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Su S, Vincent KL. Lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate non-hormonal prescription vaginal pH modulator (VPM) gel for the prevention of pregnancy. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:659-670. [PMID: 35802958 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A non-hormonal prescription vaginal pH modulator (VPM) gel (Phexxi®), with active ingredients lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate, has recently been approved for prevention of pregnancy in the United States. The objective of this review is to compile the evidence available from published preclinical and clinical trials to support its use. AREAS COVERED PubMed was searched for published literature on VPM gel. Two Phase III trials were found on clinicaltrials.gov database. The results demonstrated that VPM gel is safe, with minimal side effects, and effective (cumulative 6-7 cycle pregnancy rate of 4.1-13.65%, (Pearl Index 27.5) as a contraceptive. Microbicidal effects suggest potential for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); currently a Phase III clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate prevention of chlamydia and gonorrhea. EXPERT OPINION Non-hormonal reversible contraceptive options have been limited to the highly effective copper-releasing intrauterine device that requires insertion by a trained clinician, and less effective coitally-associated barrier and spermicide options which are typically available over-the-counter. Spermicides, which improve efficacy of barrier devices, may increase the risk of HIV/STIs. VPM gel provides a new safe, effective non-hormonal contraceptive option, with potential for prevention of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Su
- St James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kathleen L Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, TX, USA
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Tuddenham S, Stennett CA, Cone RA, Ravel J, Macintyre AN, Ghanem KG, He X, Brotman RM. Vaginal cytokine profile and microbiota before and after lubricant use compared with condomless vaginal sex: a preliminary observational study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:973. [PMID: 34537015 PMCID: PMC8449901 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data suggest that personal lubricants may damage the vaginal mucosal epithelium, alter the vaginal microbiota, and increase inflammation. We compared vaginal cytokine profiles and microbiota before and after vaginal lubricant use and condomless vaginal sex. METHODS Reproductive-age women were recruited to a 10-week observational cohort study and were asked to self-collect vaginal samples and behavioral diaries daily. This nested case-control analysis utilized samples collected before and after self-reported condomless sexual activity with lubricants (22 case participants) and without lubricants (22 control participants). Controls were matched to cases on race/ethnicity. Microbiota composition was characterized by sequencing amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions. Cytokine concentrations were quantified using a magnetic bead 41-plex panel assay and read using a Bio-Plex 200 array reader. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess baseline differences in vaginal cytokines between cases and controls as well as differences pre- and post-exposure. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine differences in relative post-to-pre change in each individual cytokine between matched cases and controls. Similar analyses were conducted for the microbiota data. RESULTS Mean age was 29.8 years (SD 6.8), and 63.6% were African American. There were few statistically significant changes in cytokines or microbiota before and after exposure in cases or controls. In mixed-effects modeling, the mean relative post-to-pre change of cytokines was higher in cases vs. controls for macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) (p = 0.03). The microbiota data revealed no significant changes when measured by similarity scores, diversity indexes and descriptive community state types (CST) transition analyses. However, post sexual activity, the mean relative abundance of L. crispatus decreased for those who used lubricants (particularly those who were L. iners-dominated prior to exposure). CONCLUSIONS Although there were overall few differences in the vaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles of lubricant users and controls before and after condomless vaginal sex, there was a trend toward decreases in relative abundance of L. crispatus following use of lubricant. Future larger studies that take into account osmolarity and composition of lubricants may provide additional insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina A Stennett
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew N Macintyre
- Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xin He
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Politch JA, Cu-Uvin S, Moench TR, Tashima KT, Marathe JG, Guthrie KM, Cabral H, Nyhuis T, Brennan M, Zeitlin L, Spiegel HML, Mayer KH, Whaley KJ, Anderson DJ. Safety, acceptability, and pharmacokinetics of a monoclonal antibody-based vaginal multipurpose prevention film (MB66): A Phase I randomized trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003495. [PMID: 33534791 PMCID: PMC7857576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MB66 film is a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) product with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against HIV-1 (VRC01-N) and HSV-1 and 2 (HSV8-N). The mAbs were produced by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana (N). We conducted a Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and ex vivo efficacy of single and repeated doses of MB66 when used intravaginally. METHODS AND FINDINGS The clinical trial enrolled healthy reproductive-aged, sexually abstinent women. In Segment A, 9 women received a single MB66 film which was inserted into the vaginal posterior fornix by a clinician. In Segment B, 29 women were randomly assigned to MB66 (Active) or Placebo film groups and were instructed to insert 1 film vaginally for 7 consecutive days. Visits and clinical sampling occurred predose and at various time points after single and repeated film doses. The primary endpoint was number of adverse events (AEs) Grade 2 or higher related to product use. Secondary endpoints included film dissolution rate, Nugent score (a Gram stain scoring system to diagnose bacterial vaginosis), vaginal pH, post-use survey results, cytokine concentrations in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens (assessed by Luminex assay), mAb concentrations in vaginal fluid collected from 4 sites (assessed by ELISA), and HIV and HSV neutralization activity of CVL samples ex vivo (assessed by TZM-bl and plaque reduction assay, respectively). The product was generally safe and well tolerated, with no serious AEs recorded in either segment. The AEs in this study were primarily genitourinary in nature with the most commonly reported AE being asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. There were no differences in vaginal pH or Nugent scores or significant increases in levels of proinflammatory cytokines for up to 7 days after film insertion in either segment or between Active and Placebo groups. Acceptability and willingness to use the product were judged to be high by post-use surveys. Concentrations of VRC01-N and HSV8-N in vaginal secretions were assessed over time to generate pharmacokinetic curves. Antibody levels peaked 1 hour postdosing with Active film (median: 35 μg/mL) and remained significantly elevated at 24 hours post first and seventh film (median: 1.8 μg/mL). Correcting for sample dilution (1:20), VRC01-N concentrations ranged from 36 to 700 μg/mL at the 24-hour time point, greater than 100-fold the IC50 for VRC01 (0.32 μg/mL); HSV8-N concentrations ranged from 80 to 601 μg/mL, well above the IC50 of 0.1 μg/m. CVL samples collected 24 hours after MB66 insertion significantly neutralized both HIV-1 and HSV-2 ex vivo. Study limitations include the small size of the study cohort, and the fact that no samples were collected between 24 hours and 7 days for pharmacokinetic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Single and repeated intravaginal applications of MB66 film were safe, well tolerated, and acceptable. Concentrations and ex vivo bioactivity of both mAbs in vaginal secretions were significantly elevated and thus could provide protection for at least 24 hours postdose. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of MB66 film in women at risk for HIV and HSV infection. Additional antibodies could be added to this platform to provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02579083.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Politch
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Susan Cu-Uvin
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Moench
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Karen T. Tashima
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jai G. Marathe
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kate M. Guthrie
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Howard Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tara Nyhuis
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Miles Brennan
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Larry Zeitlin
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Hans M. L. Spiegel
- Kelly Government Solutions, Contractor to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Whaley
- Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although only a minority of contracepting women rely solely on spermicides, they may soon be the only ongoing female method available without a prescription in the United States. Spermicides are also combined with other methods for additional pregnancy protection and/or lubrication. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), the active ingredient in most spermicides, is cytotoxic and may increase risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially in high-risk women. Amphora (previously called Acidform) is a noncytotoxic spermicide composed of a series of generally regarded as safe compounds, which maintains the acidity of the vagina following coitus to immobilize and kill sperm. Amphora is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved as a vaginal lubricant. Amphora is currently being tested in a multicenter Phase III contraceptive trial. AREAS COVERED This paper describes key properties of Amphora, including its acid-buffering abilities, viscosity, stability, bioadhesiveness, and tolerability. EXPERT OPINION Amphora is a nontoxic spermicide that maintains the pH within the vagina at levels less than 5.0 for hours, which immobilizes and kills sperm as well as many sexually transmitted pathogens. If the current clinical trial demonstrates safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Amphora as a contraceptive, it would represent a viable alternative to N-9. Its potential as a microbicide warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita L Nelson
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Western University of Health Sciences , Pomona , CA , USA
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Kollmann Z, Bersinger N, von Wolff M, Thurman AR, Archer DF, Stute P. Vaginal cytokines do not correlate with postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015; 31:317-21. [PMID: 25559048 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.995080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exploratory pilot study to determine the correlation between postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms and vaginal cytokine levels. METHODS Postmenopausal women (n = 34) not using menopausal hormone therapy and presenting with or without symptoms of vulvovaginal irritation were screened. Each participant underwent a vaginal examination and screening for vaginitis. A cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) with sterile saline and a peripheral blood sample were obtained. Main outcome measures were assessed by Luminex® X-map method on the Bio-Plex® platform. Main outcome measures were cervicovaginal and serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α, GM-CSF, MIP-1-alpha and RANTES level. Cervicovaginal cytokines were adjusted to total protein concentration [pg/mcg protein]. RESULTS Twenty-six postmenopausal women were enrolled (symptomatic: n = 15; asymptomatic: n = 11). There were no significant differences between groups: age, age at menopause, vaginal pH and all CVL and serum cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α, GM-CSF, MIP-1-alpha and RANTES). GM-CSF was the most abundant vaginal cytokine (symptomatic: 146.5 ± 165.6 pg/mcg protein; asymptomatic: 146.0 ± 173.5 pg/mcg protein; p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms did not correlate with vaginal inflammatory marker. There was no difference in serum or CVL cytokines between symptomatic and asymptomatic postmenopasual women. Vaginal symptoms after menopause are not related to the vaginal cytokine changes associated with loss of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa Kollmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Berne , Bern , Switzerland and
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6
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Vaginal cytokines do not differ between postmenopausal women with and without symptoms of vulvovaginal irritation. Menopause 2014; 21:840-5. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bayer LL, Jensen JT. ACIDFORM: a review of the evidence. Contraception 2014; 90:11-8. [PMID: 24565736 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ACIDFORM is a candidate microbicide with spermicidal properties. A large Phase 3 trial is underway, and it is anticipated that this product will be approved for contraceptive use and marketed soon in the United States. The goal of this article is to critically review the evidence supporting the properties, safety profile and different uses of ACIDFORM gel. STUDY DESIGN We searched PubMed and Medline for any published literature on ACIDFORM. RESULTS ACIDFORM is an acidifying agent that works by lowering the vaginal pH to enhance the normal vaginal defenses. In addition to strong acid-buffering properties, ACIDFORM has high bioadhesive and viscosity-retaining properties. Several Phase 1 clinical trials have demonstrated the vaginal safety of ACIDFORM used alone or in combination with a diaphragm, although dose-dependent side effects appear to be present. Studies investigating the efficacy of ACIDFORM against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are promising, but further trials are needed. CONCLUSIONS The properties of ACIDFORM offer many advantages for use, either alone or in combination with another active ingredient, such as Tenofovir. Potential applications for ACIDFORM include use as a personal lubricant, a vaginal contraceptive (alone or with a barrier method) and a microbicidal product or as a formulation vehicle for an active ingredient. IMPLICATIONS ACIDFORM is a candidate female-controlled vaginal preparation with microbicidal and spermicidal properties. A dual protection method could prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of STI acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Bayer
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Jespers V, Harandi AM, Hinkula J, Medaglini D, Grand RL, Stahl-Hennig C, Bogers W, Habib RE, Wegmann F, Fraser C, Cranage M, Shattock RJ, Spetz AL. Assessment of mucosal immunity to HIV-1. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 9:381-94. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.10.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Mauck CK, Lai JJ, Weiner DH, Chandra N, Fichorova RN, Dezzutti CS, Hillier SL, Archer DF, Creinin MD, Schwartz JL, Callahan MM, Doncel GF. Toward early safety alert endpoints: exploring biomarkers suggestive of microbicide failure. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2013; 29:1475-86. [PMID: 23885658 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2012.0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several microbicides, including nonoxynol-9 (N-9) and cellulose sulfate (CS), looked promising during early trials but failed in efficacy trials. We aimed to identify Phase I mucosal safety endpoints that might explain that failure. In a blinded, randomized, parallel trial, 60 healthy premenopausal sexually abstinent women applied Universal HEC placebo, 6% CS or 4% N-9 gel twice daily for 13½ days. Endpoints included immune biomarkers in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and endocervical cytobrushes, inflammatory infiltrates in vaginal biopsies, epithelial integrity by naked eye, colposcopy, and histology, CVL anti-HIV activity, vaginal microflora, pH, and adverse events. Twenty women enrolled per group. Soluble/cellular markers were similar with CS and placebo, except secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) levels decreased in CVL, and CD3(+) and CD45(+) cells increased in biopsies after CS use. Increases in interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1, IL-1RA, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and decreases in SLPI were significant with N-9. CVL anti-HIV activity was significantly higher during CS use compared to N-9 or placebo. CS users tended to have a higher prevalence of intermediate Nugent score, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus and fewer gram-negative rods. Most Nugent scores diagnostic for bacterial vaginosis were in N-9 users. All cases of histological inflammation or deep epithelial disruption occurred in N-9 users. While the surfactant N-9 showed obvious biochemical and histological signs of inflammation, more subtle changes, including depression of SLPI, tissue influx of CD45(+) and CD3(+) cells, and subclinical microflora shifts were associated with CS use and may help to explain the clinical failure of nonsurfactant microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaim Jou Lai
- FHI 360 (formerly Family Health International), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Debra H. Weiner
- FHI 360 (formerly Family Health International), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Neelima Chandra
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charlene S. Dezzutti
- University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sharon L. Hillier
- University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David F. Archer
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, Virginia
| | | | - Jill L. Schwartz
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Arlington, Virginia
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Measurement of mucosal biomarkers in a phase 1 trial of intravaginal 3% StarPharma LTD 7013 gel (VivaGel) to assess expanded safety. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2012; 59:134-40. [PMID: 22067666 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31823f2aeb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the 3% StarPharma LTD 7013 gel (VivaGel) on mucosal immune markers hypothesized to be associated with HIV-1 acquisition. DESIGN Phase 1, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed in 54 young women in the United States and Kenya. Participants used carbopol gel with and without (placebo) StarPharma LTD 7013 twice daily over 14 days. Cervical specimens were collected for cytokines, chemokines, T cells, and dendritic cells at days 0, 7, 14, and 21. A negative binomial regression model was used to assess differences between study arms. RESULTS Several mucosal immune parameters were increased in the VivaGel arm compared with placebo. For cytokines D7, IL-6 (P = 0.05); D 14, interferon gamma (P = 0.03), IL-2 (P = 0.04), IL-5 (P = 0.003), and IL-10 (P = 0.001) were increased. On D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells tended to be increased (P < 0.08); limiting analysis to visits without blood or bacterial vaginosis, these findings were stronger as follows: at D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells were increased in the VivaGel arm (P < 0.005), as were CD4+/CD69+ cells (P = 0.001) and CD4+/CCR5+ T cells (P = 0.01). The changes described for D7 and 14 were no longer seen at D21. CONCLUSIONS Markers associated with inflammation and epithelial damage were reversibly elevated in the VivaGel arm compared with the placebo arm after 7-14 days of twice daily product use.
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The evolution of combined oral contraception: improving the risk-to-benefit ratio. Contraception 2011; 84:19-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Baseline variation and associations between subject characteristics and five cytokine biomarkers of vaginal safety among healthy non-pregnant women in microbicide trials. Cytokine 2011; 55:134-40. [PMID: 21530305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukins (IL)-8, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) have emerged as indicators of vaginal inflammation and HIV-1 transmission risk. We provide values and factors of normal variation of these immune mediators in premenopausal women to allow their wider clinical application as biomarkers of vaginal health. Cross-sectional analyzes (Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon exact tests) of cytokine concentrations in relation to sociodemographic variables and Nugent score were performed on baseline (prior to product) cervicovaginal lavage from two Phase I randomized microbicide trials. All women in the analysis had regular menstrual cycles, 72 h abstinence, normal blood and Pap tests, and absence of genitourinary infections, study-relevant allergies, antibiotics use and history of substance abuse. Cytokine norms were defined as the values among those with Nugent score <4. Among women with normal Nugent score (n=92), IL-8 and IL-1β were lowest in those using abstinence as compared to hormonal contraceptives or male/female sterilization as their primary method for birth control. No difference was found by age, prior pregnancy, or education, and also by race after controlling for contraceptive method. Women with abnormal (>7) and borderline (4-6) Nugent scores had elevated IL-1α and/or IL-1β although their IL-1RA-to-IL(α+β) ratio remained within the normal range due to higher IL-1RA. Women with borderline Nugent scores had IL-8 levels above the normal range. IL-8 and the IL-1RA-to-IL-1 ratio can be used as independent biomarkers of vaginal immune balance. More studies must determine the role of sexual activity, contraceptive method, and borderline Nugent scores, which normally are not exclusion criteria for enrollment in microbicide trials but may affect product tolerability and HIV-1 risk due to the aberrant cytokine levels.
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Su HI, Schreiber CA, Fay C, Parry S, Elovitz MA, Zhang J, Shaunik A, Barnhart K. Mucosal integrity and inflammatory markers in the female lower genital tract as potential screening tools for vaginal microbicides. Contraception 2011; 84:525-32. [PMID: 22018129 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the female genital tract, vaginal colposcopy, endometrial mucosal integrity and inflammatory mediators are potential in vivo biomarkers of microbicide and contraceptive safety. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, blinded crossover trial of 18 subjects comparing effects of nonoxynol-9 vaginal gel (Gynol II; putative inflammatory gel), hydroxyethyl cellulose gel (HEC; putative inert gel) and no gel exposure on endometrial and vaginal epithelial integrity and endometrial and vaginal inflammatory markers [interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1RA, IL-10, SLPI). RESULTS Gynol II was associated with more vaginal lesions. No endometrial disruptions were observed across conditions. In the vagina, RANTES (p=.055) and IL-6 (p=.04) were higher after HEC exposure than at baseline. In the endometrium, IL-1β (p=.003) and IL-8 (p=.025) were lower after Gynol II cycles than after no gel. CONCLUSIONS Gynol II and HEC may modulate inflammatory markers in the vagina and endometrium. How these changes relate to infection susceptibility warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Irene Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
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14
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Herold BC, Mesquita PM, Madan RP, Keller MJ. Female genital tract secretions and semen impact the development of microbicides for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 65:325-33. [PMID: 21143689 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00932.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologic strategies for the prevention of HIV include vaccines, post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral therapy, and topical microbicides. Vaginal microbicides have the potential to augment innate defenses in the genital tract but may also disrupt endogenous protection and increase HIV acquisition risk, as observed in clinical trials of nonoxynol-9. The initially disappointing results of microbicide clinical trials stimulated the development of more sensitive and comprehensive pre-clinical safety studies, which include dual-chamber culture systems to model the epithelial barrier and post-coital studies to evaluate the effects of semen and sexual intercourse on microbicide efficacy. This review discusses the key factors that contribute to a healthy female genital tract environment, the impact of semen on mucosal defense, and how our understanding of these mediators informs the development of effective vaginal microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy C Herold
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
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Katakowski JA, Palliser D. siRNA-based topical microbicides targeting sexually transmitted infections. CURRENT OPINION IN MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS 2010; 12:192-202. [PMID: 20373263 PMCID: PMC3282625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although a vaccine is available for HPV, no effective vaccines exist for the HIV-1 and HSV-2 viral pathogens, and there are no cures for these infections. Furthermore, recent setbacks in clinical trials, such as the failure of the STEP trial to prevent HIV-1 infection, have emphasized the need to develop alternative approaches to interrupt the transmission of these pathogens. One alternative strategy is represented by the use of topically applied microbicides, and such agents are being developed against various viruses. RNAi-based microbicides have recently been demonstrated to prevent HSV-2 transmission, and may be useful for targeting multiple STIs. In this review, microbicides that are under development for the prevention of STIs are described, with a focus on topically applied microbicidal siRNAs.
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Abstract
HIV infection rates in the developing world remain a serious problem. One potential approach to reduce infection rates is to use products known as microbicides, referred to herein as microbicide drug products (MDPs). These are drugs capable of, when administered topically to the vagina (or rectum), interfering with infection by one or more mechanisms. This review article covers the latest pharmaceutical developments in the area of microbicides dosage forms and delivery systems. These products are principally designed for use in the developing world and must therefore address cultural and societal issues generally unknown in the developed world. The first-generation microbicides evaluated clinically were principally polyanions. These drugs, administered intravaginally as gels, were found to be ineffective in preventing transmission of HIV from men to women. Second-generation drugs such as tenofovir, dapivirine, and UC781 are reverse transcriptase inhibitors developed as gels formulations and intravaginal rings (IVRs). Gels are considered coitally-related products while IVRs are coitally-independent systems designed to release the drug over a four-week period or possibly longer (up to 3 or 4 months). Other dosage forms under development include fast dissolving films, tablets/capsules, and possibly vaginal sponges. Dual protection systems are also under development. These systems include formulations capable of preventing HIV infection along with a second drug capable of preventing conception or other viral infections such as HSV.
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