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Singata-Madliki M, Smit J, Beksinska M, Balakrishna Y, Avenant C, Beesham I, Seocharan I, Batting J, Hapgood JP, Hofmeyr GJ. Effects of injectable contraception with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or norethisterone enanthate on estradiol levels and menstrual, psychological and behavioral measures relevant to HIV risk: The WHICH randomized trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295764. [PMID: 38530848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational data suggest lower HIV risk with norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) than with depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM) injectable contraceptives. If confirmed, a switch between these similar injectable methods would be programmatically feasible and could impact the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. We aimed in this paper to investigate the effects of DMPA-IM and NET-EN on estradiol levels, measures of depression and sexual activity and menstrual effects, relevant to HIV risk; and to ascertain whether these measures are associated with estradiol levels. METHODS This open-label trial conducted at two sites in South Africa from 5 November 2018 to 30 November 2019, randomized HIV-negative women aged 18-40 to DMPA-IM 150 mg intramuscular 12-weekly (n = 262) or NET-EN 200 mg intramuscular 8-weekly (n = 259). Data were collected on hormonal, behavioral and menstrual effects at baseline and at 25 weeks (25W). RESULTS At 25W, median 17β estradiol levels were substantially lower than at baseline (p<0.001) for both methods: 76.5 pmol/L (interquartile range (IQR) 54.1 to 104.2) in the DMPA-IM group (n = 222), and 69.8 pmol/L (IQR: 55.1 to 89.3) in the NET-EN group (n = 225), with no statistical difference between the two methods (p = 0.450). Compared with DMPA-IM, NET-EN users reported significantly less amenorrhoea, fewer sexual acts, fewer users reporting at least one act of unprotected sex, more condom use with steady partner, more days with urge for sexual intercourse, more days feeling partner does not love her, and more days feeling sad for no reason. We did not find a clear association between estradiol levels and sexual behavior, depression and menstrual effects. Behavioral outcomes suggest less sexual exposure with NET-EN than DMPA-IM. The strength of this evidence is high due to the randomized study design and the consistency of results across the outcomes measured. CONCLUSIONS Estradiol levels were reduced to postmenopausal levels by both methods. Secondary outcomes suggesting less sexual exposure with NET-EN are consistent with reported observational evidence of less HIV risk with NET-EN. A randomized trial powered for HIV acquisition is feasible and needed to answer this important question. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR 202009758229976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ishen Seocharan
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
- Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gabarone, Botswana
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2
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Liu M, Vicetti Miguel RD, Quispe Calla NE, Aceves KM, Fritts L, Miller CJ, Moss JA, Baum MM, Cherpes TL. Genital epithelial barrier function is conserved by intravaginal rings releasing etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2186672. [PMID: 36899465 PMCID: PMC10832912 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2186672] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The injectable progestin depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice in sub-Saharan Africa although mouse models indicate it weakens genital epithelial integrity and barrier function and increases susceptibility to genital infection. The intravaginal ring NuvaRing® is another contraceptive option that like DMPA suppresses hypothalamic pituitary ovarian (HPO) axis function with local release of progestin (etonogestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). As we previously reported that treating mice with DMPA and estrogen averts the loss of genital epithelial integrity and barrier function induced by DMPA alone, in the current investigation we compared genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and genital epithelial permeability in rhesus macaques (RM) treated with DMPA or a NuvaRing®re-sized for RM (N-IVR). While these studies demonstrated comparable inhibition of the HPO axis with DMPA or N-IVR, DMPA induced significantly lower genital DSG1 levels and greater tissue permeability to intravaginally administered low molecular mass molecules. By identifying greater compromise of genital epithelial integrity and barrier function in RM administered DMPA vs. N-IVR, our results add to the growing body of evidence that indicate DMPA weakens a fundamental mechanism of anti-pathogen host defense in the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rodolfo D. Vicetti Miguel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nirk E. Quispe Calla
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kristen M. Aceves
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Linda Fritts
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J. Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - John A. Moss
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Marc M. Baum
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L. Cherpes
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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3
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Balle C, Happel AU, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. Contraceptive effects on the cervicovaginal microbiome: Recent evidence including randomized trials. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13785. [PMID: 37881121 PMCID: PMC10696626 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13785] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until recently, most data regarding the effects of non-barrier contraceptives on the mucosal microbiome have derived from observational studies, which are potentially biased due to behavioral confounders that may mask their true biological effects. METHOD OF STUDY This narrative review summarises recent evidence of the effect of contraceptives on the cervicovaginal microbiome, emphasising data obtained through randomized trials. RESULTS Good quality data describe that initiation of long-acting progestin-only contraceptives, including levonorgestrel (LNG)-implant and the injectables depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) do not alter the mucosal microbial environment. Likewise, no strong evidence exists that the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) is associated with alterations of the vaginal microbiome or increased risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Limited data on the effect of intravaginal rings (IVRs) on the mucosal environment exist and show conflicting effects on the vaginal microbiota. Copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) initiation has been associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) acquisition, including in a randomized trial. LNG-IUDs may have similar affects but need to be evaluated further. CONCLUSION Different synthetic hormones have divergent effects on the microbiome and therefore novel hormonal methods need to be rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, the addition of antiretrovirals into multipurpose technologies may alter the effects of the hormonal component. There is thus a critical need to improve our understanding of the biological effects of contraceptive hormones and delivery methods with different pharmacokinetic and chemical properties on the mucosal microbiome in rigorous trials, to inform the development of novel contraceptives and improve individual family planning guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Balle
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- University of Washington Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather B. Jaspan
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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4
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Gupta PM, Balle C, Tharp GK, Nelson SA, Gasper MA, Brown B, Alisoltani A, Onono M, Palanee-Phillips T, Nair G, Ayele H, Noel-Romas L, Passmore JAS, Burgener AD, Heffron R, Jaspan HB, Bosinger SE. Systems analysis reveals differential expression of endocervical genes in African women randomized to DMPA-IM, LNG implant or cu-IUD. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109750. [PMID: 37660744 PMCID: PMC10570927 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109750] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Although effective contraceptives are crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies, evidence suggests that their use may perturb the female genital tract (FGT). A comparative analysis of the effects of the most common contraceptives on the FGT have not been evaluated in a randomized clinical trial setting. Here, we evaluated the effect of three long-acting contraceptive methods: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate(DMPA-IM), levonorgestrel(LNG) implant, and a copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), on the endocervical host transcriptome in 188 women from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes Trial (ECHO) trial. Cu-IUD usage showed the most extensive transcriptomic changes, and was associated with inflammatory and anti-viral host responses. DMPA-IM usage was enriched for pathways associated with T cell responses. LNG implant had the mildest effect on endocervical gene expression, and was associated with growth factor signaling. These data provide a mechanistic basis for the diverse influence that varying contraceptives have on the FGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Mehrotra Gupta
- Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC) Genomics Core Laboratory, Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina Balle
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gregory K Tharp
- Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC) Genomics Core Laboratory, Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sydney A Nelson
- Emory National Primate Research Center (ENPRC) Genomics Core Laboratory, Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Bryan Brown
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arghavan Alisoltani
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Hosseana Ayele
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Laura Noel-Romas
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa; CAPRISA DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adam D Burgener
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Steven E Bosinger
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, GA, USA; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, GA, USA.
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5
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Dabee S, Balle C, Onono M, Innes S, Nair G, Palanee-Phillips T, Burgener AD, Bosinger SE, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan H, Happel AU. Update on the Impact of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Vaginal Mucosal Endpoints and Relevance to Sexually Transmitted Infections. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:251-260. [PMID: 37341916 PMCID: PMC10403392 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00662-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The long-acting reversible intramuscularly-injected contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is widely used by cisgender women in Africa. Although DMPA-IM provides reliable contraception, potential effects on the female genital tract (FGT) mucosa have raised concern, including risk of HIV infection. This review summarises and compares evidence from observational cohort studies and the randomised Evidence for Contraceptive Options in HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial. RECENT FINDINGS Although previous observational studies found women using DMPA-IM had higher abundance of bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria, increased inflammation, increased cervicovaginal HIV target cell density, and epithelial barrier damage, sub-studies of the ECHO Trial found no adverse changes in vaginal microbiome, inflammation, proteome, transcriptome, and risk of viral and bacterial STIs, other than an increase in Th17-like cells. Randomised data suggest that DMPA-IM use does not adversely change mucosal endpoints associated with acquisition of infections. These findings support the safe use of DMPA-IM in women at high risk of acquiring STIs, including HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 307 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
| | - Christina Balle
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | | | - Steve Innes
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 South Africa
| | - Gonasagrie Nair
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7915 South Africa
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Klein St & Esselen St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg 2001 South Africa
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, L8, 171 76 Solna, Sweden
| | - Steven E. Bosinger
- ENPRC Genomics Core Laboratory, Emory National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307 USA
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, 7 1st Ave, Atlanta, GA 30317 USA
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 845 19th Street South, AL 35294-2170 Birmingham, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 1510 San Juan Road NE, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Heather Jaspan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 307 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109 USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 1510 San Juan Road NE, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
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6
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Liu M, Miguel RDV, Calla NEQ, Aceves KM, Fritts L, Miller CJ, Moss JA, Baum MM, Cherpes TL. Loss of genital epithelial barrier function is greater with depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate than intravaginal rings that release etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525538. [PMID: 36747683 PMCID: PMC9900856 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The injectable progestin depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice in sub-Saharan Africa although mouse models indicate it weakens genital epithelial integrity and barrier function and increases susceptibility to genital infection. The intravaginal ring NuvaRing® is another contraceptive option that like DMPA suppresses hypothalamic pituitary ovarian (HPO) axis function with local release of progestin (etonogestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). As we previously reported that treating mice with DMPA and estrogen averts the loss of genital epithelial integrity and barrier function induced by DMPA alone, in the current investigation we compared genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and genital epithelial permeability in rhesus macaques (RM) treated with DMPA or a NuvaRing®re-sized for RM (N-IVR). While these studies demonstrated comparable inhibition of the HPO axis with DMPA or N-IVR, DMPA induced significantly lower genital DSG1 levels and greater tissue permeability to intravaginally administered low molecular mass molecules. By identifying greater compromise of genital epithelial integrity and barrier function in RM administered DMPA vs. N-IVR, our results add to the growing body of evidence that indicate DMPA weakens a fundamental mechanism of anti-pathogen host defense in the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rodolfo D. Vicetti Miguel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Linda Fritts
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J. Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - John A. Moss
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Marc M. Baum
- Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L. Cherpes
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Thurman AR, Ouattara LA, Yousefieh N, Anderson PL, Bushman LR, Fang X, Hanif H, Clark M, Singh O, Doncel GF. A phase I study to assess safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of a vaginal insert containing tenofovir alafenamide and elvitegravir. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130101. [PMID: 37153145 PMCID: PMC10154607 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New multi-purpose prevention technology (MPT) products are needed to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2). In this study, we evaluated a fast-dissolve insert that may be used vaginally or rectally for prevention of infection. Objective To describe the safety, acceptability, multi-compartment pharmacokinetics (PK), and in vitro modeled pharmacodynamics (PD) after a single vaginal dose of an insert containing tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) in healthy women. Methods This was a Phase I, open-label, study. Women (n=16) applied one TAF (20mg)/EVG (16mg) vaginal insert and were randomized (1:1) to sample collection time groups for up to 7 days post dosing. Safety was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). EVG, TAF and tenofovir (TFV) concentrations were measured in plasma, vaginal fluid and tissue, and TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentration in vaginal tissue. PD was modeled in vitro by quantifying the change in inhibitory activity of vaginal fluid and vaginal tissue against HIV and HSV2 from baseline to after treatment. Acceptability data was collected by a quantitative survey at baseline and post treatment. Results The TAF/EVG insert was safe, with all TEAEs graded as mild, and acceptable to participants. Systemic plasma exposure was low, consistent with topical delivery, while high mucosal levels were detected, with median TFV vaginal fluid concentrations exceeding 200,000 ng/mL and 1,000 ng/mL for up to 24 hours and 7 days post dosing, respectively. All participants had vaginal tissue EVG concentrations of > 1 ng/mg at 4 and 24 hours post dosing. The majority had tissue TFV-DP concentrations exceeding 1000 fmol/mg by 24 - 72 hours post dosing. Vaginal fluid inhibition of HIV-1 and HSV-2 in vitro significantly increased from baseline and was similarly high at 4 and 24 hours post dosing. Consistent with high tissue TFV-DP concentrations, p24 HIV antigen production from ectocervical tissues infected ex vivo with HIV-1 significantly decreased from baseline at 4 hours post dosing. HSV-2 production from tissue also decreased post treatment. Conclusions A single dose of TAF/EVG inserts met PK benchmarks, with PK data supporting an extended window of high mucosal protection. PD modeling supports mucosal protection against both HIV-1 and HSV-2. The inserts were safe and highly acceptable. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03762772.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R. Thurman
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrea R. Thurman,
| | - Louise A. Ouattara
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Nazita Yousefieh
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- University of Colorado, Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Lab, School of Pharmacy, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lane R. Bushman
- University of Colorado, Colorado Antiviral Pharmacology Lab, School of Pharmacy, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Xi Fang
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Homaira Hanif
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Meredith Clark
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Onkar Singh
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Gustavo F. Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk and Arlington, VA, United States
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8
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Komane M, Avenant C, Louw-du Toit R, Africander DJ, Hapgood JP. Differential off-target glucocorticoid activity of progestins used in endocrine therapy. Steroids 2022; 182:108998. [PMID: 35271867 PMCID: PMC9081821 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.108998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates transcription of genes involved in multiple processes. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), widely used in the injectable contraceptive Depo-MPA (DMPA), has off-target effects via the GR, which may result in side-effects in endocrine therapy. However, very little is known about the GR activity of other progestins used in endocrine therapy. This study compared GR activities for several progestins, using whole cell binding, dose-response, and GR phosphorylation assays, in both a cell line model and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MPA, etonogestrel (ETG) and nestorone (NES) exhibit greater relative binding affinities for the GR than levonorgestrel (LNG) and norethisterone/norethindrone (NET) and are partial GR agonists for transactivation but agonists for transrepression on synthetic promoters in COS-1 cells. MPA is a potent agonist for endogenous GR-regulated GILZ and IL6 genes in PBMCs. While ETG and NES also display agonist activity on IL6, they have little effect on GILZ. In contrast, LNG and NET exhibit little to no activity in transactivation models, while both exhibit some transrepressive activity but are generally less potent and/or efficacious than MPA. Antagonist and phosphorylation assays confirmed that MPA and NES act via the GR on endogenous genes in PBMCs. Our results suggest GR-mediated dose-dependent and gene-specific transcriptional side-effects are likely to occur at physiologically relevant concentrations in vivo for MPA, may possibly occur selectively for ETG and NES, but are unlikely to occur for LNG and NET. This suggests that these progestins will exhibit differential side-effects in endocrine therapy via the GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleshigo Komane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Donita J Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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9
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Bradley F, Franzén Boger M, Kaldhusdal V, Åhlberg A, Edfeldt G, Lajoie J, Bergström S, Omollo K, Damdimopoulos A, Czarnewski P, Månberg A, Oyugi J, Kimani J, Nilsson P, Fowke K, Tjernlund A, Broliden K. Multi-omics analysis of the cervical epithelial integrity of women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010494. [PMID: 35533147 PMCID: PMC9119532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable hormonal contraceptive used by millions of women worldwide. However, experimental studies have associated DMPA use with genital epithelial barrier disruption and mucosal influx of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target cells. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of these findings. Ectocervical biopsies and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens were collected from HIV-seronegative Kenyan sex workers using DMPA (n = 32) or regularly cycling controls (n = 64). Tissue samples were assessed by RNA-sequencing and quantitative imaging analysis, whereas protein levels were measured in CVL samples. The results suggested a DMPA-associated upregulation of genes involved in immune regulation, including genes associated with cytokine-mediated signaling and neutrophil-mediated immunity. A transcription factor analysis further revealed DMPA-associated upregulation of RELA and NFKB1 which are involved in several immune activation pathways. Several genes significantly downregulated in the DMPA versus the control group were involved in epithelial structure and function, including genes encoding keratins, small proline-rich proteins, and cell-cell adhesion proteins. Pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development, including keratinization and cornification processes. The cervicovaginal microbiome composition (Lactobacillus dominant and non-Lactobacillus dominant) had no overall interactional impact on the DMPA associated tissue gene expression. Imaging analysis verified that DMPA use was associated with an impaired epithelial layer as illustrated by staining for the selected epithelial junction proteins E-cadherin, desmoglein-1 and claudin-1. Additional staining for CD4+ cells revealed a more superficial location of these cells in the ectocervical epithelium of DMPA users versus controls. Altered protein levels of SERPINB1 and ITIH2 were further observed in the DMPA group. Identification of specific impaired epithelial barrier structures at the gene expression level, which were verified at the functional level by tissue imaging analysis, illustrates mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa. Sexual transmission accounts for the majority of all new HIV infections in women, and alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with an increase in the risk of acquiring HIV. Observational epidemiological studies have implied that the use of the injectable hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with increased HIV-acquisition. However, a prospective clinical study has not confirmed this association and the controversial findings are currently evaluated in the context of international reproductive health policies. Several studies using various model systems indicate that DMPA affects the integrity of the genital epithelial barrier as well as the mucosal immune system, but the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. To characterize the effect of DMPA on the genital mucosal environment, we used a multi-omics approach to assess paired genital secretions and cervical tissue samples from long-term regular DMPA users living in Kenya. This unique cohort represents a population at risk of HIV infection in which DMPA is one of the most commonly used hormonal contraceptives. We identified impaired cervical epithelial barrier structures, including DMPA-associated reduction in the expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules, keratins, small proline-rich proteins and a thinner upper epithelial layer with more superficially located CD4+ cells. Gene set enrichment pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development including keratinization and cornification pathways. Protein analysis identified altered levels of selected anti-proteases. Our findings illustrate mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frideborg Bradley
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Franzén Boger
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vilde Kaldhusdal
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Åhlberg
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Edfeldt
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sofia Bergström
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Omollo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis core facility, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Paulo Czarnewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Månberg
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Nilsson
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Keith Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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10
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Balle C, Gupta PM, Tharp GK, Nelson SA, Konstantinus IN, Lennard K, Jaumdally SZ, Happel AU, Barnabas SL, Gill K, Bekker LG, Passmore JAS, Jaspan HB, Bosinger SE. Systems Analysis Reveals Contraceptive-Induced Alteration of Cervicovaginal Gene Expression in a Randomized Trial. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:781687. [PMID: 36303659 PMCID: PMC9580795 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.781687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are vital in managing the reproductive health of women. However, HC usage has been linked to perturbations in cervicovaginal immunity and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Here, we evaluated the impact of three HCs on the cervicovaginal environment using high-throughput transcriptomics. From 2015 to 2017, 130 adolescent females aged 15-19 years were enrolled into a substudy of UChoose, a single-site, open-label randomized, crossover trial (NCT02404038) and randomized to injectable norethisterone-enanthate (Net-En), combined oral contraceptives (COC), or etonorgesterol/ethinyl-estradiol-combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR). Cervicovaginal samples were collected after 16 weeks of randomized HC use and analyzed by RNA-Seq, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and Luminex analysis. Participants in the CCVR arm had a significant elevation of transcriptional networks driven by IL-6, IL-1, and NFKB, and lower expression of genes supporting epithelial barrier integrity. An integrated multivariate analysis demonstrated that networks of microbial dysbiosis and inflammation best discriminated the CCVR arm from the other contraceptive groups, while genes involved in epithelial cell differentiation were predictive of the Net-En and COC arms. Collectively, these data from a randomized trial represent the most comprehensive "omics" analyses of the cervicovaginal response to HCs and provide important mechanistic guidelines for the provision of HCs in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Balle
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Prachi M. Gupta
- Yerkes Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gregory K. Tharp
- Yerkes Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sydney A. Nelson
- Yerkes Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Iyaloo N. Konstantinus
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Namibia Institute of Pathology, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Katie Lennard
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shameem Z. Jaumdally
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shaun L. Barnabas
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Desmond Tutu Health Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Family Clinical Research Center, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu Health Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu Health Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather B. Jaspan
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States,Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Steven E. Bosinger
- Yerkes Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States,Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States,*Correspondence: Steven E. Bosinger
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11
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Plesniarski A, Siddik AB, Su RC. The Microbiome as a Key Regulator of Female Genital Tract Barrier Function. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:790627. [PMID: 34976864 PMCID: PMC8719631 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.790627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiome, the collection of microbial species at a site or compartment, has been an underappreciated realm of human health up until the last decade. Mounting evidence suggests the microbiome has a critical role in regulating the female genital tract (FGT) mucosa's function as a barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pathogens. In this review, we provide the most recent experimental systems and studies for analyzing the interplay between the microbiome and host cells and soluble factors with an influence on barrier function. Key components, such as microbial diversity, soluble factors secreted by host and microbe, as well as host immune system, all contribute to both the physical and immunologic aspects of the FGT mucosal barrier. Current gaps in what is known about the effects of the microbiome on FGT mucosal barrier function are compared and contrasted with the literature of the gut and respiratory mucosa. This review article presents evidence supporting that the vaginal microbiome, directly and indirectly, contributes to how well the FGT protects against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Plesniarski
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Abu Bakar Siddik
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ruey-Chyi Su
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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12
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Abstract
Globally, the most frequent route of HIV transmission is through sexual intercourse. In women, sexual transmission of HIV involves cervical, vaginal, endometrial, and rectal mucosal exposure to the virus. Here we describe technical protocols for ex vivo cervical, vaginal, and rectal tissue infection models and cultures that can be used to assess tissue susceptibility to infection under different conditions as well as the potential antiviral efficacy of a treatment for HIV prevention or cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolas C Vann
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
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13
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Patel MV, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Shen Z, Wira CR. Medroxyprogesterone acetate inhibits wound closure of human endometrial epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts in vitro. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23246. [PMID: 34853394 PMCID: PMC8636475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02681-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal integrity in the endometrium is essential for immune protection. Since breaches or injury to the epithelial barrier exposes underlying tissue and is hypothesized to increase infection risk, we determined whether endogenous progesterone or three exogenous progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethindrone (NET), and levonorgestrel (LNG)) used by women as contraceptives interfere with wound closure of endometrial epithelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro. Progesterone and LNG had no inhibitory effect on wound closure by either epithelial cells or fibroblasts. MPA significantly impaired wound closure in both cell types and delayed the reestablishment of transepithelial resistance by epithelial cells. In contrast to MPA, NET selectively decreased wound closure by stromal fibroblasts but not epithelial cells. Following epithelial injury, MPA but not LNG or NET, blocked the injury-induced upregulation of HBD2, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial implicated in wound healing, but had no effect on the secretion of RANTES, CCL20 and SDF-1α. This study demonstrates that, unlike progesterone and LNG, MPA and NET may interfere with wound closure following injury in the endometrium, potentially conferring a higher risk of pathogen transmission. Our findings highlight the importance of evaluating progestins for their impact on wound repair at mucosal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey V Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
| | | | - Zheng Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Charles R Wira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
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14
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Vanpouille C, Günaydın G, Jangard M, Clerici M, Margolis L, Broliden K, Introini A. The Progestin Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Affects HIV-1 Production in Human Lymphoid Tissue Explants in a Dose-Dependent and Glucocorticoid-like Fashion. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112303. [PMID: 34835109 PMCID: PMC8621851 DOI: 10.3390/v13112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between the use of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and HIV-1 susceptibility has been addressed mainly in respect to the changes occurring in the female genital mucosa and blood. However, one of the main sites of HIV-1 pathogenesis is lymphoid organs. To investigate the immunoregulatory effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at this site, human tonsillar tissue explants were infected ex vivo with either a CCR5 (BaL) or CXCR4 (LAI) HIV-1 variant and the release of p24gag and cytokines was measured in culture supernatant. The response to MPA was compared with that elicited by treatment with progesterone (P4) and dexamethasone (DEX), which selectively binds the glucocorticoid receptor, in donor-matched explant cultures. MPA treatment reduced the replication of both tested HIV-1 strains as well as the production of the mediators of inflammation IL-1β, IL-17A and CCL5, but not CCL20, in a similar way to DEX, whereas P4 had no effect on HIV-1 replication. The magnitude of both MPA and DEX-mediated responses was proportional to the length of exposure and/or administered dose. Blockage of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors with mifepristone abolished all observed changes in HIV-1 and cytokine production, and was associated with increased IL-22 levels in HIV-infected explants. Our data indicate that elevated doses of MPA may affect the immune responses in lymphoid tissue in a glucocorticoid-like fashion with an immediate impact on local HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Vanpouille
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Gökçe Günaydın
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
| | - Mattias Jangard
- Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Research Laboratory, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
| | - Andrea Introini
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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15
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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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16
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Byrne EH, Farcasanu M, Bloom SM, Xulu N, Xu J, Hykes BL, Mafunda NA, Hayward MR, Dong M, Dong KL, Gumbi T, Ceasar FX, Ismail N, Ndung'u T, Gosmann C, Ghebremichael MS, Handley SA, Mitchell CM, Villani AC, Kwon DS. Antigen Presenting Cells Link the Female Genital Tract Microbiome to Mucosal Inflammation, With Hormonal Contraception as an Additional Modulator of Inflammatory Signatures. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:733619. [PMID: 34604114 PMCID: PMC8482842 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.733619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome of the female genital tract (FGT) is closely linked to reproductive health outcomes. Diverse, anaerobe-dominated communities with low Lactobacillus abundance are associated with a number of adverse reproductive outcomes, such as preterm birth, cervical dysplasia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Vaginal dysbiosis is associated with local mucosal inflammation, which likely serves as a biological mediator of poor reproductive outcomes. Yet the precise mechanisms of this FGT inflammation remain unclear. Studies in humans have been complicated by confounding demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables. Specifically, hormonal contraception is associated both with changes in the vaginal microbiome and with mucosal inflammation. In this study, we examined the transcriptional landscape of cervical cell populations in a cohort of South African women with differing vaginal microbial community types. We also investigate effects of reproductive hormones on the transcriptional profiles of cervical cells, focusing on the contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the most common form of contraception in sub-Saharan Africa. We found that antigen presenting cells (APCs) are key mediators of microbiome associated FGT inflammation. We also found that DMPA is associated with significant transcriptional changes across multiple cell lineages, with some shared and some distinct pathways compared to the inflammatory signature seen with dysbiosis. These results highlight the importance of an integrated, systems-level approach to understanding host-microbe interactions, with an appreciation for important variables, such as reproductive hormones, in the complex system of the FGT mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Byrne
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mara Farcasanu
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Seth M Bloom
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nondumiso Xulu
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jiawu Xu
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Barry L Hykes
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nomfuneko A Mafunda
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Matthew R Hayward
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary Dong
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Females Rising Through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH), Durban, South Africa
| | - Krista L Dong
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Females Rising Through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH), Durban, South Africa
| | - Thandeka Gumbi
- Females Rising Through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH), Durban, South Africa.,Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fransisca Xolisile Ceasar
- Females Rising Through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH), Durban, South Africa.,Health Systems Trust, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nasreen Ismail
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa.,Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Gosmann
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Musie S Ghebremichael
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Scott A Handley
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Caroline M Mitchell
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexandra-Chloé Villani
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Immunology Program, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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17
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Stejskalová A, Vankelecom H, Sourouni M, Ho MY, Götte M, Almquist BD. In vitro modelling of the physiological and diseased female reproductive system. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:288-312. [PMID: 33915315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The maladies affecting the female reproductive tract (FRT) range from infections to endometriosis to carcinomas. In vitro models of the FRT play an increasingly important role in both basic and translational research, since the anatomy and physiology of the FRT of humans and other primates differ significantly from most of the commonly used animal models, including rodents. Using organoid culture to study the FRT has overcome the longstanding hurdle of maintaining epithelial phenotype in culture. Both ECM-derived and engineered materials have proved critical for maintaining a physiological phenotype of FRT cells in vitro by providing the requisite 3D environment, ligands, and architecture. Advanced materials have also enabled the systematic study of factors contributing to the invasive metastatic processes. Meanwhile, microphysiological devices make it possible to incorporate physical signals such as flow and cyclic exposure to hormones. Going forward, advanced materials compatible with hormones and optimised to support FRT-derived cells' long-term growth, will play a key role in addressing the diverse array of FRT pathologies and lead to impactful new treatments that support the improvement of women's health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The female reproductive system is a crucial component of the female anatomy. In addition to enabling reproduction, it has wide ranging influence on tissues throughout the body via endocrine signalling. This intrinsic role in regulating normal female biology makes it susceptible to a variety of female-specific diseases. However, the complexity and human-specific features of the reproductive system make it challenging to study. This has spurred the development of human-relevant in vitro models for helping to decipher the complex issues that can affect the reproductive system, including endometriosis, infection, and cancer. In this Review, we cover the current state of in vitro models for studying the female reproductive system, and the key role biomaterials play in enabling their development.
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Jia X, Shao Q, Chaudhry AR, Kinlock BL, Izban MG, Zhang HY, Villalta F, Hildreth JEK, Liu B. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) Enhances HIV-1 Accumulation and Release in Primary Cervical Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting Lysosomal Activity. Pathogens 2021; 10:1192. [PMID: 34578224 PMCID: PMC8465616 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is one of the most widely used contraceptives in the world. Epidemiologic studies have uncovered a possible link between the use of MPA and an increased risk of HIV-1 transmission. However, the understanding of the mechanism is still limited. Our previous publication demonstrated that the lysosomal activity in human vaginal epithelial cells attenuated the trafficking of viral particles during HIV-1 transcytosis. In this study, we show that treating human primary cervical epithelial cells with MPA led to a reduction in lysosomal activity. This reduction caused an increase in the intracellular HIV-1 accumulation and, consequently, an increase in viral release. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism by which MPA enhances HIV-1 release in primary cervical epithelial cells, thus providing vital information for HIV intervention and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxu Jia
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
| | - Qiujia Shao
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
| | - Ahsen R. Chaudhry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Ballington L. Kinlock
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
| | - Michael G. Izban
- Department of Pathology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Hong-Ying Zhang
- Nanjing Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210003, China;
| | - Fernando Villalta
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - James E. K. Hildreth
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
| | - Bindong Liu
- Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (X.J.); (Q.S.); (B.L.K.); (F.V.); (J.E.K.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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19
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Camp JV, Wilson RL, Singletary M, Blanchard JL, Aldovini A, Kaminski RW, Oaks EV, Kozlowski PA. Invaplex functions as an intranasal adjuvant for subunit and DNA vaccines co-delivered in the nasal cavity of nonhuman primates. Vaccine X 2021; 8:100105. [PMID: 34258576 PMCID: PMC8255935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of intranasal vaccines for HIV-1 and other mucosal pathogens has been hampered by the lack of adjuvants that can be given safely to humans. We have found that an intranasal Shigella vaccine (Invaplex) which is well tolerated in humans can also function as an adjuvant for intranasal protein and DNA vaccines in mice. To determine whether Invaplex could potentially adjuvant similar vaccines in humans, we simultaneously administered a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) envelope (Env) protein and DNA encoding simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) with or without Invaplex in the nasal cavity of female rhesus macaques. Animals were intranasally boosted with adenoviral vectors expressing SIV env or gag,pol to evaluate memory responses. Anti-SIV antibodies in sera and nasal, genital tract and rectal secretions were quantitated by ELISA. Intracellular cytokine staining was used to measure Th1-type T cells in blood. Macaques given DNA/protein immunizations with 0.5 mg Invaplex developed greater serum IgG, nasal IgA and cervicovaginal IgA responses to SIV Env and SHIV Gag,Pol proteins when compared to non-adjuvanted controls. Rectal IgA responses to Env were only briefly elevated and not observed to Gag,Pol. Invaplex increased frequencies of IFNγ-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells to the Env protein, but not T cell responses induced by the DNA. Ad-SIV boosting increased Env-specific polyfunctional T cells and Env- and Gag,Pol-specific antibodies in serum and all secretions. The data suggest that Invaplex could be highly effective as an adjuvant for intranasal protein vaccines in humans, especially those intended to prevent infections in the genital or respiratory tract.
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Key Words
- Ad, adenovirus
- CVS, cervicovaginal secretions
- Env, envelope
- HIV/AIDS
- ICS, intracellular cytokine staining
- IM, intramuscular
- IN, intranasal
- IgA
- Mucosal adjuvant
- NHP, nonhuman primates
- NS, nasal secretions
- RS, rectal secretions
- Reproductive
- Respiratory tract
- S-IgA, secretory IgA
- Th, T helper
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Robert L Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Morgan Singletary
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - James L Blanchard
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Anna Aldovini
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Harvard, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert W Kaminski
- Department of Subunit Enteric Vaccines and Immunology, Division of Bacterial and Rickettsial Diseases, The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Edwin V Oaks
- Department of Subunit Enteric Vaccines and Immunology, Division of Bacterial and Rickettsial Diseases, The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Pamela A Kozlowski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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20
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Ayele H, Perner M, McKinnon LR, Birse K, Farr Zuend C, Burgener A. An updated review on the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on the mucosal biology of the female genital tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13455. [PMID: 33991137 PMCID: PMC8459266 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is important for women’s health and essential to mitigate maternal and fetal mortality rates. The progestin‐based contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice with a low failure rate and convenient administration schedule. Aim In this review, we compiled observational data from human cohorts that examine how DMPA influences the mucosal biology of the female genital tract (FGT) that are essential in maintaining vaginal health, including resident immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, epithelial barrier function, and the vaginal microbiome Materials and Methods This review focused on the recent published literature published in 2019 and 2020. Results Recent longitudinal studies show that DMPA use associates with an immunosuppressive phenotype, increase in CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and alterations to growth factors. In agreement with previous meta‐analyses, DMPA use is associated with minimal effects of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Cross‐sectional studies associate a more pro‐inflammatory relationship with DMPA, but these studies are confounded by inherent weaknesses of cross‐sectional studies, including differences in study group sizes, behaviors, and other variables that may affect genital inflammation. Discussion & Conclusion These recent results indicate that the interactions between DMPA and the vaginal mucosa are complex emphasizing the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies that take into consideration the measurement of multiple biological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossaena Ayele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Perner
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Solna, Sweden
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21
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Molatlhegi RP, Ngcobo S, Liebenberg LJP, Ngcapu S, Mabhula A, Leslie A, Mchunu N, Zondi MM, Adamson JH, Govender K, Samsunder N, Karim SSA, Karim QA, Passmore JAS, Sivro A, McKinnon LR. Genital and systemic immune effects of the injectable, contraceptive norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), in South African women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13411. [PMID: 33641222 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Injectable hormonal contraceptives (IHC) have been associated with altered mucosal and systemic milieu which might increase HIV risk, but most studies have focused on DMPA and not NET-EN, despite the growing popularity and lower HIV risk associated with the latter in observational studies. METHOD OF STUDY We used high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-LC-MS/MS) to measure steroid hormones in plasma samples of CAPRISA004 study participants. Concentrations of 48 cytokines were measured in the cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and plasma, and their expression was compared between participants with detectable NET-EN (n = 201) versus non-detectable IHC (n = 90). Each log10 cytokine concentration was tested as an outcome in linear-mixed models, with NET-EN detection as the main explanatory variable. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, detectable NET-EN was associated with reduced cervicovaginal M-CSF (P = 0.008), GM-CSF (P = 0.025) and G-CSF (P = 0.039), and elevated levels MIF (P = 0.008), IL-18 (P = 0.011), RANTES (P = 0.005) and IL-1Rα (P < 0.001). Lower G-CSF (P = 0.011) and elevated IL-1Rα (P = 0.008) remained significant in adjusted models. Multivariable analyses of plasma samples obtained from NET-EN-detectable women showed a significant increase in IP-10 (P = 0.026) and reductions in TNF-β (P = 0.037), RANTES (P = 0.009), and M-CSF (P < 0.001). While similar growth factor reduction in CVL was noted for both DMPA and NET-EN, similar trends were not observed for endogenous progesterone. CONCLUSIONS Detectable NET-EN was associated with reduced growth factors in the plasma and genital tract; particularly G-CSF and M-CSF. Our results suggest that while NET-EN is not inflammatory, it may have important immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refilwe P Molatlhegi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samkelisiwe Ngcobo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Amanda Mabhula
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Alasdair Leslie
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nobuhle Mchunu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa.,School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Mthobisi M Zondi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - John H Adamson
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Katya Govender
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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22
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HIV-Exposed Seronegative Sex Workers Express Low T-Cell Activation and an Intact Ectocervical Tissue Microenvironment. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030217. [PMID: 33806390 PMCID: PMC7998094 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological correlates of natural resistance to HIV have been identified in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals and include a low-inflammatory genital mucosal status. The cervicovaginal epithelium has not been studied for such correlates despite constituting an important barrier against sexual HIV transmission. To fill this gap in knowledge, we collected samples of blood, cervical mononuclear cells, cervicovaginal lavage, and ectocervical tissue from Kenyan HESN sex workers (n = 29) and controls (n = 33). The samples were analyzed by flow cytometry, protein profiling, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, in situ image analysis, and tissue-based RNA sequencing. A significantly higher relative proportion of regulatory T cells in blood (B7+CD25hiFoxP3+CD127loCD4+ and B7+Helios+FoxP3+CD4+), and a significantly lower proportion of activated cervical T cells (CCR5+CD69+CD4+ and CCR5+CD69+CD8+), were found in the HESN group compared with the controls. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in cervicovaginal protein and microbiome compositions, ectocervical epithelial thickness, E-cadherin expression, HIV receptor expression, and tissue RNA transcriptional profiles. The identification of an intact ectocervical microenvironment in HESN individuals add new data to current knowledge about natural resistance to sexual transmission of HIV.
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23
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Noël-Romas L, Perner M, Molatlhegi R, Farr Zuend C, Mabhula A, Hoger S, Lamont A, Birse K, Berard A, McCorrister S, Westmacott G, Leslie A, Poliquin V, Heffron R, McKinnon LR, Burgener AD. Vaginal microbiome-hormonal contraceptive interactions associate with the mucosal proteome and HIV acquisition. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009097. [PMID: 33362285 PMCID: PMC7790405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract, such as genital inflammation, have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As the microbiome and hormonal contraceptives can affect vaginal mucosal immunity, we hypothesized these components may interact in the context of HIV susceptibility. Using previously published microbiome data from 685 women in the CAPRISA-004 trial, we compared relative risk of HIV acquisition in this cohort who were using injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In women who were Lactobacillus-dominant, HIV acquisition was 3-fold higher in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN or COC (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.24–11.24, P = 0.0305). This was not observed in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.44–2.15, P = 0.895) (interaction P = 0.0686). Higher serum MPA levels associated with increased molecular pathways of inflammation in the vaginal mucosal fluid of Lactobacillus-dominant women, but no differences were seen in non-Lactobacillus dominant women. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility. Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As both the vaginal microbiome and hormonal contraceptives affect mucosal immunity, we investigated their interaction with HIV susceptibility. We characterized the vaginal microbiomes in 685 women from the CAPRISA-004 trial, who utilized three major types of hormonal contraceptives including injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In the 40% of women with Lactobacillus-depleted microbiomes, HIV acquisition was not different between contraceptive groups. However, in the 60% of women with Lactobacillus as the dominant bacterial taxa, HIV acquisition risk was 3-fold higher (in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN and COC). Higher serum medroxyprogesterone acetate levels in Lactobacillus dominant women associated with increased cervicovaginal inflammation pathways in the mucosal proteome, biomarkers of which associated with HIV susceptibility. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Noël-Romas
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michelle Perner
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah Hoger
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alana Lamont
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alicia Berard
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Stuart McCorrister
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Garett Westmacott
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Al Leslie
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Poliquin
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Adam D. Burgener
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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24
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Transcriptional response of vaginal epithelial cells to medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment results in decreased barrier integrity. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 143:103253. [PMID: 33285485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103253] [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] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a frequently used hormonal contraceptive that has been shown to significantly increase HIV-1 susceptibility by approximately 40 %. However, the underlying mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Here, we examined the biological response to MPA by vaginal epithelial cells, the first cells to encounter HIV-1 during sexual transmission, in order to understand the potential mechanism(s) of MPA-mediated increase of HIV-1 infection. Using microarray analysis and in vitro assays, we characterized the response of vaginal epithelial cells, grown in biologically relevant air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, to physiological levels of female sex hormones, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or MPA. Transcriptional profiling of E2, P4 or MPA-treated vaginal epithelial cells indicated unique transcriptional profiles associated with each hormone. MPA treatment increased transcripts of genes related to cholesterol/sterol synthesis and decreased transcripts related to cell division and cell-cell adhesion, results not seen with E2 or P4 treatments. MPA treatment also resulted in unique gene expression indicative of decreased barrier integrity. Functional assays confirmed that MPA, but not E2 or P4 treatments, resulted in increased epithelial barrier permeability and inhibited cell cycle progression. The effects of MPA on vaginal epithelial cells seen in this study may help explain the increase of HIV-1 infection in women who use MPA as a hormonal contraceptive.
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25
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Edfeldt G, Lajoie J, Röhl M, Oyugi J, Åhlberg A, Khalilzadeh-Binicy B, Bradley F, Mack M, Kimani J, Omollo K, Wählby C, Fowke KR, Broliden K, Tjernlund A. Regular use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate causes thinning of the superficial lining and apical distribution of HIV target cells in the human ectocervix. J Infect Dis 2020; 225:1151-1161. [PMID: 32780807 PMCID: PMC8974825 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with an increased risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We hypothesize that DMPA use influences the ectocervical tissue architecture and HIV target cell localization. METHODS Quantitative image analysis workflows were developed to assess ectocervical tissue samples collected from DMPA users and control subjects not using hormonal contraception. RESULTS Compared to controls, the DMPA group exhibited a significantly thinner apical ectocervical epithelial layer and a higher proportion of CD4+CCR5+ cells with a more superficial location. This localization corresponded to an area with a non-intact E-cadherin net structure. CD4+Langerin+ cells were also more superficially located in the DMPA group, while fewer in number compared to the controls. Natural plasma progesterone levels did not correlate with any of these parameters, whereas estradiol levels were positively correlated with E-cadherin expression and a more basal location for HIV target cells of the control group. CONCLUSIONS DMPA users have a less robust epithelial layer and a more apical distribution of HIV target cells in the human ectocervix, which could confer a higher risk of HIV infection. Our results highlight the importance of assessing intact genital tissue samples to gain insights into HIV susceptibility factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Edfeldt
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maria Röhl
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alexandra Åhlberg
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Behnaz Khalilzadeh-Binicy
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frideborg Bradley
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Mack
- Department of Internal Medicine - Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Omollo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carolina Wählby
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Quispe Calla NE, Vicetti Miguel RD, Fritts L, Miller CJ, Aceves KM, Cherpes TL. Exogenous sex steroids regulate genital epithelial barrier function in female rhesus macaques. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:310-317. [PMID: 32542371 PMCID: PMC7401374 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is concern that using depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for pregnancy prevention heightens HIV susceptibility. While no clinical data establishes causal link between HIV acquisition and use of this injectable progestin, prior work from our laboratory showed that DMPA comparably lowers genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and weakens genital epithelial barrier function in female mice and women. We likewise saw DMPA increase mouse susceptibility to multiple genital pathogens including HIV. Herein, we sought to confirm and extend these findings by comparing genital epithelial barrier function in untreated rhesus macaques (RM) vs. RM treated with DMPA or DMPA and estrogen (E). Compared to controls, genital tissue from RM with pharmacologically relevant serum levels of medroxyprogesterone acetate displayed significantly lower DSG1 levels and greater permeability to low molecular mass molecules. Conversely, DMPA-mediated effects on genital epithelial integrity and function were obviated in RM administered DMPA and E. These data corroborate the diminished genital epithelial barrier function observed in women initiating DMPA and identify RM as a useful preclinical model for defining effects of exogenous sex steroids on genital pathogen susceptibility. As treatment with E averted DMPA-mediated loss of genital epithelial barrier function, our results also imply that contraceptives releasing progestin and E may be less likely to promote transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens than progestin-only compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirk E Quispe Calla
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Linda Fritts
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kristen M Aceves
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L Cherpes
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Plasma concentration of injectable contraceptive correlates with reduced cervicovaginal growth factor expression in South African women. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:449-459. [PMID: 31896762 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable contraceptives have been associated with mucosal immune changes and increased HIV acquisition, but studies have often been hampered by the inaccuracy of self-reported data, unknown timing of injection, and interactions with mucosal transmission co-factors. We used mass spectrometry to quantify the plasma concentrations of injectable contraceptives in women from the CAPRISA004 study (n = 664), with parallel quantification of 48 cytokines and >500 host proteins in cervicovaginal lavage. Higher DMPA levels were associated with reduced CVL concentrations of GCSF, MCSF, IL-16, CTACK, LIF, IL-1α, and SCGF-β in adjusted linear mixed models. Dose-dependent relationships between DMPA concentration and genital cytokines were frequently observed. Unsupervised clustering of host proteins by DMPA concentration suggest that women with low DMPA had increases in proteins associated with mucosal fluid function, growth factors, and keratinization. Although DMPA was not broadly pro-inflammatory, DMPA was associated with increased IP-10 in HSV-2 seropositive and older women. DMPA-cytokine associations frequently differed by vaginal microbiome; in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women, DMPA was associated with elevated IL-8, MCP-1, and IP-10 concentrations. These data confirm a direct, concentration-dependant effect of DMPA on functionally important immune factors within the vaginal compartment. The biological effects of DMPA may vary depending on age, HSV-2 status, and vaginal microbiome composition.
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Hapgood JP. Is the Injectable Contraceptive Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA-IM) Associated with an Increased Risk for HIV Acquisition? The Jury Is Still Out. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:357-366. [PMID: 31797677 PMCID: PMC7232639 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is the most widely used hormonal contraceptive in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous meta-analyses of observational studies found a significant 40%–50% increased risk associated with DMPA-IM use, relative to no contraception or infrequent condom use. This raised substantial concerns, although these studies had important limitations. Consequently, the open-label randomized Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes trial was conducted, designed primarily to detect a 50% or greater difference in HIV risk between DMPA-IM, the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant, and the copper-intrauterine device. The ECHO study, published in July 2019, concluded that there is no substantial difference in HIV risk among the methods evaluated, and that all three methods are safe and highly effective. In response, the WHO relaxed the Medical Eligibility Criteria for DMPA-IM use among women at high HIV risk in August 2019. However, two of the three comparisons in the ECHO trial could rule out neither a 50% increase nor no change in HIV risk for one contraceptive compared with another. The study had limitations and the results contained considerable uncertainty. They also did not inform on associated HIV risk for any one of the individual methods due to the absence of a control group such as no contraception or only infrequent condom use. The HIV risks associated with LNG implant and copper-IUD relative to no contraception or infrequent condom use are unknown and these cannot be seen as controls, nor did the authors claim them to be. The results will be discussed in the context of their limitations, what they add to the body of work to date on contraception and HIV acquisition, and the implications of the findings and reports thereof for future research and contraceptive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet P. Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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29
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Effect of Hormonal Contraception on Pharmacokinetics of Vaginal Tenofovir in Healthy Women: Increased Tenofovir Diphosphate in Injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Users. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:79-88. [PMID: 30212395 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endogenous and exogenous contraceptive hormones may affect mucosal pharmacokinetics (PKs) of topical antiretrovirals such as tenofovir. We present PK data from healthy women using tenofovir vaginal gel, at baseline (follicular and luteal phases) and after oral contraceptive pill (OCP) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use. METHODS CONRAD A10-114 was a prospective, interventional, open-label, parallel study. We enrolled 74 women and 60 completed the study (32 and 28 who selected OCPs or DMPA, respectively). Participants used 2 doses of tenofovir gel separated by 2 hours, without intercourse, and were examined 3 or 11 hours after the last dose. We assessed pharmacokinetics in plasma, cervicovaginal (CV) aspirate, and vaginal tissue. RESULTS In general, there were no significant differences in mucosal tenofovir and tenofovir diphosphate concentrations (P > 0.23) in the follicular and luteal phases, except for lower mean tenofovir tissue concentrations (P < 0.01) in the follicular phase. Tenofovir concentrations significantly decreased in CV aspirate (P < 0.01) after contraceptive use, but overall remained very high (>10 ng/mL). Mean tissue tenofovir diphosphate increased to 6229 fmol/mg after DMPA use compared with 3693 and 1460 fmol/mg in the follicular and luteal phases, respectively (P < 0.01). The molecular conversion of tenofovir into tenofovir diphosphate was more effective in DMPA users (molecular ratio of 2.02 versus 0.65 luteal phase, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both menstrual cycle phase and exogenous hormones affect topical tenofovir mucosal and systemic PKs. However, high levels of tenofovir and tenofovir diphosphate were observed in the CV mucosa in the presence or absence of OCPs and DMPA, with tissue levels exceeding benchmarks of predicted mucosal anti-HIV efficacy (tenofovir >1.00 ng/mL in CV aspirate and tenofovir diphosphate >1000 fmol/mg).
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30
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Thurman A, Chandra N, Schwartz JL, Brache V, Chen BA, Asin S, Rollenhagen C, Herold BC, Fichorova RN, Hillier SL, Weiner DH, Mauck C, Doncel GF. The Effect of Hormonal Contraception on Cervicovaginal Mucosal End Points Associated with HIV Acquisition. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2019; 35:853-864. [PMID: 30997816 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2018.0298] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive age women may choose to concurrently use topical antiretrovirals and hormonal contraceptives (HCs) to simultaneously prevent HIV-1 infection and unintended/mistimed pregnancy. There are conflicting data on the effect of HCs on mucosal susceptibility to HIV-1. The objective of this study was to evaluate cervicovaginal (CV) mucosal data from healthy women before and after initiation of either oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection. CONRAD A10-114 was a prospective, open-label, parallel cohort study. We enrolled 74 women and 62 completed the visits (32 and 30 who selected OCPs and DMPA, respectively). Participants provided CV lavage, vaginal biopsies, and CV swabs at baseline in the luteal phase and then ∼6 weeks after initiating HCs. After contraceptive initiation, there were significant increases in vaginal immune cell density among both DMPA and OCP users. Changes for OCP users were concentrated in the subepithelial lamina propria, whereas for DMPA users, they were distributed throughout the vaginal tissue, including the epithelium (CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, and CD1a+). Contraceptive use altered concentrations of soluble CV inflammatory and immune mediators, with significant reductions in some proinflammatory cytokines and secretory leukoprotease inhibitor. Compared with baseline, p24 antigen production after ex vivo HIV-1 infection of vaginal biopsies doubled after DMPA use, but all p-values were >.05. HIV-1 replication was significantly higher in DMPA-exposed tissues compared with those from the OCP group at the end of the tissue culture (p = .01). Although not statistically significant, median in vitro inhibition of HIV-1 by CV fluid (innate antiviral activity), was reduced by ∼50% with HCs (p > .21). Exposure to exogenous contraceptive hormones significantly increased vaginal immune cells and reduced CV proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. DMPA users showed higher susceptibility to HIV-1 ex vivo infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Thurman
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, CONRAD, Norfolk, Virginia
| | | | | | | | - Beatrice A. Chen
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Susana Asin
- V.A. Medical Center, White River Junction, VT and Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, New Hampshire
| | - Christiane Rollenhagen
- V.A. Medical Center, White River Junction, VT and Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, New Hampshire
| | - Betsy C. Herold
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sharon L. Hillier
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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31
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Quispe Calla NE, Vicetti Miguel RD, Aceves KM, Torres A, Cherpes TL. Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate reduces genital cell-cell adhesion molecule expression and increases genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection susceptibility in a dose-dependent fashion. Contraception 2019; 100:397-401. [PMID: 31302121 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Analyzing ectocervical biopsy tissue from women before and after they initiated use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), we previously reported this progestin reduces levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule (CCAM) desmoglein-1 and increases genital mucosal permeability. We likewise saw treating mice with 1.0 mg of DMPA reduced vaginal CCAM expression and increased genital pathogen susceptibility. Herein, we used dose-response studies to delimit DMPA doses and serum MPA levels in mice associated with impaired genital mucosal barrier function and enhanced susceptibility to low-dose herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. STUDY DESIGN We compared genital CCAM expression, genital mucosal permeability, and susceptibility to genital inoculation with 103 plaque-forming units of HSV-2 among mice in estrus vs. after treatment with 0.01 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.3 mg, or 1.0 mg of DMPA. RESULTS Compared to mice in estrus, DMPA treatment in a dose-dependent fashion significantly reduced desmoglein 1α (Dsg1a) and desmocollin-1 (Dsc1) gene expression, reduced DSG1 protein levels, and increased genital mucosal permeability to a low molecular weight molecule. While no mice infected with HSV-2 in estrus died, we respectively saw 50% and 100% mortality in mice administered 0.1 mg or 0.3 mg of DMPA. At time of infection, mean serum MPA levels in mice administered the 0.1 mg or 0.3 mg doses were 3.8 nM and 13.0 nM respectively (values comparable to trough and peak MPA serum levels in women using DMPA). CONCLUSIONS Mice with pharmacologically relevant serum MPA concentrations display significant changes in genital CCAM expression, genital mucosal barrier function, and HSV-2 susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirk E Quispe Calla
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Rodolfo D Vicetti Miguel
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Kristen M Aceves
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford, California, USA
| | - Angelo Torres
- Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Thomas L Cherpes
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford, California, USA
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32
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Gollub EL, Jones HE, Ralph LJ, van de Wijgert JHHM, Padian N, Stein Z. The Need for Policy Change Regarding Progestin-Only Injectable Contraceptives. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2018; 28:1180-1184. [PMID: 30576259 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Gollub
- Health Science Program, College of Health Professions, Pace University, Pleasantville, New York
| | - Heidi E Jones
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Lauren J Ralph
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Janneke H H M van de Wijgert
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Padian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Zena Stein
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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