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Borgogna JLC, Grace SG, Holm JB, Aviles Zuniga T, Kadriu H, He X, McCoski SR, Ravel J, Brotman RM, Yeoman CJ. Investigating the impact of condomless vaginal intercourse and lubricant use on the vaginal metabolome: a pre-post observational study. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:489-496. [PMID: 37258272 PMCID: PMC11174154 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055667] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The vaginal metabolome is a significant factor in the vaginal microenvironment, and data are emerging on its independent role in urogenital health. Condomless vaginal intercourse and personal lubricant use are common practices that may affect the vaginal metabolome. The aim of the present study is to describe the associations between condomless intercourse and lubricant use on the vaginal metabolome. METHODS This study used archived mid-vaginal swabs from a 10-week observational cohort of reproductive age women who self-collected samples and recorded behavioural diaries daily. Cases and controls were defined as participants who self-reported condomless vaginal intercourse with or without lubricant use, respectively. Samples were drawn prior to and following condomless vaginal intercourse. Twenty-two case participants were race/ethnicity matched to 22 control participants. Mid-vaginal swabs were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and untargeted ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy metabolomics. Bayesian mixed-effects regression (unadjusted and adjusted for the vaginal microbiota) was used to evaluate differences in metabolite concentration associated with vaginal intercourse and lubricant use. RESULTS Both condomless penile-vaginal intercourse and lubricant use were independently associated with higher (up to 8.3-fold) concentrations of metabolites indicative of epithelial damage (eg, sarcosine) and many host-produced antioxidants. Lubricant use was significantly associated with increases in lipids related to cellular damage, host-produced sphingolipids (antimicrobials), antioxidants and salicylate, a cooling agent common to lubricants, in a study design which controls for the independent effect of intercourse. Metabolites involved in oxidative stress and salicylate were strongly correlated with several molecular bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important foundational data on how condomless vaginal-penile intercourse and lubricant use affect the vaginal metabolome and may affect the protective mechanisms in the vaginal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna-Lynn C Borgogna
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Savannah G Grace
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Johanna B Holm
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tadeo Aviles Zuniga
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Herlin Kadriu
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah R McCoski
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carl J Yeoman
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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Zhen S, Chen H, Lu J, Yang X, Tuo X, Chang S, Tian Y, Li X. Intravaginal delivery for CRISPR-Cas9 technology: For example, the treatment of HPV infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28552. [PMID: 36734062 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28552] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in women, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, has led to the need to develop user-friendly potential prevention methods. At present, although there are several therapeutic parts, none of them has a preventive effect, but they are only limited to providing patients with symptom relief. Researchers have now recognized the need to find effective local preventive agents. One of the potential undiscovered local fungicides is the vaginal delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. CRISPR/Cas9 delivery involves silencing gene expression in a sequence-specific manner in the pathogenic agent, thus showing microbicidal activity. However, vaginal mucosal barrier and physiological changes (such as pH value and variable epithelial thickness in the menstrual cycle) are the main obstacles to effective delivery and cell uptake of CRISPR/Cas9. To enhance the vaginal delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, so far, nano-carrier systems such as lipid delivery systems, macromolecular systems, polymer nanoparticles, aptamers, and cell-penetrating peptides have been extensively studied. In this paper, various nano-carriers and their prospects in the preclinical stage are described, as well as the future significance of CRISPR/Cas9 vaginal delivery based on nano-carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhen
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Genetic Disease Diagnosis Center of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Medical Genetics Centre, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaojiao Lu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiling Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoqian Tuo
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shixue Chang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhan Tian
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Lee SG, Kiattiburut W, Khongkha T, Schinkel SCB, Lunn Y, Decker AP, Mohammadi A, Vera-Cruz A, Misra A, Angel JB, Anderson DJ, Baker M, Kaul R, Wang G, Tanphaichitr N. 17BIPHE2, an engineered cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide with low susceptibility to proteases, is an effective spermicide and microbicide against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2503-2517. [PMID: 36053257 PMCID: PMC9724780 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is 17BIPHE2, an engineered cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide with low susceptibility to proteases, a better spermicide in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) than its parental peptides, LL-37 and GF-17? SUMMARY ANSWER At the same mass concentration, 17BIPHE2 exhibited the highest spermicidal activity on human sperm resuspended in CVF-containing medium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY LL-37 and its truncated peptide GF-17 exert both spermicidal and microbicidal activities, although they are prone to proteolytic degradation in body fluids. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Spermicidal activities of 17BIPHE2 were evaluated in vitro in mouse and human sperm, both resuspended in medium, and then on human sperm incubated in CVF-containing medium; in the latter condition, the spermicidal activity and peptide stability in CVF of 17BIPHE2 were compared with that of LL-37 and GF-17. The in vivo contraceptive effects of 17BIPHE2 and the reversibility thereof were then assessed in mice. Finally, in vitro microbicidal effects of 17BIPHE2 on Neisseria gonorrhoeae were determined. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were assessed by videomicroscopy and exclusion of Sytox Green, a membrane-impermeable fluorescent dye, respectively. Successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) was determined by the presence of two pronuclei in oocytes following their coincubation with capacitated untreated or 17BIPHE2-treated sperm. Sperm alone or with 17BIPHE2 were transcervically injected into female mice and successful in vivo fertilization was indicated by the formation of two-cell embryos 42-h postinjection, and by pregnancy through pup delivery 21-25 days afterwards. Peptide intactness was assessed by immunoblotting and HPLC. Reversibility of the contraceptive effects of 17BIPHE2 was evaluated by resumption of pregnancy of the female mice, pretranscervically injected with 17BIPHE2, following natural mating with fertile males. Minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations of 17BIPHE2 on N. gonorrhoeae were obtained through microdilution broth assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At the same mass concentration, 17BIPHE2 was a more effective spermicide than LL-37 or GF-17 on human sperm resuspended in CVF-containing medium, with the spermicidal concentration of 32.4 µM. This was mainly due to lower susceptibility of 17BIPHE2 to CVF proteases. Importantly, the reproductive tract of mouse females treated three times with 32.4 µM 17BIPHE2 remained normal and their fecundity resumed after stopping 17BIPHE2 treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For ethical reasons, the inhibitory effects of 17BIPHE2 on fertilization and pregnancy cannot presently be performed in women. Also, while our study has proven the effectiveness of 17BIPHE2 as a spermicide for mouse and human sperm in vitro, dosage formulation (e.g. in hydrogel) of 17BIPHE2 still needs to be developed to allow 17BIPHE2 to remain in the vagina/uterine cavity with controlled release for its spermicidal action. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Since 17BIPHE2 also exerted bactericidal activity against N. gonorrhoeae at its spermicidal concentration, it is a promising candidate to be developed into a vaginal multipurpose prevention technology agent, thus empowering women against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PJT 173268 to N.T.). There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Gee Lee
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Thitiporn Khongkha
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Yvonne Lunn
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron P Decker
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Avid Mohammadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ana Vera-Cruz
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Avika Misra
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan B Angel
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Deborah J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- Department of Biological Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Rochani A, Agrahari V, Chandra N, Singh ON, McCormick TJ, Doncel GF, Clark MR, Kaushal G. Development and Preclinical Investigation of Physically Cross-Linked and pH-Sensitive Polymeric Gels as Potential Vaginal Contraceptives. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:1728. [PMID: 35566897 PMCID: PMC9101208 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the development of cross-linked gels to potentially provide a physical barrier to vaginal sperm transport for contraception. Two types of gels were formulated, a physically cross-linked iota-carrageenan (Ci) phenylboronic acid functionalized hydroxylpropylmethyacrylate copolymer (PBA)-based (Ci-PBA) gel, designed to block vaginal sperm transport. The second gel was pH-shifting cross-linked Ci-polyvinyl alcohol-boric acid (Ci-PVA-BA) gel, designed to modulate its properties in forming a viscoelastic, weakly cross-linked transient network (due to Ci gelling properties) on vaginal application (at acidic pH of ~3.5-4.5) to a more elastic, densely cross-linked (due to borate-diol cross-linking) gel network at basic pH of 7-8 of seminal fluid, thereby acting as a physical barrier to motile sperm. The gels were characterized for dynamic rheology, physicochemical properties, and impact on sperm functionality (motility, viability, penetration). The rheology data confirmed that the Ci-PBA gel was formed by ionic interactions whereas Ci-PVA-BA gel was chemically cross-linked and became more elastic at basic pH. Based on the screening data, lead gels were selected for in vitro sperm functionality testing. The in vitro results confirmed that the Ci-PBA and Ci-PVA-BA gels created a barrier at the sperm-gel interface, providing sperm blocking properties. For preclinical proof-of-concept, the Ci-PBA gels were applied vaginally and tested for contraceptive efficacy in rabbits, demonstrating only partial efficacy (40-60%). Overall, the in vitro and in vivo results support the development and further optimization of cross-linked gels using commercially available materials as vaginal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Rochani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Vivek Agrahari
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Neelima Chandra
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Onkar N. Singh
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Timothy J. McCormick
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Meredith R. Clark
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (V.A.); (N.C.); (O.N.S.); (T.J.M.); (G.F.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Gagan Kaushal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
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5
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Towards a deeper understanding of the vaginal microbiota. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:367-378. [PMID: 35246662 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The human vaginal microbiota is a critical determinant of vaginal health. These communities live in close association with the vaginal epithelium and rely on host tissues for resources. Although often dominated by lactobacilli, the vaginal microbiota is also frequently composed of a collection of facultative and obligate anaerobes. The prevalence of these communities with a paucity of Lactobacillus species varies among women, and epidemiological studies have associated them with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. The mechanisms that drive these associations have yet to be described in detail, with few studies establishing causative relationships. Here, we review our current understanding of the vaginal microbiota and its connection with host health. We centre our discussion around the biology of the vaginal microbiota when Lactobacillus species are dominant versus when they are not, including host factors that are implicated in shaping these microbial communities and the resulting adverse health outcomes. We discuss current approaches to modulate the vaginal microbiota, including probiotics and vaginal microbiome transplants, and argue that new model systems of the cervicovaginal environment that incorporate the vaginal microbiota are needed to progress from association to mechanism and this will prove invaluable for future research.
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Nanomedicines for the topical treatment of vulvovaginal infections: Addressing the challenges of antimicrobial resistance. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113855. [PMID: 34214638 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have, surprisingly, witnessed an increase in incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At the same time, antimicrobial therapy came under the threat of ever rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), resulting in STIs with extremely limited therapy options. In this review, we addressed the challenges of treating vaginal infections in an era of AMR. We focused on published work regarding nanomedicine destined for localized treatment of vaginal infections. Localized therapy offers numerous advantages such as assuring high drug concentration at the infection site, limiting systemic drug exposure that can lead to faster development of AMR reduction in the systemic side effects and potentially safe therapy in pregnancy. We provided a state-of-the-art overview of nanoformulations proposed to topically treat STIs, emphasizing the challenges and advantages of each type of nanocarriers, as well as issues of potential toxicity.
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Jewanraj J, Ngcapu S, Liebenberg LJP. Semen: A modulator of female genital tract inflammation and a vector for HIV-1 transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13478. [PMID: 34077596 PMCID: PMC9286343 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to establish productive infection in women, HIV must transverse the vaginal epithelium and gain access to local target cells. Genital inflammation contributes to the availability of HIV susceptible cells at the female genital mucosa and is associated with higher HIV transmission rates in women. Factors that contribute to genital inflammation may subsequently increase the risk of HIV infection in women. Semen is a highly immunomodulatory fluid containing several bioactive molecules with the potential to influence inflammation and immune activation at the female genital tract. In addition to its role as a vector for HIV transmission, semen induces profound mucosal changes to prime the female reproductive tract for conception. Still, most studies of mucosal immunity are conducted in the absence of semen or without considering its immune impact on the female genital tract. This review discusses the various mechanisms by which semen exposure may influence female genital inflammation and highlights the importance of routine screening for semen biomarkers in vaginal specimens to account for its impact on genital inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Jewanraj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)DurbanSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
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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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9
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Coudray MS, Sheehan DM, Li T, Cook RL, Schwebke J, Madhivanan P. Factors Associated With the Recurrence, Persistence, and Clearance of Asymptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis Among Young African American Women: A Repeated-Measures Latent Class Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:832-839. [PMID: 32740449 PMCID: PMC7669602 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although risk factors of recurrent and persistent bacterial vaginosis (BV) have been explored in the literature, the longitudinal incidence patterns of BV remain elusive. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from a randomized clinical trial of metronidazole treatment for asymptomatic BV. Repeated-measures latent class analysis was used to identify distinct longitudinal patterns of incident BV cases. Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of class membership. The multivariable model included age, last BV treatment, douching frequency, birth control, sexual risk behavior, and assignment to treatment arm. RESULTS A total of 858 African American women who were asymptomatic for BV were included in the analysis. Three emergent patterns of BV for 12 months were identified by repeated-measures latent class analysis: persistent (55.9%), recurrent (30.5%), and clearance (13.5%). Participants who had douched at least once had significantly lower odds to be in the recurrent class versus the clearance class (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.63). Women who had sex with women had significantly lower odds of belonging to the persistent class versus the clearance class (adjOR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22-0.68) and the recurrent class (adjOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.81). Those who were assigned to the treatment arm had significantly increased odds of being in the recurrent class versus the clearance class (adjOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.22-3.03). Women older than 21 years were significantly more likely to be in the recurrent class (adjOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.17-3.00) than in the clearance class. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of BV cases revealed distinct patterns of recurrence and persistence of BV, which were significantly associated with douching, being in the treatment arm, and being a woman who had sex with women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makella S Coudray
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work
| | | | - Tan Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami
| | | | - Jane Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Fernandes T, Baxi K, Sawarkar S, Sarmento B, das Neves J. Vaginal multipurpose prevention technologies: promising approaches for enhancing women's sexual and reproductive health. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:379-393. [PMID: 32036727 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1728251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) have the potential to avert multiple concomitant sexual and reproductive health issues in women such as sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. MPTs incorporate one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in a single product, which adds more convenience for users and may promote increased adherence. Various vaginal dosage forms/delivery systems have been studied for designing MPTs. However, several challenges remain that are mainly related to requirements of individual drugs or intended multiple applications.Areas covered: This review focuses on the emerging need and development of vaginal MPTs. It illustrates numerous examples that are currently in the preclinical and clinical development pipeline, highlighting the concept behind vaginal MPTs. The article also highlights the challenges associated with formulation design and development, including regulatory issues that need to be addressed.Expert opinion: Vaginal MPTs present great potential to empower women with novel, efficient, and safe products for protection against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. However, several technological issues and regulatory gaps still need to be addressed in order to meet real-world needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinette Fernandes
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai,India
| | - Krishna Baxi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai,India
| | - Sujata Sawarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai,India
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal
| | - José das Neves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal
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11
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Layne TR, Green RA, Lewis CA, Nogales F, Dawson Cruz TC, Zehner ZE, Seashols-Williams SJ. microRNA Detection in Blood, Urine, Semen, and Saliva Stains After Compromising Treatments. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1831-1837. [PMID: 31184791 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of microRNA (miRNA) expression as a potential method for forensic body fluid identification has been the subject of investigation over the past several years. Because of their size and encapsulation within proteins and lipids, miRNAs are inherently less susceptible to degradation than other RNAs. In this work, blood, urine, semen, and saliva were exposed to environmental and chemical conditions mimicking sample compromise at the crime scene. For many treated samples, including 100% of blood samples, miRNAs remained detectable, comparable to the untreated control. Sample degradation varied by body fluid and treatment, with blood remarkably resistant, while semen and saliva are more susceptible to environmental insult. Body fluid identification using relative miRNA expression of blood and semen of the exposed samples was 100% and 94%, respectively. Given the overall robust results herein, the case is strengthened for the use of miRNAs as a molecular method for body fluid identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Layne
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
| | - Raquel A Green
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
| | - Carolyn A Lewis
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
| | - Francy Nogales
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
| | - Tracey C Dawson Cruz
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
| | - Zendra E Zehner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980614, Richmond, Virginia, 23298-0614
| | - Sarah J Seashols-Williams
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, Virginia, 23284-3079
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12
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Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Inhibits HIV-1 Infection in a pH-Dependent Manner. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01749-18. [PMID: 30518643 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01749-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma protein with a multidomain structure, allowing its interaction with many ligands, including phospholipids, plasminogen, fibrinogen, IgG antibodies, and heparan sulfate. HRG has been shown to regulate different biological responses, such as angiogenesis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. Here, we found that HRG almost completely abrogated the infection of Ghost cells, Jurkat cells, CD4+ T cells, and macrophages by HIV-1 at a low pH (range, 6.5 to 5.5) but not at a neutral pH. HRG was shown to interact with the heparan sulfate expressed by target cells, inhibiting an early postbinding step associated with HIV-1 infection. More importantly, by acting on the viral particle itself, HRG induced a deleterious effect, which reduces viral infectivity. Because cervicovaginal secretions in healthy women show low pH values, even after semen deposition, our observations suggest that HRG might represent a constitutive defense mechanism in the vaginal mucosa. Of note, low pH also enabled HRG to inhibit the infection of HEp-2 cells and Vero cells by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), respectively, suggesting that HRG might display broad antiviral activity under acidic conditions.IMPORTANCE Vaginal intercourse represents a high-risk route for HIV-1 transmission. The efficiency of male-to-female HIV-1 transmission has been estimated to be 1 in every 1,000 episodes of sexual intercourse, reflecting the high degree of protection conferred by the genital mucosa. However, the contribution of different host factors to the protection against HIV-1 at mucosal surfaces remains poorly defined. Here, we report for the first time that acidic values of pH enable the plasma protein histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) to strongly inhibit HIV-1 infection. Because cervicovaginal secretions usually show low pH values, our observations suggest that HRG might represent a constitutive antiviral mechanism in the vaginal mucosa. Interestingly, infection by other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus and herpes simplex virus 2, was also markedly inhibited by HRG at low pH values, suggesting that extracellular acidosis enables HRG to display broad antiviral activity.
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13
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Kim S, Traore YL, Ho EA, Shafiq M, Kim SH, Liu S. Design and development of pH-responsive polyurethane membranes for intravaginal release of nanomedicines. Acta Biomater 2018; 82:12-23. [PMID: 30296620 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a novel intravaginal membrane platform for pH-triggered release of nanoparticles (NPs), which is essential for efficient intravaginal delivery of certain effective but acid-labile therapeutic agents for sexually transmitted infections, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). A pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) was electrospun into a porous nanofibrous membrane. The diameters of the fibers, as well as the thickness and pore sizes of the membrane under dry and wet conditions (pH 4.5 and 7.0), were determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. pH-dependent zeta-potential (ζ) of the membrane was evaluated using a SurPASS electrokinetic analyzer. Visiblex™ color-dyed polystyrene NPs (PSNs, 200 nm, COOH) and CCR5 siRNA-encapsulated solid lipid NPs (SLNs) were used for in vitro NP release studies in a vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) at pH 4.5 (normal physiological vaginal pH) and 7.0 (vaginal pH neutralization by semen). During 24 h of incubation in VFS, close-to-zero PSNs (2 ± 1%) and 28 ± 4% SLNs were released through the PU membrane at pH 4.5, whereas the release of PSNs and SLNs significantly increased to 60 ± 6% and 59 ± 8% at pH 7.0, respectively. The pH-responsive release of NPs hinged on the electrostatic interaction between the pH-responsive membrane and the anionic NPs, and the change in pH-responsive morphology of the membrane. In vitro biocompatibility studies of the membrane showed no significant cytotoxicity to VK2/E6E7 human epithelial cells and Sup-T1 human T-cells and no significant changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β). Overall, the porous pH-responsive PU membrane demonstrated its potential in serving as a "window" membrane in reservoir-type intravaginal rings (IVRs) for pH-responsive intravaginal release of NPs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Stimuli-responsive intravaginal nanoparticle release is achieved for the first time through a new electrospun pH-responsive polyurethane (PU) semi-permeable membrane, which can serve as a "window" membrane in the reservoir-type IVR for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Almost no release of nanoparticles was observed at normal pH in the female genital tract (in vaginal fluid simulant [VFS], at pH 4.5); however, a continuous release of NPs was observed at elevated pH in the female genital tract (in VFS, at pH 7.0). This pH-responsive intravaginal release can reduce side effect and drug resistance by avoiding unnecessary exposure. The PU semi-permeable membrane demonstrated potential use as biomaterials for "smart" intravaginal nanoparticle release and has great potential to protect women from HIV.
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Abstract
Efforts in developing an effective vaccine for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been challenging as HIV strains are highly variable and exhibit extraordinary mutability. Despite condom usage and pre-exposure prophylaxis as excellent prevention strategies, lack of accessibility in some developing countries and low adherence due to sociocultural factors continue to act as barriers in reducing the HIV epidemic. Microbicides are topical therapies developed to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections during intercourse. Microbicides applied vaginally or rectally are intended to prevent HIV infection at the site of transmission by either inhibiting its entry into immune cells or prevent viral replication. This review will summarize some of the current state-of-the-art microbicide formulations that are in preclinical and clinical stages of development and discuss some of the challenges associated with microbicide development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick L Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontatio, Canada
| | - Yufei Chen
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontatio, Canada
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontatio, Canada
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Wessels JM, Felker AM, Dupont HA, Kaushic C. The relationship between sex hormones, the vaginal microbiome and immunity in HIV-1 susceptibility in women. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm035147. [PMID: 30154116 PMCID: PMC6177003 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of sex hormones in regulating immune responses in the female genital tract has been recognized for decades. More recently, it has become increasingly clear that sex hormones regulate susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections through direct and indirect mechanisms involving inflammation and immune responses. The reproductive cycle can influence simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infections in primates and HIV-1 infection in ex vivo cervical tissues from women. Exogenous hormones, such as those found in hormonal contraceptives, have come under intense scrutiny because of the increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections seen in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin-based contraceptive. Recent meta-analyses concluded that medroxyprogesterone acetate enhanced HIV-1 susceptibility in women by 40%. In contrast, estradiol-containing hormonal contraceptives were not associated with increased susceptibility and some studies reported a protective effect of estrogen on HIV/SIV infection, although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Recent studies describe a key role for the vaginal microbiota in determining susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV-1. While Lactobacillus spp.-dominated vaginal microbiota is associated with decreased susceptibility, complex microbiota, such as those seen in bacterial vaginosis, correlates with increased susceptibility to HIV-1. Interestingly, sex hormones are inherently linked to microbiota regulation in the vaginal tract. Estrogen has been postulated to play a key role in establishing a Lactobacillus-dominated microenvironment, whereas medroxyprogesterone acetate is linked to hypo-estrogenic effects. The aim of this Review is to contribute to a better understanding of the sex-hormone-microbiome-immunity axis, which can provide key information on the determinants of HIV-1 susceptibility in the female genital tract and, consequently, inform HIV-1 prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Wessels
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Allison M Felker
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Haley A Dupont
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
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16
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Aslan E, Bechelaghem N. To ‘douche’ or not to ‘douche’: hygiene habits may have detrimental effects on vaginal microbiota. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2018; 38:678-681. [DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2017.1395398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erdogan Aslan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine Faculty, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nadia Bechelaghem
- Microbiology and Plant Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria
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Ñahui Palomino RA, Zicari S, Vanpouille C, Vitali B, Margolis L. Vaginal Lactobacillus Inhibits HIV-1 Replication in Human Tissues Ex Vivo. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:906. [PMID: 28579980 PMCID: PMC5437121 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus species, which dominate vaginal microbiota of healthy reproductive-age women, lower the risks of sexually transmitted infections, including the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. The exact mechanisms of this protection remain to be understood. Here, we investigated these mechanisms in the context of human cervico-vaginal and lymphoid tissues ex vivo. We found that all six Lactobacillus strains tested in these systems significantly suppressed HIV type-1 (HIV-1) infection. We identified at least three factors that mediated this suppression: (i) Acidification of the medium. The pH of the undiluted medium conditioned by lactobacilli was between 3.8 and 4.6. Acidification of the culture medium with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to this pH in control experiments was sufficient to abrogate HIV-1 replication. However, the pH of the Lactobacillus-conditioned medium (CM) diluted fivefold, which reached ∼6.9, was also suppressive for HIV-1 infection, while in control experiments HIV-1 infection was not abrogated when the pH of the medium was brought to 6.9 through the use of HCl. This suggested the existence of other factors responsible for HIV-1 inhibition by lactobacilli. (ii) Lactic acid. There was a correlation between the concentration of lactic acid in the Lactobacillus-CM and its ability to suppress HIV-1 infection in human tissues ex vivo. Addition of lactic acid isomers D and L to tissue culture medium at the concentration that corresponded to their amount released by lactobacilli resulted in HIV-1 inhibition. Isomer L was produced in higher quantities than isomer D and was mostly responsible for HIV-1 inhibition. These results indicate that lactic acid, in particular its L-isomer, inhibits HIV-1 independently of lowering of the pH. (iii) Virucidal effect. Incubation of HIV-1 in Lactobacillus-CM significantly suppressed viral infectivity for human tissues ex vivo. Finally, lactobacilli adsorb HIV-1, serving as a sink decreasing the number of free virions. In summary, we found that lactobacilli inhibit HIV-1 replication in human tissue ex vivo by multiple mechanisms. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of altering the spectra of vaginal microbiota as an effective strategy to enhance vaginal health. Human tissues ex vivo may serve as a test system for these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogers A Ñahui Palomino
- Section of Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, BethesdaMD, United States.,Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Sonia Zicari
- Section of Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, BethesdaMD, United States
| | - Christophe Vanpouille
- Section of Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, BethesdaMD, United States
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section of Intercellular Interaction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, BethesdaMD, United States
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18
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Miller EA, Livermore JA, Alberts SC, Tung J, Archie EA. Ovarian cycling and reproductive state shape the vaginal microbiota in wild baboons. MICROBIOME 2017; 5:8. [PMID: 28103920 PMCID: PMC5248513 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0228-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiome is an important site of bacterial-mammalian symbiosis. This symbiosis is currently best characterized for humans, where lactobacilli dominate the microbial community and may help defend women against infectious disease. However, lactobacilli do not dominate the vaginal microbiota of any other mammal studied to date, raising key questions about the forces that shape the vaginal microbiome in non-human mammals. RESULTS We used Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to investigate variation in the taxonomic composition of the vaginal microbiota in 48 baboons (Papio cynocephalus), members of a well-studied wild population in Kenya. Similar to prior studies, we found that the baboon vaginal microbiota was not dominated by lactobacilli. Despite this difference, and similar to humans, reproductive state was the dominant predictor of baboon vaginal microbiota, with pregnancy, postpartum amenorrhea, and ovarian cycling explaining 18% of the variance in community composition. Furthermore, among cycling females, a striking 39% of variance in community composition was explained by ovarian cycle phase, with an especially distinctive microbial community around ovulation. Periovulatory females exhibited the highest relative abundance of lactic acid-producing bacteria compared to any other phase, with a mean relative abundance of 44%. To a lesser extent, sexual behavior, especially a history of shared sexual partners, also predicted vaginal microbial similarity between baboons. CONCLUSIONS Despite striking differences in their dominant microbes, both human and baboon vaginal microbiota exhibit profound changes in composition in response to reproductive state, ovarian cycle phase, and sexual behavior. We found major shifts in composition during ovulation, which may have implications for disease risk and conception success. These findings highlight the need for future studies to account for fine-scale differences in reproductive state, particularly differences between the various phases of the ovarian cycle. Overall, our work contributes to an emerging understanding of the forces that explain intra- and inter-individual variation in the mammalian vaginal microbiome, with particular emphasis on its role in host health and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Joshua A Livermore
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Susan C Alberts
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jenny Tung
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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19
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The Application of Molecular Methods Towards an Understanding of the Role of the Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Disease. METHODS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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20
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Miller EA, Beasley DE, Dunn RR, Archie EA. Lactobacilli Dominance and Vaginal pH: Why Is the Human Vaginal Microbiome Unique? Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1936. [PMID: 28008325 PMCID: PMC5143676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The human vaginal microbiome is dominated by bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, which create an acidic environment thought to protect women against sexually transmitted pathogens and opportunistic infections. Strikingly, lactobacilli dominance appears to be unique to humans; while the relative abundance of lactobacilli in the human vagina is typically >70%, in other mammals lactobacilli rarely comprise more than 1% of vaginal microbiota. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain humans' unique vaginal microbiota, including humans' distinct reproductive physiology, high risk of STDs, and high risk of microbial complications linked to pregnancy and birth. Here, we test these hypotheses using comparative data on vaginal pH and the relative abundance of lactobacilli in 26 mammalian species and 50 studies (N = 21 mammals for pH and 14 mammals for lactobacilli relative abundance). We found that non-human mammals, like humans, exhibit the lowest vaginal pH during the period of highest estrogen. However, the vaginal pH of non-human mammals is never as low as is typical for humans (median vaginal pH in humans = 4.5; range of pH across all 21 non-human mammals = 5.4-7.8). Contrary to disease and obstetric risk hypotheses, we found no significant relationship between vaginal pH or lactobacilli relative abundance and multiple metrics of STD or birth injury risk (P-values ranged from 0.13 to 0.99). Given the lack of evidence for these hypotheses, we discuss two alternative explanations: the common function hypothesis and a novel hypothesis related to the diet of agricultural humans. Specifically, with regard to diet we propose that high levels of starch in human diets have led to increased levels of glycogen in the vaginal tract, which, in turn, promotes the proliferation of lactobacilli. If true, human diet may have paved the way for a novel, protective microbiome in human vaginal tracts. Overall, our results highlight the need for continuing research on non-human vaginal microbial communities and the importance of investigating both the physiological mechanisms and the broad evolutionary processes underlying human lactobacilli dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - DeAnna E Beasley
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Robert R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC, USA; Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth A Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre DameNotre Dame, IN, USA; Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of KenyaNairobi, Kenya
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21
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Smith RW, Brittingham A, Wilson WA. Purification and identification of amylases released by the human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis that are active towards glycogen. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 210:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Abstract
Amyloid formation has been most studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as in amyloidosis. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that amyloid is also present in the healthy setting; for example nontoxic amyloid formation is important for melanin synthesis and in innate immunity. Furthermore, bacteria have mechanisms to produce functional amyloid structures with important roles in bacterial physiology and interaction with host cells. Here, we will discuss some novel aspects of fibril-forming proteins in humans and bacteria. First, the amyloid-forming properties of the antimicrobial peptide human defensin 6 (HD6) will be considered. Intriguingly, unlike other antimicrobial peptides, HD6 does not kill bacteria. However, recent data show that HD6 can form amyloid structures at the gut mucosa with strong affinity for bacterial surfaces. These so-called nanonets block bacterial invasion by entangling the bacteria in net-like structures. Next, the role of functional amyloid fibrils in human semen will be discussed. These fibrils were discovered through their property to enhance HIV infection but they may also have other yet unknown functions. Finally, the role of amyloid formation in bacteria will be reviewed. The recent finding that bacteria can make amyloid in a controlled fashion without toxic effects is of particular interest and may have implications for human disease. The role of amyloid in health and disease is beginning to be unravelled, and here, we will review some of the most recent findings in this exciting area.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bergman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N R Roan
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - U Römling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cellbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C L Bevins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - J Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany.,Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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23
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Boyd P, Fetherston SM, McCoy CF, Major I, Murphy DJ, Kumar S, Holt J, Brimer A, Blanda W, Devlin B, Malcolm RK. Matrix and reservoir-type multipurpose vaginal rings for controlled release of dapivirine and levonorgestrel. Int J Pharm 2016; 511:619-629. [PMID: 27473275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A matrix-type silicone elastomer vaginal ring providing 28-day continuous release of dapivirine (DPV) - a lead candidate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) microbicide compound - has recently demonstrated moderate levels of protection in two Phase III clinical studies. Here, next-generation matrix and reservoir-type silicone elastomer vaginal rings are reported for the first time offering simultaneous and continuous in vitro release of DPV and the contraceptive progestin levonorgestrel (LNG) over a period of between 60 and 180days. For matrix-type vaginal rings comprising initial drug loadings of 100, 150 or 200mg DPV and 0, 16 or 32mg LNG, Day 1 daily DPV release values were between 4132 and 6113μg while Day 60 values ranged from 284 to 454μg. Daily LNG release ranged from 129 to 684μg on Day 1 and 2-91μg on Day 60. Core-type rings comprising one or two drug-loaded cores provided extended duration of in vitro release out to 180days, and maintained daily drug release rates within much narrower windows (either 75-131μg/day or 37-66μg/day for DPV, and either 96-150μg/day or 37-57μg/day for LNG, depending on core ring configuration and ignoring initial lag release effect for LNG) compared with matrix-type rings. The data support the continued development of these devices as multi-purpose prevention technologies (MPTs) for HIV prevention and long-acting contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Clare F McCoy
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ian Major
- Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Ireland
| | | | - Sandeep Kumar
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jonathon Holt
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Andrew Brimer
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Wendy Blanda
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Brid Devlin
- International Partnership for Microbicides, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - R Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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Alexandre KB, Mufhandu HT, London GM, Chakauya E, Khati M. Progress and Perspectives on HIV-1 microbicide development. Virology 2016; 497:69-80. [PMID: 27429040 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of HIV-1 infections occur via sexual intercourse. Women are the most affected by the epidemic, particularly in developing countries, due to their socio-economic dependence on men and the fact that they are often victims of gender based sexual violence. Despite significant efforts that resulted in the reduction of infection rates in some countries, there is still need for effective prevention methods against the virus. One of these methods for preventing sexual transmission in women is the use of microbicides. In this review we provide a summary of the progress made toward the discovery of affordable and effective HIV-1 microbicides and suggest future directions. We show that there is a wide range of compounds that have been proposed as potential microbicides. Although most of them have so far failed to show protection in humans, there are many promising ones currently in pre-clinical studies and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabamba B Alexandre
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pioneering Health Sciences Laboratory, Biosciences Unit, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Hazel T Mufhandu
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pioneering Health Sciences Laboratory, Biosciences Unit, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Grace M London
- Department of Health Free State District Health Services and Health Programs, South Africa
| | - E Chakauya
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pioneering Health Sciences Laboratory, Biosciences Unit, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - M Khati
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pioneering Health Sciences Laboratory, Biosciences Unit, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Department of Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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Erickson AM, Henry BI, Murray JM, Klasse PJ, Angstmann CN. Predicting first traversal times for virions and nanoparticles in mucus with slowed diffusion. Biophys J 2016; 109:164-72. [PMID: 26153713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Particle-tracking experiments focusing on virions or nanoparticles in mucus have measured mean-square displacements and reported diffusion coefficients that are orders of magnitude smaller than the diffusion coefficients of such particles in water. Accurate description of this subdiffusion is important to properly estimate the likelihood of virions traversing the mucus boundary layer and infecting cells in the epithelium. However, there are several candidate models for diffusion that can fit experimental measurements of mean-square displacements. We show that these models yield very different estimates for the time taken for subdiffusive virions to traverse through a mucus layer. We explain why fits of subdiffusive mean-square displacements to standard diffusion models may be misleading. Relevant to human immunodeficiency virus infection, using computational methods for fractional subdiffusion, we show that subdiffusion in normal acidic mucus provides a more effective barrier against infection than previously thought. By contrast, the neutralization of the mucus by alkaline semen, after sexual intercourse, allows virions to cross the mucus layer and reach the epithelium in a short timeframe. The computed barrier protection from fractional subdiffusion is some orders of magnitude greater than that derived by fitting standard models of diffusion to subdiffusive data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austen M Erickson
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce I Henry
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John M Murray
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Per Johan Klasse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York
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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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Akindoyo JO, Beg MDH, Ghazali S, Islam MR, Jeyaratnam N, Yuvaraj AR. Polyurethane types, synthesis and applications – a review. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra14525f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 655] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of versatile materials with great potential for use in different applications, especially based on their structure–property relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O. Akindoyo
- Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak
- Kuantan
- Malaysia
| | - M. D. H. Beg
- Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak
- Kuantan
- Malaysia
| | - Suriati Ghazali
- Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak
- Kuantan
- Malaysia
| | - M. R. Islam
- Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology
- University of Kuala Lumpur
- Melaka
- Malaysia
| | - Nitthiyah Jeyaratnam
- Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak
- Kuantan
- Malaysia
| | - A. R. Yuvaraj
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Lebuhraya Tun Razak
- Kuantan
- Malaysia
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28
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Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV Antibodies Prevent HIV Infection of Mucosal Tissue Ex Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 60:904-12. [PMID: 26596954 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02097-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nAbs) specific for HIV are being investigated for use in HIV prevention. Due to their ability to inhibit HIV attachment to and entry into target cells, nAbs may be suitable for use as topical HIV microbicides. As such, they would present an alternative intervention for individuals who may not benefit from using antiretroviral-based products for HIV prevention. We theorize that nAbs can inhibit viral transmission through mucosal tissue, thus reducing the incidence of HIV infection. The efficacy of the PG9, PG16, VRC01, and 4E10 antibodies was evaluated in an ex vivo human model of mucosal HIV transmission. nAbs reduced HIV transmission, causing 1.5- to 2-log10 reductions in HIV replication in ectocervical tissues and ≈3-log10 reductions in HIV replication in colonic tissues over 21 days. These antibodies demonstrated greater potency in colonic tissues, with a 50-fold higher dose being required to reduce transmission in ectocervical tissues. Importantly, nAbs retained their potency and reduced viral transmission in the presence of whole semen. No changes in tissue viability or immune activation were observed in colonic or ectocervical tissue after nAb exposure. Our data suggest that topically applied nAbs are safe and effective against HIV infection of mucosal tissue and support further development of nAbs as a topical microbicide that could be used for anal as well as vaginal protection.
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Engineering and characterization of simplified vaginal and seminal fluid simulants. Contraception 2015; 93:337-346. [PMID: 26585883 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported vaginal and seminal fluid simulants have complex compositions with multiple preparatory steps that contribute to physical instability. We report the design and characterization of stable and simplified buffers that mimic the salient physical/chemical properties of the physiological fluids. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Human cervicovaginal and seminal fluid samples were collected and buffering capacity was determined. The major buffering species were identified from published compositions of reproductive tract fluids. These values were used to compute the composition of vaginal and seminal fluid simulants. Ionic strength, buffering capacities, pH and osmolalities were then calculated or experimentally determined. Finally, cytotoxicity was evaluated in HEC-1-A cells and 3D reconstructed EpiVaginal™ tissue (VEC-100-FT) using naïve cells/tissue and nonoxynol-9 as controls. RESULTS The use of calculated amounts of conjugate acid and base for buffer development resulted in compositions that did not require endpoint pH adjustment and could be formulated as stable 10× concentrates. Furthermore, due to the absence of complex divalent salts, all our proposed simulants were stable at 4 °C for 1 month whereas precipitation and pH and osmolality changes were noted in reported buffers. Experimental determination of buffering capacities yielded similar values for undiluted cervicovaginal fluid (β4.2-5.2=35.6 ± 12.3 mM, N=7) and human seminal fluid (β7-6=37.5 ± 5 mM, N=3). All neat simulants showed significant cytotoxicity in HEC-1-A cells but were well tolerated by organotypic vaginal tissue. CONCLUSIONS We report revised and improved compositions of buffers mimicking salient properties of vaginal and seminal fluid necessary for in vitro product evaluation. IMPLICATIONS To support research in reproductive health and in particular drug delivery, we have designed and characterized stable new media to mimic these important fluids that can be used in a variety of in vitro studies.
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Testosterone regulates levels of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, adenylate cyclase, and cAMP in the seminal vesicles of orchidectomized rats. Theriogenology 2015; 85:238-46. [PMID: 26483308 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Secretions of chloride (Cl(-))- and bicarbonate (HCO3(-))-rich fluid by the seminal vesicles could involve cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which activity can be stimulated by cAMP generated from the reaction involving adenylate cyclase (AC). In this study, we investigated levels of CFTR, AC, and cAMP in the seminal vesicles under testosterone influence. Orchidectomized adult male rats received 7-day treatment with 125 or 250 μg/kg/day of testosterone with or without flutamide or finasteride. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and seminal vesicles were harvested for analyses of CFTR and AC protein expression level by Western blotting. Distribution of CFTR and AC in seminal vesicles was observed by immunohistochemistry. Levels of cAMP and dihydrotestosterone in seminal vesicle homogenates were measured by ELISA. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, AC, and cAMP levels increased with increasing doses of testosterone (P < 0.05 compared to nontreated orchidectomized rats). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator and AC were expressed at the apical membrane of the epithelium lining the seminal vesicle lumen with higher expression levels observed in testosterone-treated rats than in non-treated orchidectomized rats (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of flutamide or finasteride on these parameters were greater in 250 μg/kg/day testosterone-treated rats than their effects in 125 μg/kg/day testosterone-treated rats. Higher dihydrotestosterone levels were observed in seminal vesicle homogenates after treatment with 250 μg/kg/day than with 125 μg/kg/day of testosterone (P < 0.05). Increased levels of CFTR, AC, and cAMP in seminal vesicles might contribute toward an increase in Cl(-) and HCO3(-) concentrations in the seminal fluid as reported under testosterone influence.
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Antimisiaris SG, Mourtas S. Recent advances on anti-HIV vaginal delivery systems development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:123-45. [PMID: 25858666 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A review of the recent outcomes regarding technologies to prevent vaginal transmission of HIV, mainly by using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs formulated as microbicides. An introduction about the HIV transmission mechanisms by the vaginal route is included, together with the recent challenges faced for development of successful microbicide products. The outcomes of clinical evaluations are mentioned, and the different formulation strategies studied to-date, with the requirements, advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each dosage-form type, are presented. Finally, the recent attempts to apply various types of nanotechnologies in order to develop advanced microbicide-products and overcome existing limitations, are discussed.
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Solanki A, Thakore S. Cellulose crosslinked pH-responsive polyurethanes for drug delivery: α-hydroxy acids as drug release modifiers. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 80:683-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Silva J, Cerqueira F, Medeiros R. Y chromosome DNA in cervicovaginal self-collected samples of childbearing age women: Implications for epitheliotropic sexually transmitted infections? Life Sci 2015; 139:62-8. [PMID: 26281916 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Assuming a possible association between Y chromosome (Yc)-DNA and sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission rate, could Yc-DNA be related to an increased prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/2) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)? Could Yc-DNA be used to validate self-reported condom use and sexual behaviors? MAIN METHODS Cervicovaginal (CV) self-collected samples of 612 Portuguese women at childbearing age were tested for Yc, HPV, HSV-1/2 and CT by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). KEY FINDINGS The prevalence of Yc, HPV, CT and HSV-2 was 4.9%, 17.6%, 11.6% and 2.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant trend for increased Yc-DNA prevalence in HPV positive samples [odds ratio (OR) 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-5.31] and oral contraceptive (OC) use (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.09-20.44). A protective effect of condom use was observed in Yc-DNA detection (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.89). No statistically significant difference was found between Yc-DNA, CT and HSV-2 infection. HPV infection risk increased with age (>20 years), young age at first sexual intercourse (FSI) (≤18 years), >1 lifetime sexual partner (LSP) and OC use. Risk factors for CT infection were young age (≤20 years) and young age at FSI (≤18 years). HSV-2 infection risk increased with age (>20 years) and >1 LSP. SIGNIFICANCE Considering the prevalence of HPV and CT in Yc positive samples, we hypothesize a current infection due to recent sexual activity. The study of Yc PCR may add information as (i) a predictor of STI transmission and (ii) an indicative biomarker to validate self-reported condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Silva
- Molecular Oncology GRP and Viral Pathology - IC, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal; LPCC, Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), Portugal
| | - Fátima Cerqueira
- FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology GRP and Viral Pathology - IC, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal; FP-ENAS Research Unit, UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit, CEBIMED, Biomedical Research centre, Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal; LPCC, Research Department, Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPPC-NRN), Portugal.
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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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Characterization of the Influence of Semen-Derived Enhancer of Virus Infection on the Interaction of HIV-1 with Female Reproductive Tract Tissues. J Virol 2015; 89:5569-80. [PMID: 25740984 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00309-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The majority of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission events occur in women when semen harboring infectious virus is deposited onto the mucosal barriers of the vaginal, ectocervical, and endocervical epithelia. Seminal factors such as semen-derived enhancer of virus infection (SEVI) fibrils were previously shown to greatly enhance the infectivity of HIV-1 in cell culture systems. However, when SEVI is intravaginally applied to living animals, there is no effect on vaginal transmission. To define how SEVI might function in the context of sexual transmission, we applied HIV-1 and SEVI to intact human and rhesus macaque reproductive tract tissues to determine how it influences virus interactions with these barriers. We show that SEVI binds HIV-1 and sequesters most virions to the luminal surface of the stratified squamous epithelium, significantly reducing the number of virions that penetrated the tissue. In the simple columnar epithelium, SEVI was no longer fibrillar in structure and was detached from virions but allowed significantly deeper epithelial virus penetration. These observations reveal that the action of SEVI in intact tissues is very different in the anatomical context of sexual transmission and begin to explain the lack of stimulation of infection observed in the highly relevant mucosal transmission model. IMPORTANCE The most common mode of HIV-1 transmission in women occurs via genital exposure to the semen of HIV-infected men. A productive infection requires the virus to penetrate female reproductive tract epithelial barriers to infect underlying target cells. Certain factors identified within semen, termed semen-derived enhancers of virus infection (SEVI), have been shown to significantly enhance HIV-1 infectivity in cell culture. However, when applied to the genital tracts of living female macaques, SEVI did not enhance virus transmission. Here we show that SEVI functions very differently in the context of intact mucosal tissues. SEVI decreases HIV-1 penetration of squamous epithelial barriers in humans and macaques. At the mucus-coated columnar epithelial barrier, the HIV-1/SEVI interaction is disrupted. These observations suggest that SEVI may not play a significant stimulatory role in the efficiency of male-to-female sexual transmission of HIV.
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Diverse nitrogen sources in seminal fluid act in synergy to induce filamentous growth of Candida albicans. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:2770-80. [PMID: 25662979 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03595-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans is the leading cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). VVC represents a major quality-of-life issue for women during their reproductive years, a stage of life where the vaginal epithelium is subject to periodic hormonally induced changes associated with menstruation and concomitant exposure to serum as well as potential intermittent contact with seminal fluid. Seminal fluid potently triggers Candida albicans to switch from yeastlike to filamentous modes of growth, a developmental response tightly linked to virulence. Conversely, vaginal fluid inhibits filamentation. Here, we used artificial formulations of seminal and vaginal fluids that faithfully mimic genuine fluids to assess the contribution of individual components within these fluids to filamentation. The high levels of albumin, amino acids, and N-acetylglucosamine in seminal fluid act synergistically as potent inducers of filamentous growth, even at atmospheric levels of CO2 and reduced temperatures (30 °C). Using a simplified in vitro model that mimics the natural introduction of seminal fluid into the vulvovaginal environment, a pulse of artificial seminal fluid (ASF) was found to exert an enduring potential to overcome the inhibitory efficacy of artificial vaginal fluid (AVF) on filamentation. These findings suggest that a transient but substantial change in the nutrient levels within the vulvovaginal environment during unprotected coitus can induce resident C. albicans cells to engage developmental programs associated with virulent growth.
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37
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Transient antibody-mucin interactions produce a dynamic molecular shield against viral invasion. Biophys J 2014; 106:2028-36. [PMID: 24806935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the difficulty in finding a cure for HIV/AIDS, a promising prevention strategy to reduce HIV transmission is to directly block infection at the portal of entry. The recent Thai RV144 trial offered the first evidence that an antibody-based vaccine may block heterosexual HIV transmission. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanism(s) for protection remain unclear. Here we theoretically examine a hypothesis that builds on our recent laboratory observation: virus-specific antibodies (Ab) can trap individual virions in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM), thereby reducing infection in vivo. Ab are known to have a weak-previously considered inconsequential-binding affinity with the mucin fibers that constitute CVM. However, multiple Ab can bind to the same virion at the same time, which markedly increases the overall Ab-mucin binding avidity, and creates an inheritable virion-mucin affinity. Our model takes into account biologically relevant length and timescales, while incorporating known HIV-Ab affinity and the respective diffusivities of viruses and Ab in semen and CVM. The model predicts that HIV-specific Ab in CVM leads to rapid formation and persistence of an HIV concentration front near the semen/CVM interface, far from the vaginal epithelium. Such an HIV concentration front minimizes the flux of HIV virions reaching target cells, and maximizes their elimination upon drainage of genital secretions. The robustness of the result implies that even exceedingly weak Ab-mucin affinity can markedly reduce the flux of virions reaching target cells. Beyond this specific application, the model developed here is adaptable to other pathogens, mucosal barriers, and geometries, as well as kinetic and diffusional effects, providing a tool for hypothesis testing and producing quantitative insights into the dynamics of immune-mediated protection.
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The regulation of inflammatory pathways and infectious disease of the cervix by seminal fluid. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:748740. [PMID: 25180120 PMCID: PMC4144323 DOI: 10.1155/2014/748740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the consequent sequelae which establishes cervical neoplastic transformation and invasive cervical cancer has redefined many aspects of cervical cancer research. However there is still much that we do not know. In particular, the impact of external factors, like seminal fluid in sexually active women, on pathways that regulate cervical inflammation and tumorigenesis, have yet to be fully understood. HPV infection is regarded as the initiating noninflammatory cause of the disease; however emerging evidence points to resident HPV infections as drivers of inflammatory pathways that play important roles in tumorigenesis as well as in the susceptibility to other infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover there is emerging evidence to support a role for seminal fluid, in particular, the inflammatory bioactive lipids, and prostaglandins which are present in vast quantities in seminal fluid in regulating pathways that can exacerbate inflammation of the cervix, speed up tumorigenesis, and enhance susceptibility to HIV infection. This review will highlight some of our current knowledge of the role of seminal fluid as a potent driver of inflammatory and tumorigenic pathways in the cervix and will provide some evidence to propose a role for seminal plasma prostaglandins in HIV infection and AIDS-related cancer.
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Podaralla S, Alt C, Shankar GN. Formulation development and evaluation of innovative two-polymer (SR-2P) bioadhesive vaginal gel. AAPS PharmSciTech 2014; 15:928-38. [PMID: 24781671 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-014-0124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this investigation was to study the feasibility of developing a vaginal bioadhesive microbicide using a SRI's proprietary two-polymer gel platform (SR-2P). Several formulations were prepared with different combinations of temperature-sensitive polymer (Pluronic® F-127) and mucoadhesive polymer (Noveon® AA-1), producing gels of different characteristics. Prototype polymeric gels were evaluated for pH, osmolality, buffering capacity, and viscosity under simulated vaginal semen dilutions, and bioadhesivity using ex vivo mini pig vaginal tissues and texture analyzer. The pH of the polymeric gel formulations ranged from 5.1 to 6.4; the osmolality varied from 13 to 173 mOsm. Absolute viscosity ranged from 513 to 3,780 cPs, and was significantly reduced (1.5- to 3-fold) upon incubation with simulated vaginal and semen fluid mixture. Among the tested gels (indicated in the middle row as a molar ratio of a mixture of Noveon vs. Pluronic), only SR-2P retained gel structure upon dilution with simulated fluids and mild simulated coital stress. The pH of the SR-2P gel was maintained at about 4.6 in simulated vaginal fluid and also showed high peak force of adhesion in mini pig vaginal tissue. Furthermore, SR-2P gel caused no or only minimal irritation in a mouse vaginal irritation model. The results of this preliminary study demonstrated the potential application of SR-2P gel as a vaginal microbicide vehicle for delivery of anti-HIV agents.
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Huang C, Soenen SJ, van Gulck E, Rejman J, Vanham G, Lucas B, Geers B, Braeckmans K, Shahin V, Spanoghe P, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Electrospun polystyrene fibers for HIV entrapment. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.3310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chaobo Huang
- College of Chemical Engineering; Nanjing Forestry University (NFU); Nanjing 210037 China
| | - Stefaan J. Soenen
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Ellen van Gulck
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology; Institute of Tropical Medicine; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Joanna Rejman
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Guido Vanham
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology; Institute of Tropical Medicine; Antwerp Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacology, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Bart Lucas
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Bart Geers
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Victor Shahin
- Institute of Physiology II; University of Münster; Münster Germany
| | - Pieter Spanoghe
- Department of Crop Protection Chemistry; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Jo Demeester
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefaan C. De Smedt
- Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ghent University; Harelbekestraat 72 B9000 Ghent Belgium
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French KC, Roan NR, Makhatadze GI. Structural characterization of semen coagulum-derived SEM1(86-107) amyloid fibrils that enhance HIV-1 infection. Biochemistry 2014; 53:3267-77. [PMID: 24811874 PMCID: PMC4039337 DOI: 10.1021/bi500427r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
![]()
SEM1(86–107)
is a 22-residue peptide corresponding to residues
86–107 in the semenogelin I protein. SEM1(86–107) is
an abundant component of freshly liquefied semen and forms amyloid
fibrils capable of enhancing HIV infection. To probe the factors affecting
fibril formation and gain a better understanding of how differences
in pH between semen and vaginal fluid affect fibril stability, this
study determined the effect of pH on SEM1(86–107) fibril formation
and dissociation. The SEM1(86–107) fibril structure (i.e.,
residues that comprise the fibrillar core) was also probed using hydrogen–deuterium
exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS) and hydroxyl radical-mediated protein
modification. The average percent exposure to hydroxyl radical-mediated
modification in the SEM1(86–107) fibrils was determined without
requiring tandem mass spectrometry spectral acquisition or complete
separation of modified peptides. It was found that the residue exposures
calculated from HDXMS and hydroxyl radical-mediated modification were
similar. These techniques demonstrated that three regions of SEM1(86–107)
comprise the amyloid fibril core and that positively charged residues
are exposed, suggesting that electrostatic interactions between SEM1(86–107)
and HIV or the cell surface may be responsible for mediating HIV infection
enhancement by the SEM1(86–107) fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsley C French
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York 12180, United States
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Doncel GF, Anderson S, Zalenskaya I. Role of Semen in Modulating the Female Genital Tract Microenvironment – Implications for HIV Transmission. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:564-74. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo F. Doncel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
| | - Sharon Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
| | - Irina Zalenskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology CONRAD Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk VA USA
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Joshi S, Kaur A, Sharma P, Harjai K, Capalash N. Lactonase-expressing Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 attenuates the virulence factors of multiple drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in co-culturing environment. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 30:2241-9. [PMID: 24671300 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-014-1645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses an arcade of both cell-associated and extracellular cytotoxic virulence factors which are regulated by a multi-component quorum sensing system. Many research studies report success of lactonase in combating the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa but delivery of lactonase remains a challenge. The present study aims at developing a delivery vehicle for lactonase. Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 was used as host for aiiA (Bacillus thuringiensis 4A3 lactonase gene) using pSIP409 expression vector. pSIP409: aiiA construct was stably maintained in L. plantarum NC8. Co-culturing of multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and PAO1 with recombinant L. plantarum NC8 led to significant reduction (p < 0.001) in extracellular virulence factors like pyocyanin, protease, elastase and rhamnolipids in P. aeruginosa and also showed significant reduction in adhesion of P. aeruginosa strains to uroepithelial cells in vitro. This study shows the heterologous expression of AiiA lactonase in L. plantarum NC8. Co-culturing of lactonase expressing L. plantarum NC8 with MDR P. aeruginosa strains led to attenuation of their virulence significantly. These results underscore the potential application of recombinant L. plantarum NC8 with anti-quorum sensing properties to control infections caused by multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Joshi
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India,
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Agrahari V, Zhang C, Zhang T, Li W, Gounev TK, Oyler NA, Youan BBC. Hyaluronidase-sensitive nanoparticle templates for triggered release of HIV/AIDS microbicide in vitro. AAPS JOURNAL 2013; 16:181-93. [PMID: 24343770 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-013-9546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to test the hypothesis that a triggered release of a topical microbicide (tenofovir) from hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) can be achieved under the influence of hyaluronidase (HAase) enzyme. A fractional factorial experimental design was used to examine the factors [molar concentrations of adipic acid dihydrazide (X1) and 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (X2), volume of acetone (X3) and reaction time (X4)] influencing the responses, Y1; particle mean diameter: PMD (nanometers: nm), Y2; polydispersity index: PDI and Y3; zeta (ζ) potential: (millivolts). The amide bond formation between HA and ADH after cross-linking was confirmed by FT-IR and (13)C-NMR analyses. These NPs were also characterized for cytotoxicity on a human vaginal epithelial cell line and L. crispatus. When formulated with factors X1; 2.49 mM, X2; 9.96 mM, X3; 60 mL, X4; 6 h, HA-NPs exhibited a spherical shape with PMD, PDI, ζ potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading of 70.6 ± 4.1 nm, 0.07 ± 0.02, -38.2 ± 2.8 mV, 51.8 ± 2.4% w/w and 26.1 ± 1.2% w/w, respectively, (n = 3). Unlike for HA based gel, HAase significantly triggered the drug release and HA degradation from the NPs after 24 h (~90% w/w and 65% w/w, respectively); whereas, in its absence, these values were ~39% w/w and 26% w/w, respectively. The NPs were non-cytotoxic to human vaginal VK2/E6E7, End1/E6E7 cells and Lactobacillus crispatus. These data highlight the potential of HAase-sensitive HA-NPs templates for the controlled and vaginal delivery of anti-HIV/AIDS microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Agrahari
- Laboratory of Future Nanomedicines and Theoretical Chronopharmaceutics, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, USA
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Effects of processing and storage on Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 in vaginal formulations: lyophilized powder and tablets. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:680767. [PMID: 23844367 PMCID: PMC3703415 DOI: 10.1155/2013/680767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal probiotics have an important role in preventing the colonization of the vagina by pathogens. This study aimed to investigate different formulations with Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 (lyophilized powder and tablets with and without retarding polymer) in order to verify its stability and antilisterial activity after manufacture and during storage. The bacteriocinogenic activity of P. pentosaceus SB83 against Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in simulated vaginal fluid. Suspension of Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 reduced the pathogen only after 2 h and the lyophilized bacteria after 24 h of contact, and, in the tablets, P. pentosaceus SB83 lost the antimicrobial activity. The pH of simulated vaginal fluid decreased for all the tested conditions. As lyophilized powder demonstrated better results concerning antimicrobial activity, this formulation was selected to evaluate the antilisterial activity during the 12 months of storage. During storage at room temperature, lyophilized bacteria totally inhibited the pathogen only until one month of storage. At 4°C, P. pentosaceus SB83 showed antimicrobial activity during all the time of storage investigated. Therefore, the better formulation of P. pentosaceus SB83 is the lyophilized powder stored at 4°C, which may be administered intravaginally as a washing solution.
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Borges S, Barbosa J, Silva J, Teixeira P. Evaluation of characteristics of Pediococcus spp. to be used as a vaginal probiotic. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 115:527-38. [PMID: 23611355 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of our research was to select, identify and characterize an isolate of lactic acid bacteria to be considered as a vaginal probiotic. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-five isolates of Pediococcus spp. showed bacteriocinogenic activity against Listeria monocytogenes and the ability to survive in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) at pH 4.2. One isolate of Pediococcus spp. was selected and characterized to evaluate its safety before the use as vaginal probiotic. Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 did not show the presence of virulence factors such as the production of gelatinase, lipase and DNase, haemolytic activity, nor the presence of virulence genes (genes esp, agg, gelE, efaAfm, efaAfs, cylA, cylB and cylM). Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 was considered sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, kanamycin, erythromycin and ampicillin. This strain was considered resistant to tetracycline and vancomycin. Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 was a biofilm producer at different pH values (4.2, 5.5 and 6.5) in SVF and in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe medium. CONCLUSIONS The in vitro results provide a basis for the use of P. pentosaceus SB83 as a vaginal probiotic, to prevent colonization by L. monocytogenes in pregnant women. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY The application of vaginal probiotics could have the potential for preventing vaginal infections and consequently reduce abortion and neonatal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Borges
- CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Centro Regional do Porto da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
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Yang S, Chen Y, Ahmadie R, Ho EA. Advancements in the field of intravaginal siRNA delivery. J Control Release 2013; 167:29-39. [PMID: 23298612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal tract is a suitable site for the administration of both local and systemic acting drugs. There are numerous vaginal products on the market such as those approved for contraception, treatment of yeast infection, hormonal replacement therapy, and feminine hygiene. Despite the potential in drug delivery, the vagina is a complex and dynamic organ that requires greater understanding. The recent discovery that injections of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) results in potent gene specific silencing, was a major scientific revolution. This phenomenon known as RNA interference (RNAi), is believed to protect host genome against invasion by mobile genetic elements such as transposons and viruses. Gene silencing or RNAi has opened new potential opportunities to study the function of a gene in an organism. Furthermore, its therapeutic potential is being investigated in the field of sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, respiratory disease, and cancer. This review will focus on the therapeutic potential of siRNA for the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases such as HIV, HPV, and HSV within the vaginal tract. Specifically, formulation design parameters to improve siRNA stability and therapeutic efficacy in the vaginal tract will be discussed along with challenges, advancements, and future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidi Yang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Zhang T, Zhang C, Agrahari V, Murowchick JB, Oyler NA, Youan BBC. Spray drying tenofovir loaded mucoadhesive and pH-sensitive microspheres intended for HIV prevention. Antiviral Res 2012; 97:334-46. [PMID: 23274788 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop spray dried mucoadhesive and pH-sensitive microspheres (MS) based on polymethacrylate salt intended for vaginal delivery of tenofovir (a model HIV microbicide) and assess their critical biological responses. METHODS The formulation variables and process parameters are screened and optimized using a 2(4-1) fractional factorial design. The MS are characterized for size, zeta potential, yield, encapsulation efficiency, Carr's index, drug loading, in vitro release, cytotoxicity, inflammatory responses and mucoadhesion. RESULTS The optimal MS formulation has an average size of 4.73μm, zeta potential of -26.3mV, 68.9% yield, encapsulation efficiency of 88.7%, Carr's index of 28.3 and drug loading of 2% (w/w). The MS formulation release 91.7% of its payload in the presence of simulated human semen. At a concentration of 1mg/ml, the MS are noncytotoxic to vaginal endocervical/epithelial cells and Lactobacillus crispatus when compared to control media. There is also no statistically significant level of inflammatory cytokine (IL1-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10) release triggered by these MS. Their percent mucoadhesion is 2-fold higher than that of 1% HEC gel formulation. CONCLUSION These data suggest the promise of using such MS as an alternative controlled microbicide delivery template by intravaginal route for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Future Nanomedicines and Theoretical Chronopharmaceutics, Division of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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French KC, Makhatadze GI. Core sequence of PAPf39 amyloid fibrils and mechanism of pH-dependent fibril formation: the role of monomer conformation. Biochemistry 2012; 51:10127-36. [PMID: 23215256 DOI: 10.1021/bi301406d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PAPf39, a 39-residue peptide fragment from human prostatic acidic phosphatase, has been shown to form amyloid fibrils in semen (SEVI), which increase HIV infectivity by up to 5 orders of magnitude. The sequence of the PAPf39 fibrillar core was identified using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry and protease protection assays. The central and C-terminal regions are highly protected from HDX and proteolytic cleavage and, thus, are part of the fibrillar core. Conversely, the N-terminal region is unprotected from HDX and proteolytic cleavage, suggesting that it is exposed and not part of the fibrillar core. This finding was tested using two N-terminal truncated variants, PAPf39Δ1-8 and PAPf39Δ1-13. Both variants formed amyloid fibrils at neutral pH. However, these variants showed a markedly different pH dependence of fibril formation versus that of PAPf39. PAPf39 fibrils can form at pH 7.7, but not at pH 5.5 or 2.5, while both N-terminally truncated variants can form fibrils at these pH values. Thus, the N-terminal region is not necessary for fibril formation but modulates the pH dependence of PAPf39 fibril formation. PAPf39Δ1-8 and PAPf39Δ1-13 are capable of seeding PAPf39 fibril formation at neutral pH, suggesting that these variants are structurally compatible with PAPf39, yet no mixed fibril formation occurs between the truncated variants and PAPf39 at low pH. This suggests that pH affects the PAPf39 monomer conformational ensemble, which is supported by far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. A conceptual model describing the pH dependence of PAPf39 aggregation is proposed and provides potential biological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsley C French
- Department of Biology and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA
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pH-sensitive vesicles, polymeric micelles, and nanospheres prepared with polycarboxylates. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2012; 64:979-92. [PMID: 21996056 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Titratable polyanions, and more particularly polymers bearing carboxylate groups, have been used in recent years to produce a variety of pH-sensitive colloids. These polymers undergo a coil-to-globule conformational change upon a variation in pH of the surrounding environment. This conformational change can be exploited to trigger the release of a drug from a drug delivery system in a pH-dependent fashion. This review describes the current status of pH-sensitive vesicles, polymeric micelles, and nanospheres prepared with polycarboxylates and their performance as nano-scale drug delivery systems, with emphasis on our recent contribution to this field.
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