. Staphylococcus aureus Fibronectin-Binding Proteins Contribute to Colonization of the Female Reproductive Tract. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0046022. [PMID: 36511703 PMCID: PMC9872658 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00460-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic pathogen and frequent colonizer of human skin and mucosal membranes, including the vagina, with vaginal colonization reaching nearly 25% in some pregnant populations. MRSA vaginal colonization can lead to aerobic vaginitis (AV), and during pregnancy, bacterial ascension into the upper reproductive tract can lead to adverse birth outcomes. USA300, the most prominent MRSA lineage to colonize pregnant individuals, is a robust biofilm former and causative agent of invasive infections; however, little is known about how it colonizes and ascends in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Our previous studies showed that a MRSA mutant of seven fibrinogen-binding adhesins was deficient in FRT epithelial attachment and colonization. Using both monolayer and multilayer air-liquid interface cell culture models, we determine that one class of these adhesins, the fibronectin binding proteins (FnBPA and FnBPB), are critical for association with human vaginal epithelial cells (hVECs) and hVEC invasion through interactions with α5β1 integrin. We observe that both FnBPs are important for biofilm formation as single and double fnbAB mutants exhibit reduced biofilm formation on hVECs. Using heterologous expression of fnbA and fnbB in Staphylococcus carnosus, FnBPs are also found to be sufficient for hVEC cellular association, invasion, and biofilm formation. In addition, we found that an ΔfnbAB mutant displays attenuated ascension in our murine vaginal colonization model. Better understanding of MRSA FRT colonization and ascension can ultimately inform treatment strategies to limit MRSA vaginal burden or prevent ascension, especially during pregnancy and in those prone to AV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M. Lyon
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly S. Doran
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexander R. Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Sica VP, Friberg MA, Teufel AG, Streicher-Scott JL, Hu P, Sauer UG, Krivos KL, Price JM, Baker TR, Abbinante-Nissen JM, Woeller KE. Safety assessment scheme for menstrual cups and application for the evaluation of a menstrual cup comprised of medical grade silicone. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104339. [PMID: 36370636 PMCID: PMC9664401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ensuring menstrual cup safety is paramount, yet a menstrual cup safety assessment scheme is lacking. This paper presents a quadripartite scheme, showing how it can be applied. Methods The Tampax Menstrual Cup was evaluated in the safety assessment scheme: (1) Biocompatibility and chemical safety of cup constituents. Extractables were obtained under different use condition; exposure-based risk assessments (EBRA) were conducted for extractables exceeding thresholds of toxicological concern. (2) Physical impact to vaginal mucosa. After physical evaluations, the Tampax Cup and another cup were assessed in a randomised double-blinded, two-product, two-period cross-over clinical trial (65 women, mean age 34.2 years). (3) Impact to vaginal microbiota (in vitro mixed microflora assay and evaluation of vaginal swabs). (4) In vitro growth of Staphylococcus aureus and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) production. Findings Biocompatibility assessments and EBRA of cup constituents showed no safety concerns. In the randomised clinical trial, all potentially product-related adverse effects were mild, vaginal exams were unremarkable, no clinically relevant pH changes occurred, post-void residual urine volume with and without cup were similar, and self-reported measures of comfort along with reports of burning, itching and stinging between cups were comparable. Cup use had no effect on microbial growth in vitro or in the 62 subjects who completed the trial or on in vitro TSST-1 production. Interpretation The quadripartite safety assessment scheme allows evaluation of menstrual cup safety. The Tampax Cup is safe and well-tolerated upon intended use. As with all feminine hygiene products, post-market safety surveillance confirmed this conclusion. Funding By 10.13039/100004357Procter & Gamble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent P Sica
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Corporate Functions Analytical, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, USA
| | - Maria A Friberg
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Baby, Feminine and Family Care Microbiology, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, USA
| | - Amber G Teufel
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Baby, Feminine and Family Care Microbiology, 6280 Center Hill Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45224, USA
| | - Jan L Streicher-Scott
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Feminine Care Clinical, 6110 Center Hill Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45224, USA
| | - Ping Hu
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Corporate Biosciences, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, USA
| | - Ursula G Sauer
- Scientific Consultancy - Animal Welfare, Hallstattfeld 16, 85579, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Kady L Krivos
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Corporate Functions Analytical, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, USA
| | - Jason M Price
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Corporate Functions Analytical, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, USA
| | - Timothy R Baker
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Corporate Functions Analytical, 8700 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH, 45040, USA
| | - Joan M Abbinante-Nissen
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Global Product Stewardship, Feminine Care, 6110 Center Hill Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45224, USA
| | - Kara E Woeller
- The Procter and Gamble Company, Global Product Stewardship, Feminine Care, 6110 Center Hill Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45224, USA.
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Mahajan G, Doherty E, To T, Sutherland A, Grant J, Junaid A, Gulati A, LoGrande N, Izadifar Z, Timilsina SS, Horváth V, Plebani R, France M, Hood-Pishchany I, Rakoff-Nahoum S, Kwon DS, Goyal G, Prantil-Baun R, Ravel J, Ingber DE. Vaginal microbiome-host interactions modeled in a human vagina-on-a-chip. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:201. [PMID: 36434666 PMCID: PMC9701078 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A dominance of non-iners Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome is optimal and strongly associated with gynecological and obstetric health, while the presence of diverse obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria and a paucity in Lactobacillus species, similar to communities found in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is considered non-optimal and associated with adverse health outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are being explored to modulate the composition of the vaginal microbiome; however, there is no human model that faithfully reproduces the vaginal epithelial microenvironment for preclinical validation of potential therapeutics or testing hypotheses about vaginal epithelium-microbiome interactions. RESULTS Here, we describe an organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic culture model of the human vaginal mucosa (vagina chip) that is lined by hormone-sensitive, primary vaginal epithelium interfaced with underlying stromal fibroblasts, which sustains a low physiological oxygen concentration in the epithelial lumen. We show that the Vagina Chip can be used to assess colonization by optimal L. crispatus consortia as well as non-optimal Gardnerella vaginalis-containing consortia, and to measure associated host innate immune responses. Co-culture and growth of the L. crispatus consortia on-chip was accompanied by maintenance of epithelial cell viability, accumulation of D- and L-lactic acid, maintenance of a physiologically relevant low pH, and down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, co-culture of G. vaginalis-containing consortia in the vagina chip resulted in epithelial cell injury, a rise in pH, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of applying human organ chip technology to create a preclinical model of the human vaginal mucosa that can be used to better understand interactions between the vaginal microbiome and host tissues, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live biotherapeutics products. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Emulate, Inc, 27 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Erin Doherty
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tania To
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arlene Sutherland
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Grant
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abidemi Junaid
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aakanksha Gulati
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nina LoGrande
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma Timilsina
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Viktor Horváth
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Center on Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Indriati Hood-Pishchany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Girija Goyal
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Tyssen D, Hearps AC, Guntur K, Masson L, Cook S, Moulton SE, Ravel J, Bradshaw CS, Ayehunie S, Tachedjian G. The Impact of Over-The-Counter Lactic Acid Containing Vaginal Gels on the Integrity and Inflammatory State of the Vaginal Epithelium in vitro. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:915948. [DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.915948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome influences a wide range of health outcomes in women, where a microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus spp. is considered optimal and associated with reduced risk of pre-term birth and acquisition of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Conversely, replacement of lactobacilli by non-optimal bacteria leads to the development of bacterial vaginosis, which is associated with increased risk of these outcomes. Lactobacilli produce the metabolite lactic acid (LA) which is a potent antibacterial and antiviral agent. The potential therapeutic benefits of LA have prompted the development of numerous over-the-counter LA-containing gels for use in the vagina, although a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these formulations on the cervicovaginal epithelium and pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine responses, has not been assessed. Here, we evaluated the properties of 11 over-the-counter gels, including 9 containing LA, marketed for use in the vagina. Ten of the 11 gels had an osmolality greater than vaginal fluid from women with Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota (370 ± 40 mOsmol/kg in women with Nugent score 0–3), with six gels that were hyperosmolal >2,000 mOsmol/kg. Using a reconstructed primary cell model of the vaginal epithelium, we found hyperosmolal gels had a detrimental impact on epithelial barrier integrity, resulting in substantial cellular toxicity (<10% viability as compared to untreated cells) and reduced epithelial barrier integrity [≈30% of untreated cells, assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER)]. Treatment of vaginal tissues with most of the gels elicited the production of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1α (8 of 11) and IL-1β (10 of 11) which are associated with heightened risk of HIV acquisition in vivo. The majority of the OTC gels elicited moderate tissue damage as determined by histology. The detrimental effects of these gels on the human vaginal epithelium in vitro may predict compromised epithelial barrier integrity and genital inflammation in vivo, which has implications for sexual and reproductive health. This study highlights the importance of evaluating the impact of intravaginal products on the integrity and inflammatory status of the mucosal epithelium to avoid unfavorable off target effects.
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Jøraholmen MW, Damdimopoulou P, Acharya G, Škalko-Basnet N. Toxicity Assessment of Resveratrol Liposomes-in-Hydrogel Delivery System by EpiVaginal TM Tissue Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061295. [PMID: 35745867 PMCID: PMC9231258 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural polyphenol resveratrol (RES) has shown great potential as an antimicrobial, including against microbes associated with vaginal infections. To fully exploit the activities of RES, an all-natural ingredients formulation for RES delivery at vaginal site has been developed, namely liposomes loaded with RES, incorporated into a chitosan hydrogel as secondary vehicle. Although considered non-toxic and safe on their own, the compatibility of the final formulation must be evaluated for its biocompatibility and non-irritancy to the vaginal mucosa. As a preclinical safety assessment, the impact of RES formulation on the tissue viability, the effect on barrier function and cell monolayer integrity, and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the cell-based vaginal tissue model, the EpiVaginal™ tissue. RES liposomes-in-hydrogel formulations neither affected the mitochondrial activity, nor the integrity of the cell monolayer in RES concentration up to 60 µg/mL. Moreover, the barrier function was maintained to a greater extent by RES in formulation, emphasizing the benefits of the delivery system. Additionally, none of the tested formulations expressed an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity compared to the non-treated tissues. The evaluation of the RES delivery system suggests that it is non-irritant and biocompatible with vaginal tissue in vitro in the RES concentrations considered as therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Wenche Jøraholmen
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-776-23376
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of North Norway, Sykehusveien 38, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nataša Škalko-Basnet
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
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Rodríguez-Izquierdo I, Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Lasso JM, Resino S, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Baseline and time-updated factors in preclinical development of anionic dendrimers as successful anti-HIV-1 vaginal microbicides. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1774. [PMID: 35018739 PMCID: PMC9285063 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although a wide variety of topical microbicides provide promising in vitro and in vivo efficacy, most of them failed to prevent sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) in human clinical trials. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models must be optimized, considering the knowledge acquired from unsuccessful and successful clinical trials to improve the current gaps and the preclinical development protocols. To date, dendrimers are the only nanotool that has advanced to human clinical trials as topical microbicides to prevent HIV‐1 transmission. This fact demonstrates the importance and the potential of these molecules as microbicides. Polyanionic dendrimers are highly branched nanocompounds with potent activity against HIV‐1 that disturb HIV‐1 entry. Herein, the most significant advancements in topical microbicide development, trying to mimic the real‐life conditions as closely as possible, are discussed. This review also provides the preclinical assays that anionic dendrimers have passed as microbicides because they can improve current antiviral treatments' efficacy. This article is categorized under:Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ma Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain.,Spanish HIV HGM BioBank, Madrid, Spain.,Section of Immunology, Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Shafaat S, Mangir N, Chapple C, MacNeil S, Hearnden V. A physiologically relevant, estradiol‐17β [E2]‐responsive in vitro tissue‐engineered model of the vaginal epithelium for vaginal tissue research. Neurourol Urodyn 2022; 41:905-917. [PMID: 35312089 PMCID: PMC9313856 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims There are many situations where preclinical models of the human vagina would be valuable for in vitro studies into the pathophysiology of vaginally transmitted diseases, microbicide efficacy, irritability testing, and particularly, for assessing materials to be inserted in the vagina for support of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study is to develop a physiologically relevant, low cost, and ethically suitable model of the vagina using sheep vaginal tissue (SVT) to reduce the need for animal testing in gynecological research. Methods Tissue‐engineered (TE) vaginal models were developed by culturing primary vaginal epithelial cells and vaginal fibroblasts, isolated from the native SVTs on decellularized sheep vaginal matrices at an air–liquid interface. Morphological analyses of the models were conducted by performing hematoxylin and eosin staining and further characterization was done by immunohistofluorescence (IHF) of structural proteins and cytokeratins. Results Histological analysis of the models revealed a gradual formation of a stratified epithelium on our decellularized matrices and cell metabolic activity remained high for 21 days as measured by the resazurin assay. Our models showed a dose‐dependent response to estradiol‐17β [E2] with an increase in the vaginal epithelium thickness and cellular proliferation under higher E2 concentrations (100–400 pg/ml). The physiological relevance of these results was confirmed by the IHF analysis of Ki67, and cytokeratins 10 and 19 expression. Conclusion In this study, we have developed an estradiol‐responsive TE vaginal model that closely mimics the structural and physiological properties of the native SVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shafaat
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Naside Mangir
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine Hacettepe University Ankara Turkey
| | - Christopher Chapple
- Department of Urology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital Urology Clinic Sheffield UK
| | - Sheila MacNeil
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Vanessa Hearnden
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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10
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Plesniarski A, Siddik AB, Su RC. The Microbiome as a Key Regulator of Female Genital Tract Barrier Function. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:790627. [PMID: 34976864 PMCID: PMC8719631 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.790627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiome, the collection of microbial species at a site or compartment, has been an underappreciated realm of human health up until the last decade. Mounting evidence suggests the microbiome has a critical role in regulating the female genital tract (FGT) mucosa's function as a barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pathogens. In this review, we provide the most recent experimental systems and studies for analyzing the interplay between the microbiome and host cells and soluble factors with an influence on barrier function. Key components, such as microbial diversity, soluble factors secreted by host and microbe, as well as host immune system, all contribute to both the physical and immunologic aspects of the FGT mucosal barrier. Current gaps in what is known about the effects of the microbiome on FGT mucosal barrier function are compared and contrasted with the literature of the gut and respiratory mucosa. This review article presents evidence supporting that the vaginal microbiome, directly and indirectly, contributes to how well the FGT protects against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Plesniarski
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Abu Bakar Siddik
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ruey-Chyi Su
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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11
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Baldeon-Vaca G, Marathe JG, Politch JA, Mausser E, Pudney J, Doud J, Nador E, Zeitlin L, Pauly M, Moench TR, Brennan M, Whaley KJ, Anderson DJ. Production and characterization of a human antisperm monoclonal antibody against CD52g for topical contraception in women. EBioMedicine 2021; 69:103478. [PMID: 34256345 PMCID: PMC8324805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40% of human pregnancies are unintended, indicating a need for more acceptable effective contraception methods. New antibody production systems make it possible to manufacture reagent-grade human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for clinical use. We used the Nicotiana platform to produce a human antisperm mAb and tested its efficacy for on-demand topical contraception. METHODS Heavy and light chain variable region DNA sequences of a human IgM antisperm antibody derived from an infertile woman were inserted with human IgG1 constant region sequences into an agrobacterium and transfected into Nicotiana benthamiana. The product, an IgG1 mAb ["Human Contraception Antibody" (HCA)], was purified on Protein A columns, and QC was performed using the LabChip GXII Touch protein characterization system and SEC-HPLC. HCA was tested for antigen specificity by immunofluorescence and western blot assays, antisperm activity by sperm agglutination and complement dependent sperm immobilization assays, and safety in a human vaginal tissue (EpiVaginal™) model. FINDINGS HCA was obtained at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 4 mg/ml and consisted of > 90% IgG monomers. The mAb specifically reacted with a glycan epitope on CD52g, a glycoprotein produced in the male reproductive tract and found in abundance on sperm. HCA potently agglutinated sperm under a variety of relevant physiological conditions at concentrations ≥ 6.25 µg/ml, and mediated complement-dependent sperm immobilization at concentrations ≥ 1 µg/ml. HCA and its immune complexes did not induce inflammation in EpiVaginal™ tissue. INTERPRETATION HCA, an IgG1 mAb with potent sperm agglutination and immobilization activity and a good safety profile, is a promising candidate for female contraception. FUNDING This research was supported by grants R01 HD095630 and P50HD096957 from the National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Baldeon-Vaca
- Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Jai G Marathe
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany St. Rm 516, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Joseph A Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany St. Rm 516, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Emilie Mausser
- Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany St. Rm 516, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - James Doud
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany St. Rm 516, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Ellena Nador
- Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Michael Pauly
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Thomas R Moench
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Miles Brennan
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States; ZabBio, Inc. 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Kevin J Whaley
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States; ZabBio, Inc. 6160 Lusk Blvd., San Diego, CA 92121, United States
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany St. Rm 516, Boston, MA 02118, United States.
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12
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O’Hanlon DE, Brown SE, He X, Stennett CA, Robbins SJ, Johnston ED, Wnorowski AM, Mark K, Ravel J, Cone RA, Brotman RM. Observational cohort study of the effect of a single lubricant exposure during transvaginal ultrasound on cell-shedding from the vaginal epithelium. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250153. [PMID: 33939727 PMCID: PMC8092793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer layers of the vaginal epithelium (VE) are important because they accumulate glycogen which, under optimal conditions, Lactobacillus spp. consume to grow and acidify the vaginal microenvironment with lactic acid. We hypothesized that exposure to lubricant, for example in the conduct of a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), may contribute to the shedding of mature epithelial cells, exposing immature cells. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was sampled at four time points by menstrual cup (Softdisc™) from 50 women referred for TVUS, during which a controlled volume of lubricant was applied to the TVUS wand. Samples were collected (1) immediately before TVUS and (2) 6-12 hours, (3) within one week, and (4) two weeks after TVUS. Clinical vaginal lubricants are similar to commercial lubricants, and often have a high osmolality or pH, and contain bactericides such as methylparaben and propylparaben. The number and maturity of epithelial cells in each CVF sample were measured by quantitative and differential fluorimetry (maturity index, MI). Comparisons of cell-counts and maturity were made by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among women with a high pre-TVUS MI (> 3), there was a decrease in median cell-count and mean MI in the sample collected 6-12 hours after TVUS (p<0.001, n = 26 and p < 0.001, n = 26, respectively). For these women, cell-count and MI remained lower in the sample collected within the subsequent week (p<0.001, n = 29 and p<0.01, n = 29, respectively), and MI remained lower in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS (p<0.01, n = 25), compared to the pre-TVUS sample. Among participants with a low pre-TVUS MI (< 3), cell-count was higher in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS compared to the pre-TVUS sample (p = 0.03, n = 15), but no significant changes in MI were observed. Results were similar when restricted to reproductive-age women. This preliminary data indicates hypertonic vaginal lubricants may increase vaginal epithelial cell shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Elizabeth O’Hanlon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Brown
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Stennett
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah J. Robbins
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Johnston
- Faculty Physicians Inc., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Amelia M. Wnorowski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Katrina Mark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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13
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Saba I, Barat C, Chabaud S, Reyjon N, Leclerc M, Jakubowska W, Orabi H, Lachhab A, Pelletier M, Tremblay MJ, Bolduc S. Immunocompetent Human 3D Organ-Specific Hormone-Responding Vaginal Mucosa Model of HIV-1 Infection. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:152-166. [PMID: 33573474 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of appropriate experimental models often limits our ability to investigate the establishment of infections in specific tissues. To reproduce the structural and spatial organization of vaginal mucosae to study human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection, we used the self-assembly technique to bioengineer tridimensional vaginal mucosae using human cells extracted from HIV-1-negative healthy pre- and postmenopausal donors. We produced a stroma, free of exogenous material, that can be adapted to generate near-to-native vaginal tissue with the best complexity obtained with seeded epithelial cells on the organ-specific stroma. The autologous engineered tissues had mechanical properties close to native mucosa and shared similar glycogen production, which declined in reconstructed tissues of the postmenopausal donor. The in vitro-engineered tissues were also rendered immune competent by adding human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) on the epithelium or in the stroma layers. The model was infected with HIV-1, and viral replication and transcytosis were observed when immunocompetent reconstructed vaginal mucosa tissue has incorporated MDMs into the stroma and infected with free HIV-1 green fluorescent protein (GFP) viral particles. These data illustrate a natural permissiveness of immunocompetent untransformed human vaginal mucosae to HIV-1 infection. This model offers a physiological tool to explore viral load, HIV-1 transmission in an environment that may contribute to the virus propagation, and new antiviral treatments in vitro. Impact statement This study introduces an innovative immunocompetent three-dimensional human organ-specific vaginal mucosa free of exogenous material for in vitro modeling of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. The proposed model is histologically close to native tissue, especially by presenting glycogen accumulation in the epithelium's superficial cells, responsive to estrogen, and able to sustain a monocyte-derived macrophage population infected or not by HIV-1 during ∼2 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Saba
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Corinne Barat
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Nolan Reyjon
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Maude Leclerc
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Weronika Jakubowska
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Hazem Orabi
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Asmaa Lachhab
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Michel J Tremblay
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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14
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Delgado-Diaz DJ, Tyssen D, Hayward JA, Gugasyan R, Hearps AC, Tachedjian G. Distinct Immune Responses Elicited From Cervicovaginal Epithelial Cells by Lactic Acid and Short Chain Fatty Acids Associated With Optimal and Non-optimal Vaginal Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:446. [PMID: 31998660 PMCID: PMC6965070 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-optimal vaginal microbiota, as observed in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is typically characterized by a depletion of beneficial lactobacilli and an abundance of numerous anaerobes. These non-optimal conditions are associated with subclinical cervicovaginal inflammation and an increased risk of HIV infection compared to women colonized with optimal vaginal microbiota dominated by lactobacilli. Lactic acid (LA) is a major organic acid metabolite produced by vaginal lactobacilli that elicits anti-inflammatory effects from cervicovaginal epithelial cells and is dramatically depleted during BV. However, it is unclear if LA retains its anti-inflammatory activity in the presence of vaginal microbiota metabolites comprising short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and succinic acid, which are also produced by an optimal vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect of SCFAs and succinic acid on cervicovaginal epithelial cells at higher concentrations present during BV is unknown. Here we report that in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of SCFAs and succinic acid at pH 3.9 (as found in women with lactobacillus-dominated microbiota) LA induced an anti-inflammatory state in cervicovaginal epithelial cells and inhibited inflammation elicited by the toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid and Pam3CSK4. When cervicovaginal epithelial cells were treated with a vaginal microbiota metabolite mixture representative of BV, containing a lower concentration of LA but higher concentrations of SCFA/succinic acid at pH 7, no anti-inflammatory was observed. Rather, the vaginal microbiota metabolite mixture representative of BV dysregulated the immune response of cervicovaginal epithelial cells during prolonged and sustained treatments. This was evidenced by increased basal and TLR-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, but decreased basal production of chemokines including RANTES and IP-10. Further characterization of individual components of the BV vaginal microbiota mixture suggested that acetic acid is an important vaginal microbiota metabolite capable of eliciting diverse immunomodulatory effects on a range of cervicovaginal epithelial cell targets. These findings indicate that elevated levels of SCFAs are a potential source of cervicovaginal inflammation in women experiencing BV, and support the unique anti-inflammatory properties of LA on cervicovaginal epithelial cells as well as a role for LA or LA-producing lactobacilli to reverse genital inflammation associated with increased HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Delgado-Diaz
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David Tyssen
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joshua A Hayward
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Raffi Gugasyan
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna C Hearps
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gilda Tachedjian
- Disease Elimination Program and Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Costin GE, Hill E, Brown J, Clippinger AJ. Qualification of a non-animal vaginal irritation method admitted as nonclinical assessment model (NAM) in the Incubator Phase of the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) Medical Devices Development Tool (MDDT). Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 62:104680. [PMID: 31626901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) classifies personal lubricants as Class II medical devices. Because of this status and the nature of body contact common to personal lubricants, CDRH reviewers routinely recommend a standard biocompatibility testing battery that includes: an in vivo rabbit vaginal irritation (RVI) test; an in vivo skin sensitization test, such as the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT); and an in vivo acute systemic toxicity test using mice or rabbits. These tests are conducted using live animals, despite the availability of in vitro and other non-animal test methods that may be suitable replacements. The only test included in the biocompatibility battery currently conducted using in vitro assay(s) is cytotoxicity. FDA's recently launched Predictive Toxicology Roadmap calls for the optimization of non-animal methods for the safety evaluation of drugs, consumer products and medical devices. In line with these goals, a Consortium comprising the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), industry, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), and the PETA International Science Consortium (PETA-ISC) is qualifying the use of an in vitro testing method as replacement for the RVI test. Participating companies include manufacturers of personal lubricants and those interested in the advancement of non-animal approaches working collaboratively with the FDA CDRH to develop an in vitro testing approach that could be used in place of the RVI in pre-market submissions. Personal lubricants and vaginal moisturizers with diverse chemical and physical properties (e.g., formulation, viscosity, pH, and osmolality) in their final undiluted form will be the focus of the program. In vitro vaginal irritation data generated using commercially available human reconstructed vaginal tissue model(s) will be paired with existing in vivo RVI data and analyzed to develop a Prediction Model for the safety assessment of these products. This research plan has been accepted into the FDA CDRH Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program as a potential non-clinical assessment model (NAM). The proposed NAM aligns with the goals of the recently launched FDA Roadmap to integrate predictive toxicology methods into safety and risk assessment with the potential to replace or reduce the use of animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- G-E Costin
- Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - E Hill
- Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - J Brown
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
| | - A J Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
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16
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Optimization and Application of In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models for Vaginal Semisolids Safety Evaluation. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3289-3301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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17
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Tyo KM, Minooei F, Curry KC, NeCamp SM, Graves DL, Fried JR, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Relating Advanced Electrospun Fiber Architectures to the Temporal Release of Active Agents to Meet the Needs of Next-Generation Intravaginal Delivery Applications. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E160. [PMID: 30987206 PMCID: PMC6523330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrospun fibers have emerged as a relatively new delivery platform to improve active agent retention and delivery for intravaginal applications. While uniaxial fibers have been explored in a variety of applications including intravaginal delivery, the consideration of more advanced fiber architectures may offer new options to improve delivery to the female reproductive tract. In this review, we summarize the advancements of electrospun coaxial, multilayered, and nanoparticle-fiber architectures utilized in other applications and discuss how different material combinations within these architectures provide varied durations of release, here categorized as either transient (within 24 h), short-term (24 h to one week), or sustained (beyond one week). We seek to systematically relate material type and fiber architecture to active agent release kinetics. Last, we explore how lessons derived from these architectures may be applied to address the needs of future intravaginal delivery platforms for a given prophylactic or therapeutic application. The overall goal of this review is to provide a summary of different fiber architectures that have been useful for active agent delivery and to provide guidelines for the development of new formulations that exhibit release kinetics relevant to the time frames and the diversity of active agents needed in next-generation multipurpose applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Farnaz Minooei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | - Keegan C Curry
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | - Sarah M NeCamp
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | - Danielle L Graves
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | - Joel R Fried
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
- Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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18
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Desmedt B, Vanhamme M, Vanhee C, Rogiers V, Deconinck E. Consumer protection provided by the European medical device and cosmetic legislation for condoms and lubricants. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 103:106-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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19
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Ayehunie S, Wang YY, Landry T, Bogojevic S, Cone RA. Hyperosmolal vaginal lubricants markedly reduce epithelial barrier properties in a three-dimensional vaginal epithelium model. Toxicol Rep 2017; 5:134-140. [PMID: 29854584 PMCID: PMC5977164 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the widely used vaginal lubricants in the U.S. and Europe are strongly hyperosmolal, formulated with high concentrations of glycerol, propylene glycol, polyquaternary compounds or other ingredients that make these lubricants 4 to 30 times the osmolality of healthy vaginal fluid. Hyperosmolal formulations have been shown to cause marked toxicity to human colorectal epithelia in vivo, and significantly increase vaginal transmission of genital herpes infections in the mouse/HSV model. They also cause toxicity to explants of vaginal epithelia, to cultured vaginal epithelial cells, and increase susceptibility to HIV in target cells in cell cultures. Here, we report that the osmolality of healthy vaginal fluid is 370 ± 40 mOsm/Kg in women with Nugent scores 0–3, and that a well-characterized three-dimensional human vaginal epithelium tissue model demonstrated that vaginal lubricants with osmolality greater than 4 times that of vaginal fluid (>1500 mOsm/Kg) markedly reduce epithelial barrier properties and showed damage in tissue structure. Four out of four such lubricants caused disruption in the parabasal and basal layers of cells as observed by histological analysis and reduced barrier integrity as measured by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). No epithelial damage to these layers was observed for hypo- and iso-osmolal lubricants with osmolality of <400 mOsm/Kg. The results confirm extensive reports of safety concerns of hyperosmolal lubricants and suggest the usefulness of reconstructed in vitro vaginal tissue models for assessing safety of lubricants in the absence of direct clinical tests in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Ayehunie
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA 01721, United States
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
| | - Timothy Landry
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA 01721, United States
| | | | - Richard A Cone
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
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20
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Hearps AC, Tyssen D, Srbinovski D, Bayigga L, Diaz DJD, Aldunate M, Cone RA, Gugasyan R, Anderson DJ, Tachedjian G. Vaginal lactic acid elicits an anti-inflammatory response from human cervicovaginal epithelial cells and inhibits production of pro-inflammatory mediators associated with HIV acquisition. Mucosal Immunol 2017; 10:1480-1490. [PMID: 28401934 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2017.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is associated with increased HIV transmission. Lactobacillus spp. dominate the vaginal microbiota of many women and their presence is associated with reduced HIV acquisition. Here we demonstrate that lactic acid (LA), a major organic acid metabolite produced by lactobacilli, mediates anti-inflammatory effects on human cervicovaginal epithelial cells. Treatment of human vaginal and cervical epithelial cell lines with LA (pH 3.9) elicited significant increases in the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA. When added simultaneously or prior to stimulation, LA inhibited the Toll-like receptor agonist-elicited production of inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, RANTES, and MIP3α from epithelial cell lines and prevented IL-6 and IL-8 production by seminal plasma. The anti-inflammatory effect of LA was mediated by the protonated form present at pH≤3.86 and was observed with both L- and D-isomers. A similar anti-inflammatory effect of LA was observed in primary cervicovaginal cells and in an organotypic epithelial tissue model. These findings identify a novel property of LA that acts directly on epithelial cells to inhibit FRT inflammation and highlights the potential use of LA-containing agents in the lower FRT as adjuncts to female-initiated strategies to reduce HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Hearps
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Tyssen
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Srbinovski
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Bayigga
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Microbiology and Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D J D Diaz
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Aldunate
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - R A Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R Gugasyan
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - D J Anderson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Microbiology and Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - G Tachedjian
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Mahjabeen S, Hatipoglu MK, Chandra V, Benbrook DM, Garcia-Contreras L. Optimization of a Vaginal Suppository Formulation to Deliver SHetA2 as a Novel Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia. J Pharm Sci 2017; 107:638-646. [PMID: 28989018 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cervical dysplasia induced by the human papilloma virus unpredictably progresses to cervical cancer. Therapeutic options are invasive and affect the patient's quality of life. SHetA2 has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against human and murine human papilloma virus-induced tumors, but its oral bioavailability is <1%. An optimized vaginal suppository formulation can deliver SHetA2 in sufficient doses to prevent cervical dysplasia. The quality by design approach was employed to optimize the suppository formulation consisting of cocoa butter as base with 5% Kolliphor and 40% SHetA2. The suppository had a content uniformity of 105.44 ± 0.42%, melted in <8 min, and had a complete release of SHetA2 in water. Administration of the suppository to mice-achieved cervix concentrations that were significantly higher than the SHetA2 therapeutic concentration, with the maximum concentration (Cmax-cervix = 336.78 μg/g) being more than 100-fold the therapeutic SHetA2 concentration. Furthermore, the levels of cyclin D1 protein decreased 9-fold indicating a correlation of drug concentrations with the pharmacodynamic endpoint. These proof-of-concept studies suggest that the SHetA2 optimized vaginal suppository formulation may have a potential use in the prevention of cervical dysplasia, but detailed efficacy studies are required to confirm this assumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjida Mahjabeen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Manolya K Hatipoglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Vishal Chandra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Doris M Benbrook
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Lucila Garcia-Contreras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104.
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22
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Application of standard cell cultures and 3D in vitro tissue models as an effective tool in drug design and development. Pharmacol Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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23
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Tyo KM, Vuong HR, Malik DA, Sims LB, Alatassi H, Duan J, Watson WH, Steinbach-Rankins JM. Multipurpose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate electrospun fibers for the prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 infections in vitro. Int J Pharm 2017; 531:118-133. [PMID: 28797967 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and -2) and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) remain incurable, urging the development of new prevention strategies. While current prophylactic technologies are dependent on strict user adherence to achieve efficacy, there is a dearth of delivery vehicles that provide discreet and convenient administration, combined with prolonged-delivery of active agents. To address these needs, we created electrospun fibers (EFs) comprised of FDA-approved polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(DL-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL), to provide sustained-release and in vitro protection against HIV-1 and HSV-2. PLGA and PLCL EFs, incorporating the antiretroviral, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), exhibited sustained-release for up to 4 weeks, and provided complete in vitro protection against HSV-2 and HIV-1 for 24h and 1 wk, respectively, based on the doses tested. In vitro cell culture and EpiVaginal tissue tests confirmed the safety of fibers in vaginal and cervical cells, highlighting the potential of PLGA and PLCL EFs as multipurpose next-generation drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tyo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Hung R Vuong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Danial A Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Lee B Sims
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Houda Alatassi
- Department of Pathology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jinghua Duan
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Walter H Watson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jill M Steinbach-Rankins
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States; Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States.
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24
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Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Pyles RB, Ratner AJ, Sycuro LK, Mitchell C. New Systems for Studying Intercellular Interactions in Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2017; 214 Suppl 1:S6-S13. [PMID: 27449872 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects almost a quarter of US women, making it a condition of major public health relevance. Key questions remain regarding the etiology of BV, mechanisms for its association with poor reproductive health outcomes, and reasons for high rates of treatment failure. New model systems are required to answer these remaining questions, elucidate the complex host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions, and develop new, effective interventions. In this review, we cover the strengths and limitations of in vitro and in vivo model systems to study these complex intercellular interactions. Furthermore, we discuss advancements needed to maximize the translational utility of the model systems. As no single model can recapitulate all of the complex physiological and environmental conditions of the human vaginal microenvironment, we conclude that combinatorial approaches using in vitro and in vivo model systems will be required to address the remaining fundamental questions surrounding the enigma that is BV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard B Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Adam J Ratner
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Laura K Sycuro
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Caroline Mitchell
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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25
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Orabi H, Saba I, Rousseau A, Bolduc S. Novel three-dimensional autologous tissue-engineered vaginal tissues using the self-assembly technique. Transl Res 2017; 180:22-36. [PMID: 27543901 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases necessitate the substitution of vaginal tissues. Current replacement therapies are associated with many complications. In this study, we aimed to create bioengineered neovaginas with the self-assembly technique using autologous vaginal epithelial (VE) and vaginal stromal (VS) cells without the use of exogenous materials and to document the survival and incorporation of these grafts into the tissues of nude female mice. Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from vaginal biopsies. Stromal cells were driven to form collagen sheets, 3 of which were superimposed to form vaginal stromas. VE cells were seeded on top of these stromas and allowed to mature in an air-liquid interface. The vaginal equivalents were implanted subcutaneously in female nude mice, which were sacrificed after 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. The in vitro and animal-retrieved equivalents were assessed using histologic, functional, and mechanical evaluations. Vaginal equivalents could be handled easily. VE cells formed a well-differentiated epithelial layer with a continuous basement membrane. The equivalent matrix was composed of collagen I and III and elastin. The epithelium, basement membrane, and stroma were comparable to those of native vaginal tissues. The implanted equivalents formed mature vaginal epithelium and matrix that were integrated into the mice tissues. Using the self-assembly technique, in vitro vaginal tissues were created with many functional and biological similarities to native vagina without any foreign material. They formed functional vaginal tissues after in vivo animal implantation. It is appropriate for vaginal substitution and disease modeling for infectious studies, vaginal applicants, and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Orabi
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Urology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ingrid Saba
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Rousseau
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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26
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Tanphaichitr N, Srakaew N, Alonzi R, Kiattiburut W, Kongmanas K, Zhi R, Li W, Baker M, Wang G, Hickling D. Potential Use of Antimicrobial Peptides as Vaginal Spermicides/Microbicides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:E13. [PMID: 26978373 PMCID: PMC4812377 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concurrent increases in global population and sexually transmitted infection (STI) demand a search for agents with dual spermicidal and microbicidal properties for topical vaginal application. Previous attempts to develop the surfactant spermicide, nonoxynol-9 (N-9), into a vaginal microbicide were unsuccessful largely due to its inefficiency to kill microbes. Furthermore, N-9 causes damage to the vaginal epithelium, thus accelerating microbes to enter the women's body. For this reason, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), naturally secreted by all forms of life as part of innate immunity, deserve evaluation for their potential spermicidal effects. To date, twelve spermicidal AMPs have been described including LL-37, magainin 2 and nisin A. Human cathelicidin LL-37 is the most promising spermicidal AMP to be further developed for vaginal use for the following reasons. First, it is a human AMP naturally produced in the vagina after intercourse. Second, LL-37 exerts microbicidal effects to numerous microbes including those that cause STI. Third, its cytotoxicity is selective to sperm and not to the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, the spermicidal effects of LL-37 have been demonstrated in vivo in mice. Therefore, the availability of LL-37 as a vaginal spermicide/microbicide will empower women for self-protection against unwanted pregnancies and STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Nopparat Srakaew
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
| | - Rhea Alonzi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Wongsakorn Kiattiburut
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
| | - Kessiri Kongmanas
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Office of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Mark Baker
- Reproductive Proteomics, Department of Science and Information technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Newcastle, NSW 2308 Australia.
| | - Guanshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
| | - Duane Hickling
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, ON, Canada.
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27
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Studies and methodologies on vaginal drug permeation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:14-26. [PMID: 25689736 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The vagina stands as an important alternative to the oral route for those systemic drugs that are poorly absorbed orally or are rapidly metabolized by the liver. Drug permeation through the vaginal tissue can be estimated by using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. The latter ones, although more realistic, assume ethical and biological limitations due to animal handling. Therefore, in vitro and ex vivo models have been developed to predict drug absorption through the vagina while allowing for simultaneous toxicity and pathogenesis studies. This review focuses on available methodologies to study vaginal drug permeation discussing their advantages and drawbacks. The technical complexity, costs and the ethical issues of an available model, along with its accuracy and reproducibility will determine if it is valid and applicable. Therefore every model shall be evaluated, validated and standardized in order to allow for extrapolations and results presumption, and so improving vaginal drug research and stressing its benefits.
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28
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Ayehunie S, Islam A, Cannon C, Landry T, Pudney J, Klausner M, Anderson DJ. Characterization of a Hormone-Responsive Organotypic Human Vaginal Tissue Model: Morphologic and Immunologic Effects. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:980-90. [PMID: 25676577 PMCID: PMC5933095 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115570906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen and progesterone regulate proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells in the female genital tract. We investigated the effects of these hormones on reconstructed human organotypic vaginal epithelial tissue models (EpiVaginal). We ascertained that epithelial cells in the tissue models express estrogen and progesterone receptors. Treatment with estradiol-17β (E(2)) significantly increased epithelium thickness and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), whereas progesterone (P) treatment resulted in thinning of the epithelium and decreased TEER when compared with untreated controls. Exposure to E(2) increased (1) the expression of the progesterone receptor B (PR-B), (2) accumulation of glycogen in suprabasal cells, (3) epithelial differentiation, and (4) the expression of a number of gene pathways associated with innate immunity, epithelial differentiation, wound healing, and antiviral responses. These findings indicate that EpiVaginal tissues are hormone responsive and can be used to study the role of female reproductive hormones in innate immune responses, microbial infection, and drug delivery in the vaginal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Ayehunie
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Ayesha Islam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chris Cannon
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Landry
- Research and Development, MatTek Corporation, Ashland, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Ugaonkar SR, Clark JT, English LB, Johnson TJ, Buckheit KW, Bahde RJ, Appella DH, Buckheit RW, Kiser PF. An Intravaginal Ring for the Simultaneous Delivery of an HIV-1 Maturation Inhibitor and Reverse-Transcriptase Inhibitor for Prophylaxis of HIV Transmission. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:3426-39. [PMID: 26149293 DOI: 10.1002/jps.24551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleocapsid 7 (NCp7) inhibitors have been investigated extensively for their role in impeding the function of HIV-1 replication machinery and their ability to directly inactivate the virus. A class of NCp7 zinc finger inhibitors, S-acyl-2-mercaptobenzamide thioesters (SAMTs), was investigated for topical drug delivery. SAMTs are inherently unstable because of their hydrolytically labile thioester bond, thus requiring formulation approaches that can lend stability. We describe the delivery of N-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoylthio)benzoyl]-β-alaninamide (SAMT-10), as a single agent antiretroviral (ARV) therapeutic and in combination with the HIV-1 reverse-transcriptase inhibitor pyrimidinedione IQP-0528, from a hydrophobic polyether urethane (PEU) intravaginal ring (IVR) for a month. The physicochemical stability of the ARV-loaded IVRs was confirmed after 3 months at 40°C/75% relative humidity. In vitro, 25 ± 3 mg/IVR of SAMT-10 and 86 ± 13 mg/IVR of IQP-0528 were released. No degradation of the hydrolytically labile SAMT-10 was observed within the matrix. The combination of ARVs had synergistic antiviral activity when tested in in vitro cell-based assays. Toxicological evaluations performed on an organotypic EpiVaginal(™) tissue model demonstrated a lack of formulation toxicity. Overall, SAMT-10 and IQP-0528 were formulated in a stable PEU IVR for sustained release. Our findings support the need for further preclinical evaluation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:3426-3439, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta R Ugaonkar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | - Justin T Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 60208
| | - Lexie B English
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | - Todd J Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112
| | | | - Robert J Bahde
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Daniel H Appella
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | | | - Patrick F Kiser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 60208
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30
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Kaul H, Ventikos Y. On the genealogy of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2015; 21:203-17. [PMID: 25343302 PMCID: PMC4390213 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2014.0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we identify and discuss a timeline of historical events and scientific breakthroughs that shaped the principles of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). We explore the origins of TERM concepts in myths, their application in the ancient era, their resurgence during Enlightenment, and, finally, their systematic codification into an emerging scientific and technological framework in recent past. The development of computational/mathematical approaches in TERM is also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Kaul
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yiannis Ventikos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Kaur M, Gupta KM, Poursaid AE, Karra P, Mahalingam A, Aliyar HA, Kiser PF. Engineering a degradable polyurethane intravaginal ring for sustained delivery of dapivirine. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 1:223-37. [PMID: 25788241 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-011-0027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe the engineering of a degradable intravaginal ring (IVR) for the delivery of the potent HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor dapivirine. The degradable polymer used in fabricating the device incorporated poly(caprolactone) ester blocks in a poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol ABA type polyurethane backbone. The polymer was designed to maintain its structure for 1 month during usage and then degrade in the environment post-disposal. In vitro release of dapivirine showed zero-order kinetics for up to 1 month and significant levels of drug release into engineered vaginal tissue. The mechanical properties of the degradable IVR were comparable to those of a widely used contraceptive intravaginal ring upon exposure to simulated vaginal conditions. Incubation under simulated vaginal conditions for a month caused minimal degradation with minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the ring and polymer. The cytotoxicity evaluation of the drug-loaded IVRs against Vk2/E6E7 human vaginal epithelial cells, Lactobacillus jensenii, and engineered vaginal tissue constructs showed the degradable polyurethane to be non-toxic. In vitro evaluation of inflammatory potential monitored through the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MIP-3α when engineered EpiVaginal™ tissue was incubated with the polyurethanes suggested that the degradable polyurethane was comparable to commercial medical grade polyurethane. These results are encouraging for further development of this degradable IVR for topical vaginal delivery of microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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32
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Hayakumo S, Arakawa S, Takahashi M, Kondo K, Mano Y, Izumi Y. Effects of ozone nano-bubble water on periodontopathic bacteria and oral cells - in vitro studies. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS 2014; 15:055003. [PMID: 27877715 PMCID: PMC5099676 DOI: 10.1088/1468-6996/15/5/055003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to evaluate the bactericidal activity of a new antiseptic agent, ozone nano-bubble water (NBW3), against periodontopathogenic bacteria and to assess the cytotoxicity of NBW3 against human oral cells. The bactericidal activities of NBW3 against representative periodontopathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) were evaluated using in vitro time-kill assays. The cytotoxicity of NBW3 was evaluated using three-dimensional human buccal and gingival tissue models. The numbers of colony forming units (CFUs)/mL of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans exposed to NBW3 dropped to below the lower limit of detection (<10 CFUs mL-1) after only 0.5 min of exposure. There were only minor decreases in the viability of oral tissue cells after 24 h of exposure to NBW3. These results suggest that NBW3 possesses potent bactericidal activity against representative periodontopathogenic bacteria and is not cytotoxic to cells of human oral tissues. The use of NBW3 as an adjunct to periodontal therapy would be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Hayakumo
- Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Shinichi Arakawa
- Department of Lifetime Oral Health Care Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Takahashi
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Keiko Kondo
- Department of Lifetime Oral Health Care Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Mano
- Hyperbaric Medical Center, Hospital of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuichi Izumi
- Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Global Center of Excellence (GCOE) Program, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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Lopes LB. Overcoming the cutaneous barrier with microemulsions. Pharmaceutics 2014; 6:52-77. [PMID: 24590260 PMCID: PMC3978525 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics6010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microemulsions are fluid and isotropic formulations that have been widely studied as delivery systems for a variety of routes, including the skin. In spite of what the name suggests, microemulsions are nanocarriers, and their use as topical delivery systems derives from their multiple advantages compared to other dermatological formulations, such as ease of preparation, thermodynamic stability and penetration-enhancing properties. Composition, charge and internal structure have been reported as determinant factors for the modulation of drug release and cutaneous and transdermal transport. This manuscript aims at reviewing how these and other characteristics affect delivery and make microemulsions appealing for topical and transdermal administration, as well as how they can be modulated during the formulation design to improve the potential and efficacy of the final system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana B Lopes
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508, SP, Brazil.
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Development and in vitro evaluation of a vaginal microbicide gel formulation for UAMC01398, a novel diaryltriazine NNRTI against HIV-1. Antiviral Res 2014; 101:113-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Use of porcine vaginal tissue ex-vivo to model environmental effects on vaginal mucosa to toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 274:240-8. [PMID: 24333258 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare, recognizable, and treatable disease that has been associated with tampon use epidemiologically. It involves a confluence of microbial risk factors (Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce the superantigen-TSST-1), as well as environmental characteristics of the vaginal ecosystem during menstruation and host susceptibility factors. This paper describes a series of experiments using the well-characterized model of porcine vaginal mucosa ex-vivo to assess the effect of these factors associated with tampon use on the permeability of the mucosa. The flux of radiolabeled TSST-1 and tritiated water ((3)H2O) through porcine vaginal mucosa was determined at various temperatures, after mechanical disruption of the epithelial surface by tape stripping, after treatment with surfactants or other compounds, and in the presence of microbial virulence factors. Elevated temperatures (42, 47 and 52°C) did not significantly increase flux of (3)H2O. Stripping of the epithelial layers significantly increased the flux of labeled toxin in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of benzalkonium chloride (0.1 and 0.5%) and glycerol (4%) significantly increased the flux of (3)H2O but sodium lauryl sulfate at any concentration tested did not. The flux of the labeled toxin was significantly increased in the presence of benzalkonium chloride but not Pluronic® L92 and Tween 20 and significantly increased with addition of α-hemolysin but not endotoxin. These results show that the permeability of porcine vagina ex-vivo to labeled toxin or water can be used to evaluate changes to the vaginal environment and modifications in tampon materials, and thus aid in risk assessment.
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Pepe D, McCall M, Zheng H, Lopes LB. Protein transduction domain-containing microemulsions as cutaneous delivery systems for an anticancer agent. J Pharm Sci 2013; 102:1476-87. [PMID: 23436680 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed cationic microemulsions containing a protein transduction domain (penetratin) for optimizing paclitaxel localization within the skin. Microemulsions were prepared by mixing a surfactant blend (BRIJ:ethanol:propylene glycol 2:1:1, w/w/w) with monocaprylin (oil phase) at 1.3:1 ratio, and adding water at 30% (ME-30), 43% (ME-43), and 50% (ME-50). Electrical conductivity and viscosity measurements indicated that ME-30 is most likely a bicontinuous system, whereas ME-43 and ME-50 are water continuous. Their irritation potential, studied in bioengineered skin equivalents, decreased as aqueous content increased. Because ME-50 was not stable in the presence of paclitaxel (0.5%), ME-43 was selected for penetratin incorporation (0.4%). The microemulsion containing penetratin (ME-P) displayed zeta potential of +5.2 mV, and promoted a 1.8-fold increase in paclitaxel cutaneous (but not transdermal) delivery compared with the plain ME-43, whereas the enhancement promoted by another cationic microemulsion containing phytosphingosine was 1.3-fold. Compared with myvacet oil, ME-P promoted a larger increase on transepidermal water loss (twofold) than the plain or the phytosphingosine-containing microemulsions (1.5-fold), suggesting that penetratin addition increases the barrier-disrupting and penetration-enhancing effects of microemulsions. The ratio Δcutaneous/Δtransdermal delivery promoted by ME-P was the highest among the formulations, suggesting its potential for drug localization within cutaneous tumor lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Pepe
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, New York 12208, USA
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Lamellar liquid crystalline phases for cutaneous delivery of Paclitaxel: impact of the monoglyceride. Pharm Res 2012; 30:694-706. [PMID: 23135821 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-012-0908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop liquid crystalline phases with monoglycerides, and assess whether the monoglyceride type favors cutaneous over transdermal paclitaxel delivery. METHODS BRIJ-based lamellar phases were prepared with 0.5% paclitaxel and 20% of either monocaprylin (LP-MC), monomyristolein (LP-MM) or monoolein (LP-MO). Skin electrical resistance, drug release and cutaneous delivery in vitro and in vivo were assessed. Viability of skin equivalents and release of IL-1α were assessed as indexes of irritation potential. RESULTS An inverse relationship between monoglyceride acyl chain length and amount of paclitaxel delivered was observed. Although the largest paclitaxel amounts were delivered by LP-MC, all formulations delivered higher levels of drug in the skin (56-64-fold) than across the tissue. The superiority of LP-MC seems related to a stronger decrease in skin resistance (as an index of permeability), and not to increased drug release. LP-MC displayed similar penetration-enhancing ability in vivo, and a much lower irritation potential than Triton-X100 (a moderate irritant), leading to 3-fold higher skin equivalent viability and release of 60-fold less IL-1α. CONCLUSIONS Even though LP-MC delivered the largest amounts of paclitaxel, all formulations provided similar cutaneous/transdermal delivery ratios, suggesting that changing the monoglyceride acyl chain length did not affect the balance between cutaneous and transdermal delivery.
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Fichorova RN, Lee Y, Yamamoto HS, Takagi Y, Hayes GR, Goodman RP, Chepa-Lotrea X, Buck OR, Murray R, Kula T, Beach DH, Singh BN, Nibert ML. Endobiont viruses sensed by the human host - beyond conventional antiparasitic therapy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48418. [PMID: 23144878 PMCID: PMC3492353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wide-spread protozoan parasites carry endosymbiotic dsRNA viruses with uncharted implications to the human host. Among them, Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite adapted to the human genitourinary tract, infects globally ∼250 million each year rendering them more susceptible to devastating pregnancy complications (especially preterm birth), HIV infection and HPV-related cancer. While first-line antibiotic treatment (metronidazole) commonly kills the protozoan pathogen, it fails to improve reproductive outcome. We show that endosymbiotic Trichomonasvirus, highly prevalent in T. vaginalis clinical isolates, is sensed by the human epithelial cells via Toll-like receptor 3, triggering Interferon Regulating Factor -3, interferon type I and proinflammatory cascades previously implicated in preterm birth and HIV-1 susceptibility. Metronidazole treatment amplified these proinflammatory responses. Thus, a new paradigm targeting the protozoan viruses along with the protozoan host may prevent trichomoniasis-attributable inflammatory sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina N Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Gibbons MC, Foley MA, Cardinal KO. Thinking inside the box: keeping tissue-engineered constructs in vitro for use as preclinical models. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2012; 19:14-30. [PMID: 22800715 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2012.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineers have made great strides toward the creation of living tissue replacements for a wide range of tissue types and applications, with eventual patient implantation as the primary goal. However, an alternate use of tissue-engineered constructs exists: as in vitro preclinical models for purposes such as drug screening and device testing. Tissue-engineered preclinical models have numerous potential advantages over existing models, including cultivation in three-dimensional geometries, decreased cost, increased reproducibility, precise control over cultivation conditions, and the incorporation of human cells. Over the past decade, a number of researchers have developed and used tissue-engineered constructs as preclinical models for testing pharmaceuticals, gene therapies, stents, and other technologies, with examples including blood vessels, skeletal muscle, bone, cartilage, skin, cardiac muscle, liver, cornea, reproductive tissues, adipose, small intestine, neural tissue, and kidney. The focus of this article is to review accomplishments toward the creation and use of tissue-engineered preclinical models of each of these different tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Gibbons
- Department of Biomedical and General Engineering, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California 93407, USA
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Grammen C, Augustijns P, Brouwers J. In vitro profiling of the vaginal permeation potential of anti-HIV microbicides and the influence of formulation excipients. Antiviral Res 2012; 96:226-33. [PMID: 23000496 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the search for an effective anti-HIV microbicidal gel, limited drug penetration into the vaginal submucosa is a possible reason for failed protection against HIV transmission. To address this issue in early development, we here describe a simple in vitro strategy to predict the tissue permeation potential of vaginally applied drugs, based on solubility, permeability and flux assessment. We demonstrated this approach for four model microbicides (tenofovir, darunavir, saquinavir mesylate and dapivirine) and additionally examined the influence of formulation excipients on the permeation potential. When formulated in an aqueous-based HEC gel, high flux values across an HEC-1A cell layer were reached by tenofovir, as a result of its high aqueous solubility. In contrast, saquinavir and dapivirine fluxes remained low due to poor permeability and solubility, respectively. These low fluxes suggest limited in vivo tissue penetration, possibly leading to lack of efficacy. Dapivirine fluxes, however, could be enhanced up to 30-fold, by including formulation excipients such as polyethylene glycol 1000 (20%) or cyclodextrins (5%) in the HEC gels. Alternative formulations, i.e. emulsions or silicone elastomer gels, were less effective in flux enhancement compared to cyclodextrin-HEC gels. In conclusion, implementing the proposed solubility and permeability profiling in early microbicide development may contribute to the successful selection of promising microbicide candidates and appropriate formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Grammen
- Laboratory for Pharmacotechnology and Biopharmacy, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Riazi S, Dover SE, Chikindas ML. Mode of action and safety of lactosporin, a novel antimicrobial protein produced by Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050. J Appl Microbiol 2012; 113:714-22. [PMID: 22737982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the mechanism of action of antimicrobial protein, lactosporin, against Gardnerella vaginalis and to evaluate its safety in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 was grown at 37°C for 18 h. The cell-free supernatant was concentrated 10-fold and screened for antimicrobial activity against indicator strain Micrococcus luteus. The mode of action of lactosporin was determined by measuring the potassium release and monitoring the changes in transmembrane potential (Δψ) and transmembrane pH (ΔpH) of the sensitive cells. Lactosporin caused the efflux of potassium ions from M. luteus cells and dissipation of ΔpH in G. vaginalis, while it had no effect on the Δψ. The safety of lactosporin was evaluated by using EpiVaginal(™) ectocervical (VEC-100) tissue model. Over 80% of the cells in the vaginal tissue remained viable after exposure to lactosporin for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS Lactosporin potentially exerts its antimicrobial activity by selective dissipation of ΔpH and/or by causing leakage of ions from the sensitive cells. Safety studies suggest that lactosporin is a noncytotoxic antimicrobial for vaginal application. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study revealed that lactosporin is an effective and safe antimicrobial preparation with potential application for the control of bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Riazi
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Pepe D, Phelps J, Lewis K, Dujack J, Scarlett K, Jahan S, Bonnier E, Milic-Pasetto T, Hass MA, Lopes LB. Decylglucoside-based microemulsions for cutaneous localization of lycopene and ascorbic acid. Int J Pharm 2012; 434:420-8. [PMID: 22692080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2012.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous delivery of combinations of antioxidants offers the possibility of enhanced protection against UV-radiation. In this study, we investigated the potential of sugar-based microemulsions containing monoglycerides to promote simultaneous cutaneous delivery of lycopene and ascorbic acid, and increase tissue antioxidant activity. Lycopene and ascorbic acid were incorporated (0.04% and 0.2% (w/w), respectively) in decylglucoside-based microemulsions containing isopropyl myristate mixed with monocaprylin (ME-MC), monolaurin (ME-ML) or monoolein (ME-MO) as oil phase. The microemulsions increased lycopene delivery into porcine ear skin by 3.3- to 8-fold compared to a drug solution. The effect of microemulsions on ascorbic acid cutaneous delivery was more modest (1.5-3-fold), and associated with an approximately 2-fold increase in transdermal delivery. According to their penetration-enhancing ability, the microemulsions were ranked ME-MC>ME-MO>ME-ML. This superiority of ME-MC coincided with a stronger effect in decreasing skin electrical resistance. After 18 h of treatment, the viability of bioengineered skin treated with ME-MC was 2.2-times higher compared to Triton-X100 (moderate irritant), demonstrating that ME-MC is less cytotoxic. Skin treatment with ME-MC containing both antioxidants increased the tissue antioxidant activity by 10.2-fold, but no synergism between the antioxidants was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Pepe
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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Kiser PF, Mahalingam A, Fabian J, Smith E, Damian FR, Peters JJ, Katz DF, Elgendy H, Clark MR, Friend DR. Design of Tenofovir–UC781 Combination Microbicide Vaginal Gels. J Pharm Sci 2012; 101:1852-64. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.23089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Miessen K, Einspanier R, Schoen J. Establishment and characterization of a differentiated epithelial cell culture model derived from the porcine cervix uteri. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:31. [PMID: 22429795 PMCID: PMC3337237 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical uterine epithelial cells maintain a physiological and pathogen-free milieu in the female mammalian reproductive tract and are involved in sperm-epithelium interaction. Easily accessible, differentiated model systems of the cervical epithelium are not yet available to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms within these highly specialized cells. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish a cell culture of the porcine cervical epithelium representing in vivo-like properties of the tissue. Results We tested different isolation methods and culture conditions and validated purity of the cultured cells by immunohistochemistry against keratins. We could reproducibly culture pure epithelial cells from cervical tissue explants. Based on a morphology score and the WST-1 Proliferation Assay, we optimized the growth medium composition. Primary porcine cervical cells performed best in conditioned Ham's F-12, containing 10% FCS, EGF and insulin. After cultivation in an air-liquid interface for three weeks, the cells showed a discontinuously multilayered phenotype. Finally, differentiation was validated via immunohistochemistry against beta catenin. Mucopolysaccharide production could be shown via alcian blue staining. Conclusions We provide the first suitable protocol to establish a differentiated porcine epithelial model of the cervix uteri, based on easily accessible cells using slaughterhouse material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Miessen
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Oertzenweg 19b, Berlin, Germany
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Sarmento B, Andrade F, da Silva SB, Rodrigues F, das Neves J, Ferreira D. Cell-based in vitro models for predicting drug permeability. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012; 8:607-21. [PMID: 22424145 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2012.673586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In vitro cell models have been used to predict drug permeation in early stages of drug development, since they represent an easy and reproducible method, allowing the tracking of drug absorption rate and mechanism, with an advantageous cost-benefit ratio. Such cell-based models are mainly composed of immortalized cells with an intrinsic ability to grow in a monolayer when seeded in permeable supports, maintaining their physiologic characteristics regarding epithelium cell physiology and functionality. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the most important intestinal, pulmonary, nasal, vaginal, rectal, ocular and skin cell-based in vitro models for predicting the permeability of drugs. Moreover, the similitude between in vitro cell models and in vivo conditions are discussed, providing evidence that each model may provisionally resemble different drug absorption route. EXPERT OPINION Despite the widespread use of in vitro cell models for drug permeability and absorption evaluation purposes, a detailed study on the properties of these models and their in vitro-in vivo correlation compared with human data are required to further use in order to consider a future drug discovery optimization and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sarmento
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, LTF/CICF, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal.
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Rose WA, McGowin CL, Spagnuolo RA, Eaves-Pyles TD, Popov VL, Pyles RB. Commensal bacteria modulate innate immune responses of vaginal epithelial cell multilayer cultures. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32728. [PMID: 22412914 PMCID: PMC3296736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vaginal microbiome plays a critical but poorly defined role in reproductive health. Vaginal microbiome alterations are associated with increased susceptibility to sexually-transmitted infections (STI) possibly due to related changes in innate defense responses from epithelial cells. Study of the impact of commensal bacteria on the vaginal mucosal surface has been hindered by current vaginal epithelial cell (VEC) culture systems that lack an appropriate interface between the apical surface of stratified squamous epithelium and the air-filled vaginal lumen. Therefore we developed a reproducible multilayer VEC culture system with an apical (luminal) air-interface that supported colonization with selected commensal bacteria. Multilayer VEC developed tight-junctions and other hallmarks of the vaginal mucosa including predictable proinflammatory cytokine secretion following TLR stimulation. Colonization of multilayers by common vaginal commensals including Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. rhamnosus led to intimate associations with the VEC exclusively on the apical surface. Vaginal commensals did not trigger cytokine secretion but Staphylococcus epidermidis, a skin commensal, was inflammatory. Lactobacilli reduced cytokine secretion in an isolate-specific fashion following TLR stimulation. This tempering of inflammation offers a potential explanation for increased susceptibility to STI in the absence of common commensals and has implications for testing of potential STI preventatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. Rose
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Glaveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chris L. McGowin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Glaveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rae Ann Spagnuolo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tonyia D. Eaves-Pyles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Glaveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vsevolod L. Popov
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Glaveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard B. Pyles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Glaveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ham AS, Ugaonkar SR, Shi L, Buckheit KW, Lakougna H, Nagaraja U, Gwozdz G, Goldman L, Kiser PF, Buckheit RW. Development of a combination microbicide gel formulation containing IQP-0528 and tenofovir for the prevention of HIV infection. J Pharm Sci 2012; 101:1423-35. [PMID: 22227864 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In light of the increasing worldwide AIDS pandemic, there is a continuing need to develop new prevention strategies to inhibit the transmission of HIV-1. In the absence of a successful vaccine, topical microbicides represent the best strategies to reduce the epidemic. Following the success of HIV therapeutic cocktail strategies, combinations of microbicides including nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) may offer significant protection from infection over single agents. We have developed a combination microbicide gel formulation for the delivery of IQP-0528, a novel NNRTI, and tenofovir (TFV), a NtRTI. Gel formulations were evaluated based on quantitative viscoelastic and physiochemical evaluations defined by a target product profile (TPP). For the majority of the evaluations, the gel formulations behaved similarly; all showed shear thinning behavior, were stable, nontoxic, and active against HIV-1 infection. Gel formulation F2759 displayed increased drug release of 289 ± 100 µg/(cm(2) h(1/2) ) and a tissue permeability of 60 times the half maximal effective concentration (EC(50) ) of TFV and 800 times the EC(50) of IQP-0528. In addition, F2759 showed osmolality within TPP and the highest performance in gel spreading. We have identified a gel formulation to deliver a combination microbicide of IQP-0528 and TFV that has significant potential to prevent infection of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Ham
- ImQuest BioSciences, Frederick, Maryland 21704, USA.
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Costin GE, Raabe HA, Priston R, Evans E, Curren RD. Vaginal irritation models: the current status of available alternative and in vitro tests. Altern Lab Anim 2011; 39:317-37. [PMID: 21942546 DOI: 10.1177/026119291103900403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal surfaces, such as the vaginal epithelium, are natural barriers to infection that are constantly exposed to bacteria and viruses, and are therefore potential sites of entry for numerous pathogens. The vaginal epithelium can be damaged mechanically, e.g. by the incorrect use of objects such as tampons, and by chemicals that are irritating or corrosive. Consequently, this can lead to an increase in susceptibility to further damage or infection. Pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care products that are specifically formulated for application onto human external mucosae can occasionally induce undesirable local or systemic side-effects. Therefore, the compatibility of applied materials with this mucosal surface represents a key issue to be addressed by manufacturers. The most frequently used method for assessing vaginal mucosal irritation is the in vivo rabbit vaginal irritation test. However, the current emphasis in the field of toxicology is to use alternative in vitro methods that reduce, refine, and replace the use of animals, and which model and predict human, not animal, responses. Such an approach is of particular interest to the personal care and cosmetic industries in their effort to comply with European legislative measures, such as the 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive that does not permit the marketing of cosmetic products if they, or their ingredients, have been tested for irritation responses in animals. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the alternative and in vitro tests that are currently available for vaginal mucosal irritation assessment, and which are already used, or may become useful, to establish the safety of newly-designed products for human use.
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Clark MR, Johnson TJ, McCabe RT, Clark JT, Tuitupou A, Elgendy H, Friend DR, Kiser PF. A hot-melt extruded intravaginal ring for the sustained delivery of the antiretroviral microbicide UC781. J Pharm Sci 2011; 101:576-87. [PMID: 21976110 DOI: 10.1002/jps.22781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microbicide intravaginal rings (IVRs) are a promising woman-controlled strategy for preventing sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An IVR was prepared and developed from polyether urethane (PU) elastomers for the sustained delivery of UC781, a highly potent nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor of HIV-1. PU IVRs containing UC781 were fabricated using a hot-melt extrusion process. In vitro release studies of UC781 demonstrated that UC781 release profiles are loading dependent and resemble matrix-type, diffusion-limited kinetics. The in vitro release methods employed over predicted the in vivo release rates of UC781 in rabbits. Accelerated stability studies showed good chemical stability of UC781 in prototype formulations, but surface crystallization of UC781 was observed following long-term storage at higher UC781 loadings, unless formulated with a polyvinylpyrrolidone/glycerol surface coating. Mechanical stability testing of prototype rings showed moderate stiffening upon storage. The PU and UC781 had minimal to no impact on viability, tissue integrity, barrier function, or cytokine expression in the tissue irritation model, and UC781 was shown to be delivered to and permeate through this tissue construct in vitro. Overall, UC781 was formulated in a stable PU IVR and provided controlled release of UC781 both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith R Clark
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia 22209, USA
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Mahalingam A, Geonnotti AR, Balzarini J, Kiser PF. Activity and safety of synthetic lectins based on benzoboroxole-functionalized polymers for inhibition of HIV entry. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:2465-75. [PMID: 21879735 DOI: 10.1021/mp2002957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lectins derived from plant and microbial sources constitute a vital class of entry inhibitors that target the oligomannose residues on the HIV envelope gp120. Despite their potency and specificity, success of lectin-based entry inhibitors may be impeded by high manufacturing costs, formulation and potential mitogenicity. Therefore, there exists a gap in the HIV microbicides pipeline that underscores the need for mass producible, synthetic, broad-spectrum, and biocomptabile inhibitors of HIV entry. Here, we present the development of a polymeric synthetic lectin, based on benzoboroxole (BzB), which exhibits weak affinity (∼25 M(-1)) for nonreducing sugars, similar to those found on the HIV envelope. High molecular weight BzB-functionalized polymers demonstrated antiviral activity that increased with an increase in ligand density and molecular weight of the polymer construct, revealing that polyvalency improves activity. Polymers showed significant increase in activity from 25 to 75 mol % BzB functionalization with EC(50) of 15 μM and 15 nM, respectively. A further increase in mole functionalization to 90% resulted in an increase of the EC(50) (59 ± 5 nM). An increase in molecular weight of the polymer at 50 mol % BzB functionalization showed a gradual but significant increase in antiviral activity, with the highest activity seen with the 382 kDa polymer (EC(50) of 1.1 ± 0.5 nM in CEM cells and 11 ± 3 nM in TZM-bl cells). Supplementing the polymer backbone with 10 mol % sulfonic acid not only increased the aqueous solubility of the polymers by at least 50-fold but also demonstrated a synergistic increase in anti-HIV activity (4.0 ± 1.5 nM in TZM-bl cells), possibly due to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged polymer backbone and the positively charged V3-loop in the gp120. The benzoboroxole-sulfonic acid copolymers showed no decrease in activity in the presence of a seminal concentration of fructose (p > 0.05). Additionally, the copolymers exhibit minimal, if any, effect on the cellular viability, barrier properties, or cytokine levels in human reconstructed ectocervical tissue after 3 days of repeated exposure and did not show pronounced activity against a variety of other RNA and DNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Mahalingam
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5820, United States
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