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Mauck C, Thurman A, Jensen JT, Schreiber CA, Baker J, Hou MY, Chavoustie S, Dart C, Wu H, Ravel J, Gajer P, Herold BC, Jacot T, Zack N, Hatheway J, Friend D. Safety testing of Ovaprene: An investigational nonhormonal monthly vaginal contraceptive. Contraception 2024; 135:110440. [PMID: 38552818 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate the safety of Ovaprene, an investigational nonhormonal vaginal contraceptive designed for monthly use. STUDY DESIGN Open-label, multicenter study enrolling heterosexually-active women with previous permanent contraception who underwent assessments during five menstrual cycles: baseline postcoital test cycle, diaphragm postcoital test cycle, Ovaprene safety cycle, and two Ovaprene postcoital test cycles. Safety outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events, systemic laboratory findings, pelvic examinations, colposcopies, Nugent scores, determination of community state types of vaginal microbiota, and anti-Escherichia coli activity and inflammatory markers in cervicovaginal fluids. RESULTS We enrolled 38 participants. Of these, 33 used Ovaprene and completed 77 Ovaprene cycles. The most common product-related urogenital treatment-emergent adverse events were bacterial vaginosis and vaginal odor. The frequency of transitioning from Lactobacillus-dominated community state type to community state type IV (not Lactobacillus-dominated) was similar before Ovaprene use and afterwards. Mean Nugent scores were <4 at each visit without a discernible upward trend. Inflammatory markers showed wide variation but no upward trend, and E. coli inhibitory activity of cervical secretions did not change. We found no Staphylococcus aureus, the causative agent in toxic shock syndrome, on used Ovaprenes or in vaginal samples. No clinically important changes in systemic laboratory findings, pelvic examinations, or colposcopies occurred during Ovaprene use. CONCLUSIONS Ovaprene use did not result in cervicovaginal irritation or adverse effects on resident vaginal microbiota and did not impact transitions from a Lactobacillus-dominated community state type to community state type IV. IMPLICATIONS The finding that the use of Ovaprene, an investigational monthly user-controlled nonhormonal vaginal contraceptive, does not appear to result in adverse changes in vaginal health during short-term use supports further evaluation of the contraceptive potential of the device.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Thurman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Courtney A Schreiber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeff Baker
- Clinical Research Prime, Idaho Falls, ID, United States
| | - Melody Y Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Steven Chavoustie
- Segal Institute for Clinical Research Inc., Miami, FL, United States
| | - Clint Dart
- Premier Research, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Hongsheng Wu
- Premier Research, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute for Genome Sciences, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Betsy C Herold
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Terry Jacot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Nadene Zack
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - David Friend
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
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Davis S, Parthun K, Friend DR. A nine-month repeat-dose intravaginal ring (Ovaprene) irritation study in sheep. Contraception 2024; 133:110387. [PMID: 38342425 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovaprene is a novel, investigational, intravaginal hormone-free monthly ring contraceptive designed for use in women of reproductive age to be worn over multiple weeks (one menstrual cycle). The objective of this work was to evaluate the safety of Ovaprene during a nine-month repeat-dose sheep study. STUDY DESIGN In addition to traditional safety endpoints such as histopathological evaluation of the sheep female reproductive tract, vaginal fluids were collected and tested for released iron over time. Also, the amount of iron in the rings was assessed following removal, and serum iron levels were measured. There were four sheep in each group (Ovaprene group and sham group). RESULTS There were no macroscopic clinical findings. There was minimal to mild, mixed or mononuclear cell infiltration present in all levels of vagina (cranial, mid, and caudal) from all animals including sham controls based on post-study necropsy. The female reproductive tract from animals treated with the Ovaprene ring was comparable to the sham controls. The concentrations of serum iron in sheep treated with Ovaprene ring were similar compared to a sham treated animal. The average amount of ferrous gluconate released from Ovaprene over the 29-day period of use was 175 mg of the approximately 512 mg nominally loaded into the rings. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the Ovaprene devices were well-tolerated in female sheep. IMPLICATIONS This study should support a chronic (e.g., one year) contraceptive efficacy study in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Davis
- Surgery and Efficacy, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - Kelsey Parthun
- Surgery and Efficacy, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - David R Friend
- Research and Development, Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.
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Mauck C, Thurman A, Jensen JT, Schreiber CA, Baker J, Hou MY, Chavoustie S, Dart C, Wu H, Zack N, Hatheway J, Friend D. Successful postcoital testing of Ovaprene: An investigational non-hormonal monthly vaginal contraceptive. Contraception 2024; 132:110373. [PMID: 38232942 PMCID: PMC11152141 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate reduction in progressively motile sperm per high power field (HPF) in midcycle cervical mucus after intercourse with Ovaprene: an investigational monthly non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive consisting of a vaginal ring and mechanical barrier, releasing spermiostatic ferrous gluconate. STUDY DESIGN Open-label, multicenter study enrolling heterosexually-active women with previous permanent contraception. Participants underwent a baseline postcoital test cycle with no device to confirm the presence of sperm, followed by one diaphragm postcoital test cycle, one Ovaprene safety cycle, and two Ovaprene postcoital test cycles. In each postcoital test cycle, participants underwent a midcycle cervical mucus evaluation to confirm an Insler score ≥10 and absence of sperm, and then returned two to four hours after vaginal intercourse for repeat cervical mucus evaluation. We considered <5 progressively motile sperm/HPF indicative of preliminary contraceptive effectiveness. RESULTS We enrolled 38 participants; 23 completed the study. All participants had ≥5 progressively motile sperm/HPF in the baseline cycle and <5 progressively motile sperm/HPF in all 49 Ovaprene cycles and all 35 diaphragm cycles, meeting the definition of a successful postcoital test. This was true regardless of examiner blinding, prior vaginal delivery or vaginal ring use, body mass index, or dislodgements noted by the participant or investigator. The mean of 27.2 (±17.9) progressively motile sperm/HPF in baseline postcoital test cycles was reduced to 0.5 (±1.1) and 0.5 (±1.3) progressively motile sperm/HPF in the first and second Ovaprene cycles, respectively. Ovaprene fit all participants and all could insert, position, and remove it. CONCLUSION Use of Ovaprene resulted in meeting the prespecified criterion for contraceptive effect by all participants during all postcoital test cycles. IMPLICATIONS The finding that use of Ovaprene, an investigational monthly non-hormonal vaginal contraceptive, resulted in postcoital testing of cervical mucus that met the pre-specified definition of success (<5 progressively motile sperm/HPF) supports further evaluation of contraceptive efficacy of the device in users at risk for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Thurman
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States; Formerly of Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Courtney A Schreiber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jeff Baker
- Clinical Research Prime, Idaho Falls, ID, United States
| | - Melody Y Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Steven Chavoustie
- Segal Institute for Clinical Research Inc., Miami, FL, United States
| | - Clint Dart
- Premier Research, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Hongsheng Wu
- Premier Research, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Nadene Zack
- Formerly of Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - David Friend
- Daré Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
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Abstract
While contraceptive drugs have enabled many people to decide when they want to have a baby, more than 100 million unintended pregnancies each year in the world may indicate the contraceptive requirement of many people has not been well addressed yet. The vagina is a well-established and practical route for the delivery of various pharmacological molecules, including contraceptives. This review aims to present an overview of different contraceptive methods focusing on the vaginal route of delivery for contraceptives, including current developments, discussing the potentials and limitations of the modern methods, designs, and how well each method performs for delivering the contraceptives and preventing pregnancy.
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Jalalvandi E, Shavandi A. In situ-forming and pH-responsive hydrogel based on chitosan for vaginal delivery of therapeutic agents. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2018; 29:158. [PMID: 30349982 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-018-6166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
One of the important routes of drug administration for localized delivery of contraceptives and cervical cancer treatment agents is vaginal canal. Due to the low pH of vagina, a pH-responsive drug delivery system was developed. This hydrogel was synthesized based on a mucoadhesive biopolymer, chitosan (CS), that promotes the interaction between the hydrogel and mucosal surface of the vagina, potentially increasing the residence time of the system. This injectable hydrogel was formed via acid-labile Schiff-base linkages between free amine groups and aldehyde functionalities on modified chitosan. A novel approach was taken to add aldehyde functionalities to chitosan using a two-step reaction. Two types of slow and fast degrading hydrogels were prepared and loaded with iron (II) gluconate dihydrate, a non-hormonal spermicide, and doxorubicin hydrochloride, an anti-cancer drug. The release profiles of these drugs at different pH environments were assessed to determine the pH-dependent release mechanism. Mechanical properties, swell-ability and degradation rate of these matrices were studied. The cross-linking density of the hydrogel as well as pH changes played an important role in the characteristic of these hydrogels. The hydrogels degraded faster in lower pH, while the hydrogel with lower cross-linking density showed longer gelation time and faster degradation rate compared to the gel with higher cross-linking density. In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of these hydrogels in 48 h indicated the non-toxic effect of these hydrogels toward mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the test period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmat Jalalvandi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Amin Shavandi
- Department of Food Science, Centre for Bioengineering and Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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Rahman SU, Huang Y, Zhu L, Feng S, Khan IM, Wu J, Li Y, Wang X. Therapeutic Role of Green Tea Polyphenols in Improving Fertility: A Review. Nutrients 2018; 10:E834. [PMID: 29954124 PMCID: PMC6073549 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced during cellular oxidation. In normal cell biology, ROS levels increase with a decreasing antioxidant response, resulting in oxidative stress which threatens sperm biology. Oxidative stress has numerous effects, including increased apoptosis, reduced motion parameters, and reduced sperm integrity. In this regard, green tea polyphenols (GrTPs) have been reported to possess properties that may increase the quality of male and female gametes, mostly via the capability of catechins to reduce ROS production. GrTPs have antioxidant properties that improve major semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage, fertility rate, and gamete quality. These unique properties of green tea catechins could improve reproductive health and represent an important study area. This exploratory review discusses the therapeutic effects of GrTPs against infertility, their possible mechanisms of action, and recommended supportive therapy for improving fertility in humans and in animals.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antioxidants/isolation & purification
- Antioxidants/therapeutic use
- Female
- Fertility/drug effects
- Fertility Agents, Female/therapeutic use
- Fertility Agents, Male/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Infertility, Female/drug therapy
- Infertility, Female/metabolism
- Infertility, Female/pathology
- Infertility, Female/physiopathology
- Infertility, Male/drug therapy
- Infertility, Male/metabolism
- Infertility, Male/pathology
- Infertility, Male/physiopathology
- Male
- Ovum/drug effects
- Ovum/metabolism
- Ovum/pathology
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Polyphenols/isolation & purification
- Polyphenols/therapeutic use
- Pregnancy
- Reproductive Health
- Risk Factors
- Spermatozoa/drug effects
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Spermatozoa/pathology
- Tea/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Ur Rahman
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yingying Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Shibin Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Ibrar Muhammad Khan
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Jinjie Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Xichun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China.
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Ferreira G, Costa C, Bassaizteguy V, Santos M, Cardozo R, Montes J, Settineri R, Nicolson GL. Incubation of human sperm with micelles made from glycerophospholipid mixtures increases sperm motility and resistance to oxidative stress. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197897. [PMID: 29856778 PMCID: PMC5984032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane integrity is essential in maintaining sperm viability, signaling, and motility, which are essential for fertilization. Sperm are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, as they are rich in sensitive polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and are unable to synthesize and repair many essential membrane constituents. Because of this, sperm cellular membranes are important targets of this process. Membrane Lipid Replacement (MLR) with glycerophospholipid mixtures (GPL) has been shown to ameliorate oxidative stress in cells, restore their cellular membranes, and prevent loss of function. Therefore, we tested the effects of MLR on sperm by tracking and monitoring GPL incorporation into their membrane systems and studying their effects on sperm motility and viability under different experimental conditions. Incubation of sperm with mixtures of exogenous, unoxidized GPL results in their incorporation into sperm membranes, as shown by the use of fluorescent dyes attached to GPL. The percent overall (total) sperm motility was increased from 52±2.5% to 68±1.34% after adding GPL to the incubation media, and overall sperm motility was recovered from 7±2% after H2O2 treatment to 58±2.5%)(n = 8, p<0.01) by the incorporation of GPL into sperm membranes. When sperm were exposed to H2O2, the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (MIMP), monitored using the MIMP tracker dye JC-1 in flow cytometry, diminished, whereas the addition of GPL prevented the decrease in MIMP. Confocal microscopy with Rhodamine-123 and JC-1 confirmed the mitochondrial localization of the dyes. We conclude that incubation of human sperm with glycerolphospholipids into the membranes of sperm improves sperm viability, motility, and resistance to oxidizing agents like H2O2. This suggests that human sperm might be useful to test innovative new treatments like MLR, since such treatments could improve fertility when it is adversely affected by increased oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ferreira
- Departamento de Biofísica, Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos y Señalización Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Costa
- Departamento de Biofísica, Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos y Señalización Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Verónica Bassaizteguy
- Departamento de Biofísica, Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos y Señalización Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Santos
- Departamento de Biofísica, Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos y Señalización Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Cardozo
- Departamento de Biofísica, Laboratorio de Canales Iónicos y Señalización Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Robert Settineri
- Sierra Productions Research, LLC, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Garth L. Nicolson
- Dept. of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
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8
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The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility: an overview. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:690-7. [PMID: 21685925 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many studies have focused on the effect of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants on the male eproductive system. Under physiological conditions, sperm produces small amounts of ROS, which are needed for fertilisation, acrosome reaction and capacitation. However, if an increased production of ROS is not associated with a similar increase in scavenging systems, peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of DNA integrity typically occur, which leads to cell death and reduced fertility. Furthermore, since there is no linear correlation between sperm quality and pregnancy rates, an improvement in semen parameters should not be the sole outcome considered in studies of antioxidant therapies. A definitive conclusion regarding the benefit of these therapies is difficult to obtain, as most of the previous studies lacked control groups, considered different antioxidants in different combinations and doses, or did not evaluate pregnancy rates in previously infertile couples. Even if beneficial effects were reported in a few cases of male infertility, more multicentre, double-blind studies performed with the same criteria are necessary for an increased understanding of the effects of various antioxidants on fertility.
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Laudat A, Lecourbe K. Diminution du pourcentage d’acrosomes malformés après un test de migration–survie des spermatozoïdes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immbio.2008.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Han YA, Singh M, Saxena BB. Development of vaginal rings for sustained release of nonhormonal contraceptives and anti-HIV agents. Contraception 2007; 76:132-8. [PMID: 17656183 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2006] [Revised: 03/19/2007] [Accepted: 04/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Construction of vaginal rings to deliver nonhormonal contraceptives and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) as an anti-HIV agent and determination of their daily release and efficacy in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Intravaginal rings of 0.5-0.7 cm rim and 5-5.5 cm in diameter were cast in the molds. The rings were composed of biosoluble acacia gum or nonbiodegradable hydrogel of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and sodium methacrylate (SMA) [P(HEMA-co-SMA)]. The rings were impregnated with nonhormonal contraceptives such as ferrous gluconate to cause spermiostasis, l-ascorbic acid to increase the viscosity of the cervical mucus, and pharmalytes of pH 4-5 or AZT. RESULTS The daily release rate of nonhormonal contraceptives as well as AZT from the rings was efficacious in vitro. Cumulative effect of nonhormonal contraceptives showed complete spermiostasis within 30 s up to 10 and 28 days, respectively. Daily release of AZT from both rings was also likely to be efficacious to inhibit HIV proliferation in vitro for 10 and 28 days, respectively. CONCLUSION The data indicate that the rings described here can be developed for intravaginal delivery of nonhormonal contraceptives and/or anti-HIV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young A Han
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 515 East 71st Street, S-412, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Saxena BB, Singh M, Gospin RM, Chu CC, Ledger WJ. Efficacy of nonhormonal vaginal contraceptives from a hydrogel delivery system. Contraception 2005; 70:213-9. [PMID: 15325890 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2004.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2003] [Revised: 02/18/2004] [Accepted: 02/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This investigation describes the synthesis of a biodegradable hydrogel composed of a core surrounded by four concentric sheaths containing dextran, copolymers of polylactide and epsilon-caprolactone. The hydrogel was impregnated with iron (II) d-gluconate dihydrate, which causes complete spermiostasis due to lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid to increase the viscosity of the cervical mucus and mixtures of polyamino and polycarboxylic acids to sustain vaginal pH close to 4.5. The combined effects of the agents in the daily eluates of the hydrogel were efficacious up to 16 days, within 30 s, as shown by sperm penetration tests. For in vivo studies, rabbits were chosen as the experimental model because they are easy to handle and the female is always in estrus. The anterior vagina of estrous female rabbits was instilled with the hydrogel, and then inseminated with the semen from a fertile male. Postinsemination flush from the female rabbits showed that all of the sperm were dead. These observations demonstrate the potential for the development of a biocompatible, nonhormonal, intravaginal contraceptive device.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Saxena
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, 515 East 71st Street, S-412, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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12
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Agarwal A, Nallella KP, Allamaneni SSR, Said TM. Role of antioxidants in treatment of male infertility: an overview of the literature. Reprod Biomed Online 2004; 8:616-27. [PMID: 15169573 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Seminal oxidative stress in the male reproductive tract is known to result in peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of its DNA integrity. Normally, a balance exists between concentrations of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant scavenging systems. One of the rational strategies to counteract the oxidative stress is to increase the scavenging capacity of seminal plasma. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of antioxidants in male infertility. In this review, the results of different studies conducted have been analysed, and the evidence available to date is provided. It was found that although many clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of antioxidants in selected cases of male infertility, some studies failed to demonstrate the same benefit. The majority of the studies suffer from a lack of placebo-controlled, double-blind design, making it difficult to reach a definite conclusion. In addition, investigators have used different antioxidants in different combinations and dosages for varying durations. Pregnancy, the most relevant outcome parameter of fertility, was reported in only a few studies. Most studies failed to examine the effect of antioxidants on a specific group of infertile patients with high oxidative stress. Multicentre, double-blind studies with statistically accepted sample size are still needed to provide conclusive evidence on the benefit of antioxidants as a treatment modality for patients with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- Centre for Advanced Research in Human Reproduction, Infertility, and Sexual Function, Glickman Urological Institute and Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk A19.1, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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13
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Wang Y, Sharma RK, Agarwal A. Effect of cryopreservation and sperm concentration on lipid peroxidation in human semen. Urology 1997; 50:409-13. [PMID: 9301706 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(97)00219-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess (1) the effect of increased lipid peroxidation on sperm membrane damage that occurs during the freeze-thaw process of cryopreservation; (2) the effect of sperm concentration on lipid peroxidation in normal fertile men; and (3) the relation between sperm motility, morphology, and lipid peroxidation. METHODS Lipid peroxidation was measured as levels of malonaldehyde by the thiobarbituric acid method. Malonaldehyde levels in fresh and frozen-thawed semen specimens from normal donors (n = 20) were compared at a sperm concentration of 20 x 10(6)/mL. Sperm concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 x 10(6)/mL were used to assess the effect of sperm concentration on malonaldehyde levels in frozen specimens. A computer-assisted semen analyzer was used to analyze sperm concentrations and motility. Comparison of the effect of TEST-yolk buffer, glycerol, and Ham's F-10 buffer on lipid peroxidation was studied in fresh semen from normal fertile men (n = 5). RESULTS Malonaldehyde levels did not differ between fresh and cryopreserved semen specimens (P = 0.99). There was no difference in malonaldehyde levels from TEST-yolk buffer, glycerol, and Ham's F-10 buffer. As sperm concentrations increased, so did malonaldehyde levels, from 1.21 +/- 0.05 nM/hr at 5 x 10(6)/mL to 3.50 +/- 0.46 nM/hr at 40 x 10(6)/mL (P = 0.000007). Sperm motility, morphology, and malonaldehyde levels in freeze-thaw specimens were not correlated before or after removal of the cryoprotective medium. CONCLUSIONS Malonaldehyde levels do not differ between fresh and frozen semen in normal men. Cryopreservation-induced membrane damage is not related to lipid peroxidation but may be associated with stress induced during freezing and thawing. Malonaldehyde levels increase as sperm concentrations increase. There is no correlation between sperm motility, morphology, and malonaldehyde levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA
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Hong CY, Huang SS, Tsai SK. Magnolol reduces infarct size and suppresses ventricular arrhythmia in rats subjected to coronary ligation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1996; 23:660-4. [PMID: 8886485 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1996.tb01753.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
1. Magnolol is an active component of Magnolia officinalis. It is 1000-times more potent than alpha-tocopherol in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria. In the present study, the in vivo antiarrhythmic and anti-ischaemic effects of magnolol in coronary ligated rats were investigated. 2. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with urethane. Magnolol, at dosages of 10(-7), 10(-8) and 10(-9) g/kg, was administered intravenously 15 min before ligation of the coronary artery. 3. The incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation during 30 min coronary ligation were significantly reduced by magnolol. Ventricular arrhythmias during 10 min reperfusion after the relief of coronary ligation were also reduced. 4. In rats subjected to 4 h coronary ligation, 10(-7) and 10(-8) g/kg magnolol significantly reduced infarct size. 5. We conclude that magnolol may protect the myocardium against ischaemic injury and suppress ventricular arrhythmia during ischaemia and reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Hong
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, Medical College, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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