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Ayehunie S, Landry T, Armento A. Vaginal irritation testing-prospects of human organotypic vaginal tissue culture models. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024:10.1007/s11626-024-00907-1. [PMID: 38995526 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Personal lubricants intended for local or systemic delivery via the vaginal route can induce vaginal irritation, damage the vaginal epithelial barrier which can enhance microbial entry, induce inflammation, and alter the microbiome of the vaginal ecosystem. Therefore, manufacturers of personal lubricants and medical devices are required to show biocompatibility and safety assessment data to support regulatory decision-making within a specified context of use. Furthermore, due to ethical concerns and the introduction of the 7th amendment of the European Council Directive which bans animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and products coupled with the Food and Drug Administration modernization Act 2.0 guidelines, there is a wave of drive to develop alternative test methods to predict human responses to chemical or formulation exposure. In this framework, there is a potential to use three-dimensional organotypic human vaginal-ectocervical tissue models as a screening tool to predict the vaginal irritation potential of personal lubricants and medicaments. To be physiologically relevant, the in vitro tissue models need to be reconstructed using primary epithelial cells of the specific organ or tissue and produce organ-like structure and functionality that recapitulate the in vivo-like responses. Through the years, progress has been made and vaginal tissue models are manufactured under controlled conditions with a specified performance criterion, which leads to a high level of reproducibility and reliability. The utility of vaginal tissue models has been accelerated in the last 20 years with an expanded portfolio of applications ranging from toxicity, inflammation, infection to drug safety, and efficacy studies. This article provides an overview of the state of the art of diversified applications of reconstructed vaginal tissue models and highlights their utility as a tool to predict vaginal irritation potential of feminine care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Ayehunie
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA.
| | - Timothy Landry
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA
| | - Alex Armento
- MatTek Corporation, 200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA, 01721, USA
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Buchanan LM, Domingo MJ, White SE, Vanoven TN, Karbasion N, Bersi MR, Pence IJ, Florian-Rodriguez M, Miller KS. Advances in vaginal bioengineering: Applications, techniques, and needs. Curr Res Physiol 2023; 6:100111. [PMID: 38107786 PMCID: PMC10724214 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2023.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lily M. Buchanan
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Mari J.E. Domingo
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Shelby E. White
- Tulane University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 6823 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Triniti N. Vanoven
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Niyousha Karbasion
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Matthew R. Bersi
- Washington University at St. Louis, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Isaac J. Pence
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Maria Florian-Rodriguez
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kristin S. Miller
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 800 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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Advanced Solid Formulations For Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Pharm Res 2023; 40:593-610. [PMID: 36451068 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an opportunistic and endogenous infection caused by a fungus of the Candida genus, which can cause pruritus, dysuria, vulvar edema, fissures and maceration of the vulva. The treatment of vaginal candidiasis is carried out mainly by antifungal agents of azole and polyene classes; however, fungal resistance cases have been often observed. For this reason, new therapeutic agents such as essential oils, probiotics and antimicrobial peptides are being investigated, which can be combined with conventional drugs. Local administration of antimicrobials has also been considered to allow greater control of drug delivery and reduce or avoid undesirable systemic adverse effects. Conventional dosage forms such as creams and ointments result in reduced residence time in the mucosa and non-sustained and variable drug delivery. Therefore, advanced solid formulations such as intravaginal rings, vaginal films, sponges and nanofibers have been purposed. In these systems, polymers in different ratios are combined aiming to achieve a specific drug release profile and high mucoadhesion. Overall, a more porous matrix structure leads to a higher rate of drug release and mucoadhesion. The advantages, limitations and technological aspects of each dosage form are discussed in detail in this review.
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Mahajan G, Doherty E, To T, Sutherland A, Grant J, Junaid A, Gulati A, LoGrande N, Izadifar Z, Timilsina SS, Horváth V, Plebani R, France M, Hood-Pishchany I, Rakoff-Nahoum S, Kwon DS, Goyal G, Prantil-Baun R, Ravel J, Ingber DE. Vaginal microbiome-host interactions modeled in a human vagina-on-a-chip. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:201. [PMID: 36434666 PMCID: PMC9701078 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A dominance of non-iners Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome is optimal and strongly associated with gynecological and obstetric health, while the presence of diverse obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria and a paucity in Lactobacillus species, similar to communities found in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is considered non-optimal and associated with adverse health outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are being explored to modulate the composition of the vaginal microbiome; however, there is no human model that faithfully reproduces the vaginal epithelial microenvironment for preclinical validation of potential therapeutics or testing hypotheses about vaginal epithelium-microbiome interactions. RESULTS Here, we describe an organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic culture model of the human vaginal mucosa (vagina chip) that is lined by hormone-sensitive, primary vaginal epithelium interfaced with underlying stromal fibroblasts, which sustains a low physiological oxygen concentration in the epithelial lumen. We show that the Vagina Chip can be used to assess colonization by optimal L. crispatus consortia as well as non-optimal Gardnerella vaginalis-containing consortia, and to measure associated host innate immune responses. Co-culture and growth of the L. crispatus consortia on-chip was accompanied by maintenance of epithelial cell viability, accumulation of D- and L-lactic acid, maintenance of a physiologically relevant low pH, and down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, co-culture of G. vaginalis-containing consortia in the vagina chip resulted in epithelial cell injury, a rise in pH, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of applying human organ chip technology to create a preclinical model of the human vaginal mucosa that can be used to better understand interactions between the vaginal microbiome and host tissues, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live biotherapeutics products. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Emulate, Inc, 27 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Erin Doherty
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tania To
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arlene Sutherland
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Grant
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abidemi Junaid
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aakanksha Gulati
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nina LoGrande
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma Timilsina
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Viktor Horváth
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Center on Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Indriati Hood-Pishchany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Girija Goyal
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Jøraholmen MW, Damdimopoulou P, Acharya G, Škalko-Basnet N. Toxicity Assessment of Resveratrol Liposomes-in-Hydrogel Delivery System by EpiVaginal TM Tissue Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061295. [PMID: 35745867 PMCID: PMC9231258 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural polyphenol resveratrol (RES) has shown great potential as an antimicrobial, including against microbes associated with vaginal infections. To fully exploit the activities of RES, an all-natural ingredients formulation for RES delivery at vaginal site has been developed, namely liposomes loaded with RES, incorporated into a chitosan hydrogel as secondary vehicle. Although considered non-toxic and safe on their own, the compatibility of the final formulation must be evaluated for its biocompatibility and non-irritancy to the vaginal mucosa. As a preclinical safety assessment, the impact of RES formulation on the tissue viability, the effect on barrier function and cell monolayer integrity, and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the cell-based vaginal tissue model, the EpiVaginal™ tissue. RES liposomes-in-hydrogel formulations neither affected the mitochondrial activity, nor the integrity of the cell monolayer in RES concentration up to 60 µg/mL. Moreover, the barrier function was maintained to a greater extent by RES in formulation, emphasizing the benefits of the delivery system. Additionally, none of the tested formulations expressed an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity compared to the non-treated tissues. The evaluation of the RES delivery system suggests that it is non-irritant and biocompatible with vaginal tissue in vitro in the RES concentrations considered as therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Wenche Jøraholmen
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-776-23376
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (G.A.)
- Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of North Norway, Sykehusveien 38, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nataša Škalko-Basnet
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Universitetsveien 57, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
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Shafaat S, Mangir N, Chapple C, MacNeil S, Hearnden V. A physiologically relevant, estradiol‐17β [E2]‐responsive in vitro tissue‐engineered model of the vaginal epithelium for vaginal tissue research. Neurourol Urodyn 2022; 41:905-917. [PMID: 35312089 PMCID: PMC9313856 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims There are many situations where preclinical models of the human vagina would be valuable for in vitro studies into the pathophysiology of vaginally transmitted diseases, microbicide efficacy, irritability testing, and particularly, for assessing materials to be inserted in the vagina for support of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study is to develop a physiologically relevant, low cost, and ethically suitable model of the vagina using sheep vaginal tissue (SVT) to reduce the need for animal testing in gynecological research. Methods Tissue‐engineered (TE) vaginal models were developed by culturing primary vaginal epithelial cells and vaginal fibroblasts, isolated from the native SVTs on decellularized sheep vaginal matrices at an air–liquid interface. Morphological analyses of the models were conducted by performing hematoxylin and eosin staining and further characterization was done by immunohistofluorescence (IHF) of structural proteins and cytokeratins. Results Histological analysis of the models revealed a gradual formation of a stratified epithelium on our decellularized matrices and cell metabolic activity remained high for 21 days as measured by the resazurin assay. Our models showed a dose‐dependent response to estradiol‐17β [E2] with an increase in the vaginal epithelium thickness and cellular proliferation under higher E2 concentrations (100–400 pg/ml). The physiological relevance of these results was confirmed by the IHF analysis of Ki67, and cytokeratins 10 and 19 expression. Conclusion In this study, we have developed an estradiol‐responsive TE vaginal model that closely mimics the structural and physiological properties of the native SVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shafaat
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Naside Mangir
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine Hacettepe University Ankara Turkey
| | - Christopher Chapple
- Department of Urology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital Urology Clinic Sheffield UK
| | - Sheila MacNeil
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Vanessa Hearnden
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kroto Research Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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Enggi CK, Isa HT, Sulistiawati S, Ardika KAR, Wijaya S, Asri RM, Mardikasari SA, Donnelly RF, Permana AD. Development of thermosensitive and mucoadhesive gels of cabotegravir for enhanced permeation and retention profiles in vaginal tissue: A proof of concept study. Int J Pharm 2021; 609:121182. [PMID: 34648879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As an effective anti-HIV drug, cabotegravir (CAB) is currently administered via oral and injection routes, leading to several drawbacks, such as poor oral bioavailability and problems in the injection application process, as well as low drug concentration in vaginal tissue of woman patients. To overcome these issues, for the first time, we formulated CAB into three types of vaginal gels, considering the benefits of vaginal tissue as a delivery route. Thermosensitive gel, mucoadhesive gel, and the combination of these gels were developed as suitable carriers for CAB. Pluronics®, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Carbomer and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 400 were used as thermosensitive, mucoadhesive and permeation enhancer agents, respectively. The gels were evaluated for their thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties, as well as their pH values, viscosities, gel erosions, drug content recovery, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, ex vivo retention, hemolytic activities, Lactobacillus inhibition activities and in vivo irritation properties. The results showed that all formulations showed desired characteristics for vaginal administration. Importantly, all formulations did not show hemolytic activities and inhibitions to Lactobacillus as normal bacteria in the vagina. Furthermore, no irritation in the vaginal tissues of the rats was observed by histopathological studies. Considering the thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties, the combination of Pluronic® F127, Pluronic F68, and HPMC in thermosensitive-mucoadhesive vaginal gels was selected as the optimum dosage form for CAB as this formulation was able to provide ease administration due to its liquid form at room temperature. The use of PEG in this formulation was able to increase the penetrability of CAB through vaginal tissue with 0.61 ± 0.05 mg and 17.28 ± 0.95 mg of CAB being able to penetrate and localize in the vagina, respectively. Essentially, the optimum formulation was retained in the vaginal mucosa for>8 h. To conclude, further extensive in vivo studies should now be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stevens Wijaya
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Andi Dian Permana
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia.
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Genitourinary Tissue Engineering: Reconstruction and Research Models. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8070099. [PMID: 34356206 PMCID: PMC8301202 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8070099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is an emerging field of research that initially aimed to produce 3D tissues to bypass the lack of adequate tissues for the repair or replacement of deficient organs. The basis of tissue engineering protocols is to create scaffolds, which can have a synthetic or natural origin, seeded or not with cells. At the same time, more and more studies have indicated the low clinic translation rate of research realised using standard cell culture conditions, i.e., cells on plastic surfaces or using animal models that are too different from humans. New models are needed to mimic the 3D organisation of tissue and the cells themselves and the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix. In this regard, urology and gynaecology fields are of particular interest. The urethra and vagina can be sites suffering from many pathologies without currently adequate treatment options. Due to the specific organisation of the human urethral/bladder and vaginal epithelium, current research models remain poorly representative. In this review, the anatomy, the current pathologies, and the treatments will be described before focusing on producing tissues and research models using tissue engineering. An emphasis is made on the self-assembly approach, which allows tissue production without the need for biomaterials.
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McCracken JM, Calderon GA, Robinson AJ, Sullivan CN, Cosgriff-Hernandez E, Hakim JCE. Animal Models and Alternatives in Vaginal Research: a Comparative Review. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1759-1773. [PMID: 33825165 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00529-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While developments in gynecologic health research continue advancing, relatively few groups specifically focus on vaginal tissue research for areas like wound healing, device development, and/or drug toxicity. Currently, there is no standardized animal or tissue model that mimics the full complexity of the human vagina. Certain practical factors such as appropriate size and anatomy, costs, and tissue environment vary across species and moreover fail to emulate all aspects of the human vagina. Thus, investigators are tasked with compromising specific properties of the vaginal environment as it relates to human physiology to suit their particular scientific question. Our review aims to facilitate the appropriate selection of a model aptly addressing a particular study by discussing pertinent vaginal characteristics of conventional animal and tissue models. In this review, we first cover common laboratory animals studied in vaginal research-mouse, rat, rabbit, minipig, and sheep-as well as human, with respect to the estrus cycle and related hormones, basic reproductive anatomy, the composition of vaginal layers, developmental epithelial origin, and microflora. In light of these relevant comparative metrics, we discuss potential selection criteria for choosing an appropriate animal vaginal model. Finally, we allude to the exciting prospects of increasing biomimicry for in vitro applications to provide a framework for investigators to model, interpret, and predict human vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M McCracken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gisele A Calderon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew J Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Courtney N Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Julie C E Hakim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Saba I, Barat C, Chabaud S, Reyjon N, Leclerc M, Jakubowska W, Orabi H, Lachhab A, Pelletier M, Tremblay MJ, Bolduc S. Immunocompetent Human 3D Organ-Specific Hormone-Responding Vaginal Mucosa Model of HIV-1 Infection. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:152-166. [PMID: 33573474 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of appropriate experimental models often limits our ability to investigate the establishment of infections in specific tissues. To reproduce the structural and spatial organization of vaginal mucosae to study human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection, we used the self-assembly technique to bioengineer tridimensional vaginal mucosae using human cells extracted from HIV-1-negative healthy pre- and postmenopausal donors. We produced a stroma, free of exogenous material, that can be adapted to generate near-to-native vaginal tissue with the best complexity obtained with seeded epithelial cells on the organ-specific stroma. The autologous engineered tissues had mechanical properties close to native mucosa and shared similar glycogen production, which declined in reconstructed tissues of the postmenopausal donor. The in vitro-engineered tissues were also rendered immune competent by adding human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) on the epithelium or in the stroma layers. The model was infected with HIV-1, and viral replication and transcytosis were observed when immunocompetent reconstructed vaginal mucosa tissue has incorporated MDMs into the stroma and infected with free HIV-1 green fluorescent protein (GFP) viral particles. These data illustrate a natural permissiveness of immunocompetent untransformed human vaginal mucosae to HIV-1 infection. This model offers a physiological tool to explore viral load, HIV-1 transmission in an environment that may contribute to the virus propagation, and new antiviral treatments in vitro. Impact statement This study introduces an innovative immunocompetent three-dimensional human organ-specific vaginal mucosa free of exogenous material for in vitro modeling of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. The proposed model is histologically close to native tissue, especially by presenting glycogen accumulation in the epithelium's superficial cells, responsive to estrogen, and able to sustain a monocyte-derived macrophage population infected or not by HIV-1 during ∼2 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Saba
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Corinne Barat
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Nolan Reyjon
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Maude Leclerc
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Weronika Jakubowska
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Hazem Orabi
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada
| | - Asmaa Lachhab
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Michel J Tremblay
- Infectious and Immune Diseases, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- Centre de Recherche en Organogenèse Expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Québec City, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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Ilomuanya MO, Hameedat AT, Akang EN, Ekama SO, Silva BO, Akanmu AS. Development and evaluation of mucoadhesive bigel containing tenofovir and maraviroc for HIV prophylaxis. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020; 6:81. [PMID: 33241057 PMCID: PMC7678373 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-020-00093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual transmission of HIV is the most common means of acquiring the disease. Topical microbicides have been investigated to prevent transmission. This study will use a specific entry inhibitor, maraviroc, and a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), tenofovir, a dual combination which will provide a synergist effect that can enhance the efficacy of HIV microbicides via a mucoadhesive dual compartment bigel. Bigel formulation via hydrogel organogel linkages were developed and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, safety, and anti-HIV efficacy. In vitro diffusion studies were performed with Franz diffusion cells having effective diffusion surface area of 1.76cm2 and receiver chamber volume of 15mL. RESULT The bigel formulations showed a viscosity ranging from 14179 to 14560 cPs and had a good spreadability and acidic pH in the range of 4.0 ± 0.34 to 5.2 ± 0.18. The bigel formulations showed good anti-HIV activity at a concentration of 0.1 μg/mL. The in vitro release study of maraviroc from the bigel formulations showed a release rate ranging from 2.675 to 3.838 μg/cm2/min½ while the release rate for tenofovir ranged from 3.475 to 3.825 μg/cm2/min½. The bigel formulations were non-toxic to the human vagina as there was < 1 log10 change in Lactobacilli crispatus viability. CONCLUSION This study successfully developed a dual compartment bigel containing maraviroc and tenofovir. BG C was found to be stable and safe towards vaginal and rectal epithelium, and it actively prevented HIV transmission. This bigel has the potential for long-term pre-exposure prophylaxis prevention of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret O. Ilomuanya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, 10065 USA
| | - Ayotunde T. Hameedat
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Edidiong N Akang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sabdat O. Ekama
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Division, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, P.M.B. 2013 Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Boladale O. Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Alani S Akanmu
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria
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12
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Wilkinson EM, Łaniewski P, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Brotman RM. Personal and Clinical Vaginal Lubricants: Impact on Local Vaginal Microenvironment and Implications for Epithelial Cell Host Response and Barrier Function. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:2009-2018. [PMID: 31539059 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A majority of US women report past use of vaginal lubricants to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activities. Lubricants are also administered frequently in clinical practice. We sought to investigate if hyperosmolar lubricants are toxic to the vaginal mucosal epithelia. METHODS We tested a panel of commercially available lubricants across a range of osmolalities in human monolayer vaginal epithelial cell (VEC) culture and a robust 3-dimensional (3-D) VEC model. The impact of each lubricant on cellular morphology, cytotoxicity, barrier targets, and the induction of inflammatory mediators was examined. Conceptrol, containing nonoxynol-9, was used as a cytotoxicity control. RESULTS We observed a loss of intercellular connections, and condensation of chromatin, with increasing lubricant osmolality. EZ Jelly, K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, and Conceptrol induced cytotoxicity in both models at 24 hours. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.7326) between lubricant osmolality and cytotoxicity in monolayer VECs, and cell viability was reduced in VECs exposed to all the lubricants tested for 24 hours, except McKesson. Notably, select lubricants altered cell viability, barrier targets, and inflammatory mediators in 3-D VECs. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that hyperosmolar lubricants alter VEC morphology and are selectively cytotoxic, inflammatory, and barrier disrupting in the 3-D VEC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Wilkinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Paweł Łaniewski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Baltimore
| | - Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Baltimore
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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13
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Xia M, Yang M, Wang Y, Tian F, Hu J, Yang W, Tao S, Lu L, Ding X, Jiang S, Li W. dl-Mandelic acid exhibits high sperm-immobilizing activity and low vaginal irritation: A potential non-surfactant spermicide for contraception. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110104. [PMID: 32224371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
dl-Mandelic acid (MA), an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, has been widely used as an intermediate of pharmaceutical and fine chemicals. Here, we evaluated the sperm-immobilizing activity of MA and its safety profiles. Spermatozoon motility was assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis, the integrity of the plasma membrane and. mitochondrial potential was assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-pisum sativum agglutinin and JC-1, respectively. The local tolerance of the MA-containing gel formulation was evaluated using a rabbit vaginal irritation test. We found that MA inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration-dependent manner. Within 20 s, MA-induced spermatozoa immobilization occurred with a minimum effective concentration and a median effective concentration of 0.86 and 0.54 mg/mL, respectively. Plasma membrane disruptions of MA-treated spermatozoa were relatively mild, but mitochondrial depolarization occurred. Histopathological examination showed that MA exposure did not exert obvious effects on the integrity of spermatozoa membrane structures and only caused slight irritation to the rabbit vaginal epithelium. The vaginal irritation scores of the vehicle control and the nonoxynol -9 gel control groups were 1.38 ± 0.65 and 7.88 ± 1.67, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas those of the MA gel groups at 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL were 1.69 ± 1.04, 2.98 ± 0.77, and 4.35 ± 1.04 with p values of >0.05, >0.05, and <0.05 (vs. vehicle control), respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). Therefore, our results confirmed that MA exhibited significant sperm-immobilizing effects and caused mild plasma membrane injury, suggesting that it has potential for development as a future non-surfactant spermicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shimin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuncheng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 130 Dong An Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China; Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Health Commission (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Mahjabeen S, Hatipoglu MK, Kosanke SD, Garcia-Contreras D, Benbrook DM, Garcia-Contreras L. Vaginal Suppositories Containing SHetA2 to Treat Cervical Dysplasia: Pharmacokinetics of Daily Doses and Preliminary Safety Profile. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:2000-2008. [PMID: 32113976 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
SHetA2 is a new drug with potential to treat cervical dysplasia, but only 0.02% of the dose is absorbed into the cervix after oral administration. By contrast, 23.9% of the dose is absorbed into the cervix after vaginal administration. This study determines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters after daily vaginal doses of SHetA2 in suppositories and assesses its safety. Daily dosed mice maintained therapeutic concentrations of SHetA2 in the cervix for 65 h. The steady-state area under the curve concentration versus time (AUCcervix) after the last dose was similar to that after a single dose indicating that there was no drug accumulation in the cervix. By contrast, the maximum drug concentration (Cmax-cervix) was smaller in the daily dosed group (52.19 μg/g) than after a single dose (121.84 μg/g), whereas the half-life (t1/2-cervix) was also shorter in the daily dosed group (9.94 h) than after a single dose (23.32 h). Notably, daily vaginal doses of SHetA2 reduced the levels of cyclin D1 (the pharmacodynamic endpoint) to a larger extent (∼45%) than after the administration of a single dose (∼26%). No adverse effects were observed in the mice for the duration of the study; thus, daily vaginal doses of SHetA2 appear to be safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjida Mahjabeen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Manolya Kukut Hatipoglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104; Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Stanley D Kosanke
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | | | - Doris M Benbrook
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104
| | - Lucila Garcia-Contreras
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104.
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15
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Costin GE, Hill E, Brown J, Clippinger AJ. Qualification of a non-animal vaginal irritation method admitted as nonclinical assessment model (NAM) in the Incubator Phase of the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) Medical Devices Development Tool (MDDT). Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 62:104680. [PMID: 31626901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) classifies personal lubricants as Class II medical devices. Because of this status and the nature of body contact common to personal lubricants, CDRH reviewers routinely recommend a standard biocompatibility testing battery that includes: an in vivo rabbit vaginal irritation (RVI) test; an in vivo skin sensitization test, such as the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT); and an in vivo acute systemic toxicity test using mice or rabbits. These tests are conducted using live animals, despite the availability of in vitro and other non-animal test methods that may be suitable replacements. The only test included in the biocompatibility battery currently conducted using in vitro assay(s) is cytotoxicity. FDA's recently launched Predictive Toxicology Roadmap calls for the optimization of non-animal methods for the safety evaluation of drugs, consumer products and medical devices. In line with these goals, a Consortium comprising the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), industry, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), and the PETA International Science Consortium (PETA-ISC) is qualifying the use of an in vitro testing method as replacement for the RVI test. Participating companies include manufacturers of personal lubricants and those interested in the advancement of non-animal approaches working collaboratively with the FDA CDRH to develop an in vitro testing approach that could be used in place of the RVI in pre-market submissions. Personal lubricants and vaginal moisturizers with diverse chemical and physical properties (e.g., formulation, viscosity, pH, and osmolality) in their final undiluted form will be the focus of the program. In vitro vaginal irritation data generated using commercially available human reconstructed vaginal tissue model(s) will be paired with existing in vivo RVI data and analyzed to develop a Prediction Model for the safety assessment of these products. This research plan has been accepted into the FDA CDRH Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT) program as a potential non-clinical assessment model (NAM). The proposed NAM aligns with the goals of the recently launched FDA Roadmap to integrate predictive toxicology methods into safety and risk assessment with the potential to replace or reduce the use of animal testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- G-E Costin
- Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - E Hill
- Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc. (IIVS), Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - J Brown
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
| | - A J Clippinger
- PETA International Science Consortium Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
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16
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Optimization and Application of In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models for Vaginal Semisolids Safety Evaluation. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3289-3301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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17
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Campos R, Bittencourt SF, Rojas-Moscoso JA, Pissinatti L, Chen LS, Porto M, Moreno RA, Mendes GD, De Nucci G. The rabbit vagina as an in vivo model for vaginal fenticonazole permeability and toxicity. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2018; 94:14-18. [PMID: 29630936 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaginal route is often used in topical antifungal formulations. Vaginal permeability assays are generally performed as in vitro tests. METHOD An in vivo vaginal permeability assay was developed using female rabbits. Fenticonazole permeability was evaluated by assessing fenticonazole bioavailability in plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Toxicity was monitored histopathologically after 8 consecutive days of antifungal treatment (20 mg/animal). RESULTS The method of quantification was linear with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of (0.1 ng/mL). The area-under-the-curves (AUC) of fenticonazole on day 1 and 8 of treatment were 280.3 ± 86.1 ng/mL ∗ h and 805.7 ± 252.4 ng/mL ∗ h, respectively. The calculated systemic bioavailability was 12.73% ± 0.14%. No signs of toxicity were observed both macroscopically and histologically after 8 days fenticonazole treatment. DISCUSSION The plasma levels of fenticonazole observed in rabbits are similar to that observed in human. Rabbit vagina may be a suitable model to evaluate vaginal antifungal formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Samara F Bittencourt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Galeno Research Unit, Latino Coelho St., 1301, Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio Alejandro Rojas-Moscoso
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lorenzo Pissinatti
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lu Shi Chen
- Galeno Research Unit, Latino Coelho St., 1301, Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcovan Porto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ronilson Agnaldo Moreno
- Galeno Research Unit, Latino Coelho St., 1301, Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo D Mendes
- Galeno Research Unit, Latino Coelho St., 1301, Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, São Leopoldo Mandic, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Brazil University, Fernandópolis, Brazil
| | - Gilberto De Nucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Galeno Research Unit, Latino Coelho St., 1301, Parque Taquaral, 13087-010 Campinas, SP, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, São Leopoldo Mandic, São Paulo, Brazil.
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18
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Chen Y, Traore YL, Yang S, Lajoie J, Fowke KR, Rickey DW, Ho EA. Implant delivering hydroxychloroquine attenuates vaginal T lymphocyte activation and inflammation. J Control Release 2018; 277:102-113. [PMID: 29545105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that women who are naturally resistant to HIV infection exhibit low baseline immune activation at the female genital tract (FGT). This "immune quiescent" state is associated with lower expression of T-cell activation markers, reduced levels of gene transcription and pro-inflammatory cytokine or chemokine production involved in HIV infection while maintaining an intact immune response against pathogens. Therefore, if this unique immune quiescent state can be pharmacologically induced locally, it will provide an excellent women-oriented strategy against HIV infection To our knowledge, this is the first research article evaluating in vivo, an innovative trackable implant that can provide controlled delivery of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to successfully attenuate vaginal T lymphocyte activation and inflammation in a rabbit model as a potential strategy to induce an "immune quiescent" state within the FGT for the prevention of HIV infection. This biocompatible implant can deliver HCQ above therapeutic concentrations in a controlled manner, reduce submucosal immune cell recruitment, improve mucosal epithelium integrity, decrease protein and gene expression of T-cell activation markers, and attenuate the induction of key pro-inflammatory mediators. Our results suggest that microbicides designed to maintain a low level of immune activation at the FGT may offer a promising new strategy for reducing HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Chen
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada; College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yannick L Traore
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Sidi Yang
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel W Rickey
- Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | - Emmanuel A Ho
- Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Canada.
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Yang M, Zhi R, Lu L, Dong M, Wang Y, Tian F, Xia M, Hu J, Dai Q, Jiang S, Li W. A CCR5 antagonist-based HIV entry inhibitor exhibited potent spermicidal activity: Potential application for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 117:313-320. [PMID: 29496533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
B07 is a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor that is being developed as an anti-HIV microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Here we evaluated its spermicidal and contraceptive potential, including sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and contraceptive efficacy tested in rabbits. We found that B07 inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Within 30 min, B07 induced sperm immobilization with the minimum 100% effective concentration and median effective concentration of 640.0 and 64.4 μg/mL, respectively. The hypo-osmotic swelling test showed that plasma membranes of B07-treated sperms exhibited slight disruption, as verified by electron micrographs. In both B07 gel and N-9 gel groups, not a single implantation site or embryo was observed based on the contraceptive efficacy test in rabbits, indicating that B07 could effectively block the potential of sperm to reach and/or fertilize oocytes. The safety profile of B07 in vivo was evaluated by use of an optimized rabbit vaginal irritation test. While the pathological scores of the N-9 gel group was 14.67 ± 1.21, those of the blank control and B07 gel groups were 2.17 ± 0.76 and 4.00 ± 0.89, respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). The proportion of inflammatory cells and CD45+ cells in the cervicovaginal lavages of the B07 gel group showed no significant change compared to those of the control group. Therefore, our results confirmed that B07 exhibited significant spermicidal and contraceptive effects, suggesting its potential for development as a microbicidal spermicide for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, United States.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Pathak M, Coombes AGA, Ryu B, Cabot PJ, Turner MS, Palmer C, Wang D, Steadman KJ. Sustained Simultaneous Delivery of Metronidazole and Doxycycline From Polycaprolactone Matrices Designed for Intravaginal Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. J Pharm Sci 2017; 107:863-869. [PMID: 29100864 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) intravaginal matrices were produced for local delivery of a combination of antibacterials, by rapidly cooling a mixture of drug powders dispersed in PCL solution. Matrices loaded with different combinations of metronidazole (10%, 15%, and 20% w/w) and doxycycline (10% w/w) were evaluated in vitro for release behavior and antibacterial activity. Rapid "burst release" of 8%-15% of the doxycycline content and 31%-37% of the metronidazole content occurred within 24 h when matrices were immersed in simulated vaginal fluid at 37°C. The remaining drug was extracted gradually over 14 days to a maximum of 65%-73% for doxycycline and 62%-71% for metronidazole. High levels of antibacterial activity up to 89%-91% against Gardnerella vaginalis and 84%-92% against Neisseria gonorrhoeae were recorded in vitro for release media collected on day 14, compared to "nonformulated" metronidazole and doxycycline solutions. Based on the in vitro data, the minimum levels of doxycycline and metronidazole released from PCL matrices in the form of intravaginal rings into vaginal fluid in vivo were predicted to exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations for N. gonorrhea (reported range 0.5-4.0 μg/mL) and G. vaginalis (reported range 2-12.8 μg/mL) respectively, which are 2 of the major causative agents for pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Pathak
- The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Allan G A Coombes
- The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - BoMi Ryu
- The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J Cabot
- The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Mark S Turner
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cheryn Palmer
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Department of Sexual Health, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Dongjie Wang
- The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kathryn J Steadman
- The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
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Application of standard cell cultures and 3D in vitro tissue models as an effective tool in drug design and development. Pharmacol Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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İzgü F, Bayram G, Tosun K, İzgü D. Stratum corneum lipid liposome-encapsulated panomycocin: preparation, characterization, and the determination of antimycotic efficacy against Candida spp. isolated from patients with vulvovaginitis in an in vitro human vaginal epithelium tissue model. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:5601-5611. [PMID: 28831255 PMCID: PMC5548276 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s141949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a liposomal lyophilized powder formulation of panomycocin was developed for therapeutic purposes against vulvovaginal candidiasis which affects 80% of women worldwide. Panomycocin is a potent antimycotic protein secreted by the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus NCYC 434. This study involved the preparation of panomycocin-loaded stratum corneum lipid liposomes (SCLLs), characterization of the SCLLs, and determination of antimycotic efficacy of the formulation against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata clinical vaginal isolates in a human vaginal epithelium tissue model. The encapsulation and loading efficiencies of SCLLs were 73% and 76.8%, respectively. In transmission electron microscopy images, the SCLLs appeared in the submicron size range. Dynamic light scattering analyses showed that the SCLLs had uniform size distribution. Zeta potential measurements revealed stable and positively charged SCLLs. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, no irreversible interactions between the encapsulated panomycocin and the SCLLs were detected. The SCLLs retained >98% of encapsulated panomycocin in aqueous solution up to 12 hours. The formulation was fungicidal at the same minimum fungicidal concentration values for non-formulated pure panomycocin when tested on an in vitro model of vaginal candidiasis. This is the first study in which SCLLs and a protein as an active ingredient have been utilized together in a formulation. The results obtained in this study led us to conduct further preclinical trials of this formulation for the development of an effective topical anti-candidal drug with improved safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih İzgü
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Günce Bayram
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kübra Tosun
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Demet İzgü
- Biology Department, TED Ankara College, Ankara, Turkey
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Orabi H, Saba I, Rousseau A, Bolduc S. Novel three-dimensional autologous tissue-engineered vaginal tissues using the self-assembly technique. Transl Res 2017; 180:22-36. [PMID: 27543901 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases necessitate the substitution of vaginal tissues. Current replacement therapies are associated with many complications. In this study, we aimed to create bioengineered neovaginas with the self-assembly technique using autologous vaginal epithelial (VE) and vaginal stromal (VS) cells without the use of exogenous materials and to document the survival and incorporation of these grafts into the tissues of nude female mice. Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from vaginal biopsies. Stromal cells were driven to form collagen sheets, 3 of which were superimposed to form vaginal stromas. VE cells were seeded on top of these stromas and allowed to mature in an air-liquid interface. The vaginal equivalents were implanted subcutaneously in female nude mice, which were sacrificed after 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. The in vitro and animal-retrieved equivalents were assessed using histologic, functional, and mechanical evaluations. Vaginal equivalents could be handled easily. VE cells formed a well-differentiated epithelial layer with a continuous basement membrane. The equivalent matrix was composed of collagen I and III and elastin. The epithelium, basement membrane, and stroma were comparable to those of native vaginal tissues. The implanted equivalents formed mature vaginal epithelium and matrix that were integrated into the mice tissues. Using the self-assembly technique, in vitro vaginal tissues were created with many functional and biological similarities to native vagina without any foreign material. They formed functional vaginal tissues after in vivo animal implantation. It is appropriate for vaginal substitution and disease modeling for infectious studies, vaginal applicants, and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Orabi
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Urology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ingrid Saba
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Rousseau
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- Centre de recherche en organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Faculté de médecine, Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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Ishii A, Ogawa B, Koyama T, Nakanishi Y, Sasaki M. Influence of the estrus cycle on the evaluation of a vaginal irritation study in intact and ovariectomized rats. J Toxicol Pathol 2017; 30:161-168. [PMID: 28458454 PMCID: PMC5406595 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2016-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
When conducting vaginal irritation studies, ovariectomized rats or rabbits are typically used according to practical reports. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of the estrus cycle in a vaginal irritation study using intact rats and ovariectomized rats, which exhibit a late diestrus-like condition, to determine whether intact rats can be useful for evaluating vaginal irritancy. Rats were divided into 4 groups: proestrus, estrus, and metestrus or diestrus in intact rats and ovariectomized rats. All the rats in each group were treated with a vehicle or sodium dodecyl sulfate, as the irritant, in single-dose and 4-day repeat-dose vaginal irritation studies. Each rat’s vagina was examined histopathologically, and the irritation score was calculated using a semiquantitative scoring system. In the single-dose study, the irritation scores for the proestrus or ovariectomized groups treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate were higher than those of the estrus group or metestrus or diestrus group. In the 4-day repeat-dose study, a significant histopathological difference was not found among the intact rats (proestrus, estrus, and metestrus or diestrus groups), and the irritation score range of the intact rats was similar to that of the ovariectomized rats, though the mean score of the intact rats was slightly lower than that of the ovariectomized rats. These results suggest that intact rats might be well suited for 4-day vaginal irritation studies and useful for evaluating vaginal irritancy using not only the mean score, but also individual irritation score ranges, whereas the estrus cycle would need to be identified in single-dose vaginal irritation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Ishii
- Drug Safety, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Bunichiro Ogawa
- Drug Safety, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Tomoko Koyama
- Drug Safety, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yutaka Nakanishi
- Drug Safety, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Minoru Sasaki
- Drug Safety, Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
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Kim S, Chen Y, Ho EA, Liu S. Reversibly pH-responsive polyurethane membranes for on-demand intravaginal drug delivery. Acta Biomater 2017; 47:100-112. [PMID: 27717914 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To provide better protection for women against sexually transmitted infections, on-demand intravaginal drug delivery was attempted by synthesizing reversibly pH-sensitive polyether-polyurethane copolymers using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine (HEP). Chemical structure and thermo-characteristics of the synthesized polyurethanes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and melting point testing. Membranes were cast by solvent evaporation method using the prepared pH-sensitive polyurethanes. The impact of varying pH on membrane swelling and surface morphology was evaluated via swelling ratio change and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared pH-responsive membranes showed two times higher swelling ratio at pH 4 than pH 7 and pH-triggered switchable surface morphology change. The anionic anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (NaDF) was used as a model compound for release studies. The prepared pH-responsive polyurethane membranes allowed continuous NaDF release for 24h and around 20% release of total NaDF within 3h at pH 7 but little-to-no drug release at pH 4.5. NaDF permeation across the prepared membranes demonstrated a reversible pH-responsiveness. The pH-responsive polyurethane membranes did not show any noticeable negative impact on vaginal epithelial cell viability or induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to controls. Overall, the non-cytotoxic HEP-based pH-responsive polyurethane demonstrated its potential to be used in membrane-based implants such as intravaginal rings to achieve on-demand "on-and-off" intravaginal drug delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A reversible and sharp switch between "off" and "on" drug release is achieved for the first time through new pH-sensitive polyurethane membranes, which can serve as window membranes in reservoir-type intravaginal rings for on-demand drug delivery to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Close to zero drug release occurs at the normal vaginal pH (4.5) for minimal side effects. Drug release is only triggered by elevation of pH to 7 during heterosexual intercourse. The reversibly sharp and fast "on-and-off" switch arises from the creative incorporation of a pH-sensitive monomer in the soft segment of polyurethane. This polyurethane biomaterial holds great potential to better protect women who are generally at higher risk and are more vulnerable to STIs.
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Kavitha Sankar PC, Ramakrishnan R, Rosemary MJ. Biological evaluation of nanosilver incorporated cellulose pulp for hygiene products. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 61:631-7. [PMID: 26838891 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cellulose pulp has a visible market share in personal hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and baby diapers. However it offers good surface for growth of microorganisms. Huge amount of research is going on in developing hygiene products that do not initiate microbial growth. The objective of the present work is to produce antibacterial cellulose pulp by depositing silver nanopowder on the cellulose fiber. The silver nanoparticles used were of less than 100 nm in size and were characterised using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction studies. Antibacterial activity of the functionalized cellulose pulp was proved by JIS L 1902 method. The in-vitro cytotoxicity, in-vivo vaginal irritation and intracutaneous reactivity studies were done with silver nanopowder incorporated cellulose pulp for introducing a new value added product to the market. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that the silver nanoparticle incorporated cellulose pulp is non-cytotoxic. No irritation and skin sensitization were identified in animals tested with specific extracts prepared from the test material in the in-vivo experiments. The results indicated that the silver nanopowder incorporated cellulose pulp meets the requirements of the standard practices recommended for evaluating the biological reactivity and has good biocompatibility, hence can be classified as a safe hygiene product.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Kavitha Sankar
- Corporate R & D Centre, HLL Lifecare Ltd., Akkulam, Sreekariyam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, Kerala, India
| | - Reshmi Ramakrishnan
- Corporate R & D Centre, HLL Lifecare Ltd., Akkulam, Sreekariyam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, Kerala, India
| | - M J Rosemary
- Corporate R & D Centre, HLL Lifecare Ltd., Akkulam, Sreekariyam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, Kerala, India.
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27
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Studies and methodologies on vaginal drug permeation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 92:14-26. [PMID: 25689736 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The vagina stands as an important alternative to the oral route for those systemic drugs that are poorly absorbed orally or are rapidly metabolized by the liver. Drug permeation through the vaginal tissue can be estimated by using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. The latter ones, although more realistic, assume ethical and biological limitations due to animal handling. Therefore, in vitro and ex vivo models have been developed to predict drug absorption through the vagina while allowing for simultaneous toxicity and pathogenesis studies. This review focuses on available methodologies to study vaginal drug permeation discussing their advantages and drawbacks. The technical complexity, costs and the ethical issues of an available model, along with its accuracy and reproducibility will determine if it is valid and applicable. Therefore every model shall be evaluated, validated and standardized in order to allow for extrapolations and results presumption, and so improving vaginal drug research and stressing its benefits.
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Sánchez-Rodríguez J, Serramía MJ, Gómez R, De La Mata FJ, Jiménez JL, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ. Triple combination of carbosilane dendrimers, tenofovir and maraviroc as potential microbicide to prevent HIV-1 sexual transmission. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:899-914. [PMID: 25867856 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To research the synergistic activity by triple combinations of carbosilane dendrimers with tenofovir and maraviroc as topical microbicide. METHODS Cytotoxicity, anti-HIV-1 activity, vaginal irritation and histological analysis of triple combinations were determined. Analysis of combined effects and the median effective concentration were performed using CalcuSyn software. RESULTS Combinations showed a greater broad-spectrum anti-HIV-1 activity than the single-drug, and preserved this activity in acid environment or seminal fluid. The strongest combinations were G2-STE16/G2-S24P/tenofovir, G2-STE16/G2-S16/maraviroc and G2-STE16/tenofovir/maraviroc at 2:2:1, 10:10:1 10:5:1 ratios, respectively. They demonstrated strong synergistic activity profile due to the weighted average combination indices varied between 0.06 and 0.38. No irritation was detected in female BALB/c mice. CONCLUSION The three-drug combination increases their antiviral potency and act synergistically as potential microbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Spanish HIV-HGM Biobank, Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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Fichorova RN, Mendonca K, Yamamoto HS, Murray R, Chandra N, Doncel GF. A quantitative multiplex nuclease protection assay reveals immunotoxicity gene expression profiles in the rabbit model for vaginal drug safety evaluation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 285:198-206. [PMID: 25818602 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Any vaginal product that alters the mucosal environment and impairs the immune barrier increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV infection, which thrives on mucosal damage and inflammation. The FDA-recommended rabbit vaginal irritation (RVI) model serves as a first line selection tool for vaginal products; however, for decades it has been limited to histopathology scoring, insufficient to select safe anti-HIV microbicides. In this study we incorporate to the RVI model a novel quantitative nuclease protection assay (qNPA) to quantify mRNA levels of 25 genes representing leukocyte differentiation markers, toll-like receptors (TLR), cytokines, chemokines, epithelial repair, microbicidal and vascular markers, by designing two multiplex arrays. Tissue sections were obtained from 36 rabbits (6 per treatment arm) after 14 daily applications of a placebo gel, saline, 4% nonoxynol-9 (N-9), and three combinations of the anti-HIV microbicides tenofovir (TFV) and UC781 in escalating concentrations (highest: 10% TFV+2.5%UC781). Results showed that increased expression levels of toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, interleukin (IL)-1β, CXCL8, epithelial membrane protein (EMP)-1 (P<0.05), and decreased levels of TLR2 (P<0.05), TLR3 and bactericidal permeability increasing protein (BPI) (P<0.001) were associated with cervicovaginal mucosal alteration (histopathology). Seven markers showed a significant linear trend predicting epithelial damage (up with CD4, IL-1β, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL21, EMP1 and down with BPI). Despite the low tissue damage RVI scores, the high-dose microbicide combination gel caused activation of HIV host cells (SLC and CD4) while N-9 caused proinflammatory gene upregulation (IL-8 and TLR4) suggesting a potential for increasing risk of HIV via different mechanisms depending on the chemical nature of the test product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina N Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kevin Mendonca
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hidemi S Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Murray
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neelima Chandra
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Gustavo F Doncel
- CONRAD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Almomen A, Cho S, Yang CH, Li Z, Jarboe EA, Peterson CM, Huh KM, Janát-Amsbury MM. Thermosensitive progesterone hydrogel: a safe and effective new formulation for vaginal application. Pharm Res 2015; 32:2266-79. [PMID: 25609012 PMCID: PMC4452141 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-014-1616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The safe and functional delivery of progesterone through the vaginal route remains an unmet clinical need. The purpose of this work is to prepare a new progesterone (P4) gel for vaginal application using a thermosensitive mucoadhesive polymer, glycol chitin (GC). Method Thermogelling, mucoadhesive, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of GC and the new formulation were evaluated using rheometry. In vitro release profile and the bioactivity of P4 were determined using vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) pH 4.2, and PR-reporter gene assay, respectively. In vitro safety of the formulations was tested using (VK2/E6E7) vaginal epithelial cell line and Lactobacillus Crispatus. Finally, in vivo safety and the efficacy of this formulation were evaluated using an endometrial hypoplasia mouse model. Results Results shows the aqueous solution of 5%; (w/v) GC loaded with 0.1%; (w/v) P4 prepared in pH 4.2, (GC-P4), forms a thermosensitive mucoadhesive hydrogel and can maintain stable physical properties at 37°C. GC-P4 gel release 50% of P4 in 4 h after exposure to VFS, and no significant decrease in % viability of VK2/E6E7 or Lactobacillus was found after exposure to 5% GC or GC-P4. GC-P4 does not exhibit obvious toxicities to vaginal tissue in vivo even after repeated application. Efficacy studies indicated that GC-P4 was capable of preventing the progression of simple endometrial hyperplasia (SEH) to complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia (CAEH) in vivo. Conclusions Results indicates that GC-P4 retains many characteristics for an effective vaginal delivery system for P4. Therefore we believe that GC-P4 formulation is a promising alternative to current vaginal P4 formulation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11095-014-1616-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah Almomen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 USA
| | - Sungpil Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 USA
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457 China
| | - Elke A. Jarboe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 USA
| | - C. Matthew Peterson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
| | - Kang Moo Huh
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, 220 Gung-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-764 Republic of Korea
| | - Margit M. Janát-Amsbury
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 USA
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31
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Grammen C, Plum J, Van Den Brande J, Darville N, Augustyns K, Augustijns P, Brouwers J. The Use of Supersaturation for the Vaginal Application of Microbicides: A Case Study with Dapivirine. J Pharm Sci 2014; 103:3696-3703. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.24176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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New candidate biomarkers in the female genital tract to evaluate microbicide toxicity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110980. [PMID: 25333937 PMCID: PMC4205019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbicides hold great promise for the prevention of viral diseases like HIV, but the failure of several microbicide candidates in clinical trials has raised important questions regarding the parameters to be evaluated to determine in vivo efficacy in humans. Clinical trials of the candidate microbicides nonoxynol-9 (N9) and cellulose sulfate revealed an increase in HIV infection, vaginal inflammation, and recruitment of HIV susceptible lymphocytes, highlighting the need to identify biomarkers that can accurately predict microbicide toxicity early in preclinical development and in human trials. We used quantitative proteomics and RT-PCR approaches in mice and rabbits to identify protein changes in vaginal fluid and tissue in response to treatment with N9 or benzalkonium chloride (BZK). We compared changes generated with N9 and BZK treatment to the changes generated in response to tenofovir gel, a candidate microbicide that holds promise as a safe and effective microbicide. Both compounds down regulated mucin 5 subtype B, and peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 in vaginal tissue; however, mucosal brush samples also showed upregulation of plasma proteins fibrinogen, plasminogen, apolipoprotein A-1, and apolipoprotein C-1, which may be a response to the erosive nature of N9 and BZK. Additional proteins down-regulated in vaginal tissue by N9 or BZK treatment include CD166 antigen, olfactomedin-4, and anterior gradient protein 2 homolog. We also observed increases in the expression of C-C chemokines CCL3, CCL5, and CCL7 in response to treatment. There was concordance in expression level changes for several of these proteins using both the mouse and rabbit models. Using a human vaginal epithelial cell line, the expression of mucin 5 subtype B and olfactomedin-4 were down-regulated in response to N9, suggesting these markers could apply to humans. These data identifies new proteins that after further validation could become part of a panel of biomarkers to effectively evaluate microbicide toxicity.
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Yang M, Yu T, Wang YY, Lai SK, Zeng Q, Miao B, Tang BC, Simons BW, Ensign LM, Liu G, Chan KW, Juang CY, Mert O, Wood J, Fu J, McMahon MT, Wu TC, Hung CF, Hanes J. Vaginal delivery of paclitaxel via nanoparticles with non-mucoadhesive surfaces suppresses cervical tumor growth. Adv Healthc Mater 2014; 3:1044-52. [PMID: 24339398 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201300519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Local delivery of chemotherapeutics in the cervicovaginal tract using nanoparticles may reduce adverse side effects associated with systemic chemotherapy, while improving outcomes for early-stage cervical cancer. It is hypothesized here that drug-loaded nanoparticles that rapidly penetrate cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) lining the female reproductive tract will more effectively deliver their payload to underlying diseased tissues in a uniform and sustained manner compared with nanoparticles that do not efficiently penetrate CVM. Paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles are developed, composed entirely of polymers used in FDA-approved products, which rapidly penetrate human CVM and provide sustained drug release with minimal burst effect. A mouse model is further employed with aggressive cervical tumors established in the cervicovaginal tract to compare paclitaxel-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (conventional particles, or CP) and similar particles coated with Pluronic F127 (mucus-penetrating particles, or MPP). CP are mucoadhesive and, thus, aggregated in mucus, while MPP achieve more uniform distribution and close proximity to cervical tumors. Paclitaxel-MPP suppress tumor growth more effectively and prolong median survival of mice compared with unencapsulated paclitaxel or paclitaxel-CP. Histopathological studies demonstrate minimal toxicity to the cervicovaginal epithelia, suggesting paclitaxel-MPP may be safe for intravaginal use. These results demonstrate the in vivo advantages of polymer-based MPP for treatment of tumors localized to a mucosal surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 720 Rutland Avenue Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Tao Yu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 720 Rutland Avenue Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 720 Rutland Avenue Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Samuel K. Lai
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina at Chapel; Hill, 120 Mason Farm Road Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Qi Zeng
- Department of Pathology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
| | - Bolong Miao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Benjamin C. Tang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
- Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Brian W. Simons
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 1550 Orleans Street Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Laura M. Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology; The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Guanshu Liu
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute; 707 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21205 USA
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
| | - Kannie W.Y. Chan
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute; 707 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21205 USA
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
| | - Chih-Yin Juang
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Olcay Mert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
| | - Joseph Wood
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 720 Rutland Avenue Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Jie Fu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology; The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
| | - T.-C. Wu
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Pathology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Pathology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 720 Rutland Avenue Baltimore MD 21205 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology; The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 400 N Broadway Baltimore MD 21231 USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; 600 N Wolfe Street Baltimore MD 21287 USA. Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University; 3400 N Charles Street Baltimore MD 21218 USA
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Use of porcine vaginal tissue ex-vivo to model environmental effects on vaginal mucosa to toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 274:240-8. [PMID: 24333258 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare, recognizable, and treatable disease that has been associated with tampon use epidemiologically. It involves a confluence of microbial risk factors (Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce the superantigen-TSST-1), as well as environmental characteristics of the vaginal ecosystem during menstruation and host susceptibility factors. This paper describes a series of experiments using the well-characterized model of porcine vaginal mucosa ex-vivo to assess the effect of these factors associated with tampon use on the permeability of the mucosa. The flux of radiolabeled TSST-1 and tritiated water ((3)H2O) through porcine vaginal mucosa was determined at various temperatures, after mechanical disruption of the epithelial surface by tape stripping, after treatment with surfactants or other compounds, and in the presence of microbial virulence factors. Elevated temperatures (42, 47 and 52°C) did not significantly increase flux of (3)H2O. Stripping of the epithelial layers significantly increased the flux of labeled toxin in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of benzalkonium chloride (0.1 and 0.5%) and glycerol (4%) significantly increased the flux of (3)H2O but sodium lauryl sulfate at any concentration tested did not. The flux of the labeled toxin was significantly increased in the presence of benzalkonium chloride but not Pluronic® L92 and Tween 20 and significantly increased with addition of α-hemolysin but not endotoxin. These results show that the permeability of porcine vagina ex-vivo to labeled toxin or water can be used to evaluate changes to the vaginal environment and modifications in tampon materials, and thus aid in risk assessment.
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Gibbons MC, Foley MA, Cardinal KO. Thinking inside the box: keeping tissue-engineered constructs in vitro for use as preclinical models. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2012; 19:14-30. [PMID: 22800715 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2012.0305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineers have made great strides toward the creation of living tissue replacements for a wide range of tissue types and applications, with eventual patient implantation as the primary goal. However, an alternate use of tissue-engineered constructs exists: as in vitro preclinical models for purposes such as drug screening and device testing. Tissue-engineered preclinical models have numerous potential advantages over existing models, including cultivation in three-dimensional geometries, decreased cost, increased reproducibility, precise control over cultivation conditions, and the incorporation of human cells. Over the past decade, a number of researchers have developed and used tissue-engineered constructs as preclinical models for testing pharmaceuticals, gene therapies, stents, and other technologies, with examples including blood vessels, skeletal muscle, bone, cartilage, skin, cardiac muscle, liver, cornea, reproductive tissues, adipose, small intestine, neural tissue, and kidney. The focus of this article is to review accomplishments toward the creation and use of tissue-engineered preclinical models of each of these different tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Gibbons
- Department of Biomedical and General Engineering, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California 93407, USA
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Lozenski K, Ownbey R, Wigdahl B, Kish-Catalone T, Krebs FC. Decreased cervical epithelial sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 (N-9) after four daily applications in a murine model of topical vaginal microbicide safety. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2012; 13:9. [PMID: 23025553 PMCID: PMC3519674 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-13-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disappointing clinical failures of five topical vaginal microbicides have provided new insights into factors that impact microbicide safety and efficacy. Specifically, the greater risk for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquisition associated with multiple uses of a nonoxynol-9 (N-9)-containing product has highlighted the importance of application frequency as a variable during pre-clinical microbicide development, particularly in animal model studies. METHODS To evaluate an association between application frequency and N-9 toxicity, experiments were performed using a mouse model of cervicovaginal microbicide safety. In this model system, changes in cervical and vaginal epithelial integrity, cytokine release, and immune cell infiltration were assessed after single and multiple exposures to N-9. RESULTS After the initial application of N-9 (aqueous, 1%), considerable damage to the cervical epithelium (but not the vaginal epithelium) was observed as early as 10 min post-exposure and up to 8 h post-exposure. Subsequent daily exposures (up to 4 days) were characterized by diminished cervical toxicity relative to single exposures of like duration. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines released into the cervicovaginal lumen and the degree of CD14-positive immune cell infiltration proximal to the cervical epithelium were also dependent on the number of N-9 exposures. CONCLUSIONS Rather than causing cumulative cervical epithelial damage, repeated applications of N-9 were characterized by decreased sensitivity to N-9-associated toxicity and lower levels of immune cell recruitment. These results provide new insights into the failure of N-9-based microbicides and illustrate the importance of considering multiple exposure protocols in pre-clinical microbicide development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa Lozenski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Center for Molecular Therapeutics and Resistance, Center for Sexually Transmitted Disease, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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