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Nasr MA, Aldous A, Daniels J, Joy C, Capozzi E, Yang M, Moriarty P, Emmanuel-Baker V, Malcolm S, Green SJ, Gomez-Lobo V, Ghosh M. Effect of progestin-based contraceptives on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306237. [PMID: 39008499 PMCID: PMC11249223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescent girls bear a disproportionate burden of both the HIV epidemic and unintended pregnancies; yet important questions remain unanswered regarding the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the vaginal immune microenvironment, which can impact HIV susceptibility in this group. Multiple studies report genital immune alterations associated with the progestin-based contraceptive Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in adult women, but there is little available data in adolescents. The objective of this longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate the effects of short-term use of three progestin-based contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel (ETNG), and injectable DMPA, on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls. Fifty-nine sexually active, HIV-uninfected girls aged 15-19, were recruited from the Washington DC metro area and self-selected into Control (condoms only), combined oral contraceptive pills, LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA groups. Vaginal swabs were collected at baseline prior to contraceptive use and at 3-month follow-up visit. Vaginal secretions were tested for pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-3α, IP-10, RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β) and anti-inflammatory/anti-HIV (Serpin-A1, Elafin, Beta-Defensin-2, SLPI) immune biomarkers using ELISA and for anti-HIV activity using TZM-bl assay. Vaginal microbiome was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data were analyzed using SAS Version 9. Among the 34 participants who completed both visits, no significant changes in median biomarker concentrations, HIV inhibition and microbiome composition were observed between baseline and follow-up visits for any of the contraceptive groups. IL-8 (p<0.01), MIP-3α (0.02), Elafin (p = 0.03) and RANTES (p<0.01) differed significantly by race whereas IL-6 was significantly different by age (p = 0.03). We conclude that 3-month use of LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA have minimal effects on adolescent vaginal immune microenvironment, and therefore unlikely to impact HIV risk. Future studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are recommended to continue to evaluate effects of contraceptives on the lower genital tract immunity and susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélodie A. Nasr
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Annette Aldous
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jason Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Christopher Joy
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Eleanor Capozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Michelle Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Patricia Moriarty
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Sharyn Malcolm
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Genomics and Microbiome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Mimi Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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2
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Singata-Madliki M, Smit J, Beksinska M, Balakrishna Y, Avenant C, Beesham I, Seocharan I, Batting J, Hapgood JP, Hofmeyr GJ. Effects of injectable contraception with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or norethisterone enanthate on estradiol levels and menstrual, psychological and behavioral measures relevant to HIV risk: The WHICH randomized trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295764. [PMID: 38530848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational data suggest lower HIV risk with norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) than with depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM) injectable contraceptives. If confirmed, a switch between these similar injectable methods would be programmatically feasible and could impact the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. We aimed in this paper to investigate the effects of DMPA-IM and NET-EN on estradiol levels, measures of depression and sexual activity and menstrual effects, relevant to HIV risk; and to ascertain whether these measures are associated with estradiol levels. METHODS This open-label trial conducted at two sites in South Africa from 5 November 2018 to 30 November 2019, randomized HIV-negative women aged 18-40 to DMPA-IM 150 mg intramuscular 12-weekly (n = 262) or NET-EN 200 mg intramuscular 8-weekly (n = 259). Data were collected on hormonal, behavioral and menstrual effects at baseline and at 25 weeks (25W). RESULTS At 25W, median 17β estradiol levels were substantially lower than at baseline (p<0.001) for both methods: 76.5 pmol/L (interquartile range (IQR) 54.1 to 104.2) in the DMPA-IM group (n = 222), and 69.8 pmol/L (IQR: 55.1 to 89.3) in the NET-EN group (n = 225), with no statistical difference between the two methods (p = 0.450). Compared with DMPA-IM, NET-EN users reported significantly less amenorrhoea, fewer sexual acts, fewer users reporting at least one act of unprotected sex, more condom use with steady partner, more days with urge for sexual intercourse, more days feeling partner does not love her, and more days feeling sad for no reason. We did not find a clear association between estradiol levels and sexual behavior, depression and menstrual effects. Behavioral outcomes suggest less sexual exposure with NET-EN than DMPA-IM. The strength of this evidence is high due to the randomized study design and the consistency of results across the outcomes measured. CONCLUSIONS Estradiol levels were reduced to postmenopausal levels by both methods. Secondary outcomes suggesting less sexual exposure with NET-EN are consistent with reported observational evidence of less HIV risk with NET-EN. A randomized trial powered for HIV acquisition is feasible and needed to answer this important question. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR 202009758229976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ishen Seocharan
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
- Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gabarone, Botswana
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3
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Xiong P, Chen Y, Shi Y, Liu M, Yang W, Liang B, Liu Y. Global burden of diseases attributable to intimate partner violence: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02637-x. [PMID: 38520514 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study aims to evaluate the global burden of disease attributable to IPV from 1990 to 2019 at global, regional, national, and socio-demographic index (SDI) levels. Our research question is: What is the global burden of disease attributable to intimate partner violence (IPV) from 1990 to 2019, and how does it vary at global, regional, national, and socio-demographic index (SDI) levels? METHODS Data parameters for the number of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rate were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We calculated the percentage change and population attributable fraction with 95% uncertainty intervals. RESULTS IPV directly accounted for 0.14% [95% UI 0.09%, 0.21%] and 0.32% [95% UI 0.17%, 0.49%] of global all-cause deaths and DALYs in 2019, respectively. The age-standardized deaths and DALYs rates of IPV increased by 12.83% and 4.00% respectively from 1990 to 2019. Women aged 35-39 and 30-34 had the highest deaths and DALYs rate respectively. The highest age-standardized rates of IPV-related deaths and DALYs were observed in Southern Sub-Saharan. Both of deaths and DALYs were high in low-socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile in 2019. CONCLUSIONS A higher level of deaths and DALYs attributable to IPV were reported in younger women, in the early 2000s, in Southern Sub-Saharan regions and in low SDI regions. Our study provides policymakers with up-to-date and comprehensive information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xiong
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
- Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Shi
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
- Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Zhuhai Center for Maternal and Child Health Care, Zhuhai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixin Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Baolin Liang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Road, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaozhong Liu
- Guangzhou Huashang College, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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4
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Louw-du Toit R, Simons M, Africander D. Progestins and breast cancer hallmarks: The role of the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 237:106440. [PMID: 38048919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Progestins used in hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Whether the association holds for all progestins is unclear and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We directly compared the effects of four progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone acetate (NET-A), levonorgestrel (LNG) and drospirenone (DRSP)) to each other and the natural progestogen progesterone (P4) on selected cancer hallmarks. To provide mechanistic insight into these effects, we assessed the role of the progesterone receptor (PR), and the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N terminal (JNK) signaling pathways. We showed that the increased proliferation of the luminal T47D breast cancer cell line by P4 and all progestins, albeit to different extents, was inhibited by PR knockdown and inhibition of both the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. While knockdown of the PR also blocked the upregulation of MKI67 and CCND1 mRNA expression by selected progestogens, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be established in these effects. Similarly, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be confirmed for progestogen-induced colony formation, whereas both the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways were required for cell migration in response to the three older progestins implicated in the etiology of breast cancer, MPA, NET-A and LNG. Together our results show that all the progestins elicit their effects on cell proliferation via a mechanism requiring the PR, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. While the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways are also required for increased cell migration by the older progestins, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be established in their effects on colony formation. Notably, the cytoplasmic PR was not needed for activation of the ERK1/2 pathway by the progestogens. Given that DRSP showed significantly lower proliferation than MPA and NET-A, and that it had no effect on breast cancer cell migration and colony formation, hormonal formulations containing the newer generation progestin DRSP may provide a better benefit/risk profile towards breast cancer than those containing the older generation progestins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Mishkah Simons
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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5
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Elliott Williams M, Hardnett FP, Sheth AN, Wein AN, Li ZRT, Radzio-Basu J, Dinh C, Haddad LB, Collins EMB, Ofotokun I, Antia R, Scharer CD, Garcia-Lerma JG, Kohlmeier JE, Swaims-Kohlmeier A. The menstrual cycle regulates migratory CD4 T-cell surveillance in the female reproductive tract via CCR5 signaling. Mucosal Immunol 2024; 17:41-53. [PMID: 37866719 PMCID: PMC10990418 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite their importance for immunity against sexually transmitted infections, the composition of female reproductive tract (FRT) memory T-cell populations in response to changes within the local tissue environment under the regulation of the menstrual cycle remains poorly defined. Here, we show that in humans and pig-tailed macaques, the cycle determines distinct clusters of differentiation 4 T-cell surveillance behaviors by subsets corresponding to migratory memory (TMM) and resident memory T cells. TMM displays tissue-itinerant trafficking characteristics, restricted distribution within the FRT microenvironment, and distinct effector responses to infection. Gene pathway analysis by RNA sequencing identified TMM-specific enrichment of genes involved in hormonal regulation and inflammatory responses. FRT T-cell subset fluctuations were discovered that synchronized to cycle-driven CCR5 signaling. Notably, oral administration of a CCR5 antagonist drug blocked TMM trafficking. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into the dynamic nature of FRT memory CD4 T cells and identifies the menstrual cycle as a key regulator of immune surveillance at the site of STI pathogen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elliott Williams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felica P Hardnett
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anandi N Sheth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexander N Wein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zheng-Rong Tiger Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Radzio-Basu
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chuong Dinh
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M B Collins
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rustom Antia
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher D Scharer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Gerardo Garcia-Lerma
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jacob E Kohlmeier
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alison Swaims-Kohlmeier
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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6
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Bunge K, Balkus JE, Fairlie L, Mayo AJ, Nakabiito C, Mgodi N, Gadama L, Matrimbira M, Chappell CA, Piper J, Chakhtoura N, Szydlo DW, Richardson B, Hillier SL. DELIVER: A Safety Study of a Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Oral PrEP for the Prevention of HIV During Pregnancy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:65-73. [PMID: 38055292 PMCID: PMC11443417 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy represents a period of high HIV acquisition risk. Safety data for the monthly dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) during pregnancy are limited. Here, we report data from the first 2 cohorts of pregnant participants in MTN-042/DELIVER, a phase 3b, randomized, open-label safety trial of DVR and oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). MTN-042 is being conducted in 3 cohorts beginning with later gestational ages when risks of drug exposure are less. METHODS Eligible pregnant individuals aged 18-40 years in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were randomized 2:1 to monthly DVR or daily TDF/FTC. Participants in cohort 1 initiated product use between 36 weeks 0 days (36 0/7 weeks) and 37 6/7 weeks gestation; participants in cohort 2 initiated product use between 30 0/7 and 35 6/7 weeks gestation. All participants continued product use until delivery or 41 6/7 weeks gestation. Pregnancy outcomes and complications were assessed and summarized using descriptive statistics and compared with local background rates obtained through a separate chart review. RESULTS One-hundred and fifty participants were enrolled into cohort 1 with 101 randomized to DVR and 49 to TDF/FTC. One-hundred and fifty-seven participants were enrolled into cohort 2 with 106 randomized to DVR and 51 to TDF/FTC. In both cohorts, pregnancy complications were rare and similar to local background rates. CONCLUSION In this first study of a long-acting HIV prevention agent in pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications were uncommon when DVR and TDF/FTC were used in the third trimester of pregnancy, suggesting a favorable safety profile for both prevention products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bunge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jennifer E Balkus
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA
| | - Lee Fairlie
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Clemensia Nakabiito
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nyaradzo Mgodi
- University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Luis Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moleen Matrimbira
- University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Catherine Anne Chappell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Nahida Chakhtoura
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD
| | - Daniel W Szydlo
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA; and
| | - Barbra Richardson
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sharon L Hillier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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7
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Avenant C, Bick AJ, Skosana SB, Dlamini S, Balakrishna Y, Moliki JM, Singata-Madliki M, Hofmeyr GJ, Smit J, Beksinska M, Beesham I, Seocharan I, Batting J, Chen PL, Storbeck KH, Africander D, Hapgood JP. Misreporting contraceptive use and the association of peak study progestin levels with weight and BMI among women randomized to the progestin-only injectable contraceptives DMPA-IM and NET-EN. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295959. [PMID: 38134043 PMCID: PMC10745193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Progestin-only injectable contraceptives, mainly depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM), are the most widely used contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa. Insufficient robust data on their relative side-effects and serum concentrations limit understanding of reported outcomes in contraception trials. The WHICH clinical trial randomized HIV-negative women to DMPA-IM (n = 262) or norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) (n = 259) at two South African sites between 2018-2019. We measured serum concentrations of study and non-study progestins at initiation (D0) and peak serum levels, one week after the 24-week injection [25 weeks (25W)], (n = 435) and investigated associations between study progestin levels, and BMI and weight of participants. Peak median serum concentrations were 6.59 (IQR 4.80; 8.70) nM for medroxyprogesterone (MPA) (n = 161) and 13.6 (IQR 9.01; 19.0) nM for norethisterone (NET) (n = 155). MPA was the most commonly quantifiable non-study progestin at D0 in both arms (54%) and at 25W in the NET-EN arm (27%), followed by NET at D0 in both arms (29%) and at 25W in the DMPA-IM arm (19%). Levonorgestrel was quantifiable in both arms [D0 (6.9%); 25W (3.4%)], while other progestins were quantifiable in ≤ 14 participants. Significant negative time-varying associations were detected between MPA and NET concentrations and weight and BMI in both contraceptive arms and a significant increase was detected for peak serum progestin concentrations for normal weight versus obese women. Contraceptive-related reported outcomes are likely confounded by MPA, more so than NET, with reported DMPA-IM effects likely underestimated, at sites where DMPA-IM is widely used, due to misreporting of contraceptive use before and during trials, and 'tail' effects of DMPA-IM use more than six months before trial enrolment. Peak serum levels of MPA and NET are negatively associated with BMI and weight, suggesting another source of variability between trial outcomes and a potential increase in side-effects for normal weight versus overweight and obese women. Trail registration: The clinical trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR 202009758229976).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexis J. Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Salndave B. Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sigcinile Dlamini
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Johnson Mosoko Moliki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - G. Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
- Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gabarone, Botswana
| | - Jenni Smit
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ishen Seocharan
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Pai-Lien Chen
- Family Health International (FHI) 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Janet P. Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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8
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Scott RK, Yu Y, Marzinke MA, Coleman JS, Hendrix CW, Bies R. Clinical trial simulation to evaluate tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis dosing during pregnancy. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1224580. [PMID: 37830105 PMCID: PMC10565828 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1224580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate upward-adjustment of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dosing during pregnancy in order to maintain target plasma concentrations associated with HIV protection. Design Population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling and clinical trial simulation (CTS). Material and methods We developed population pharmacokinetic models for TFV and FTC using data from the Partners Demonstration Project and a PK study of TDF/FTC among cisgender women by Coleman et al., and performed an in-silico simulation. Pregnancy-trimester was identified as a significant covariate on apparent clearance in the optimized final model. We simulated 1,000 pregnant individuals starting standard daily oral TDF/FTC (300 mg/200 mg) prior to pregnancy. Upon becoming pregnant, simulated patients were split into two study arms: one continuing standard-dose and the other receiving double standard-dose throughout pregnancy. Results Standard-dose trough TFV concentrations were significantly lower in pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy, with 34.0%, 43.8%, and 65.1% of trough plasma concentrations below the lower bound of expected trough concentrations presumed to be the protective threshold in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively. By comparison, in the simulated double-dose group, 10.7%, 14.4%, and 27.8% of trough concentrations fell below the estimated protective thresholds in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively. The FTC trough plasma concentration during pregnancy was also lower than pre-pregnancy, with 45.2% of the steady-state trough concentrations below the estimated protective trough concentrations of FTC. In the pregnancy-adjusted double-dose group, 24.1% of trough plasma concentrations were lower than protective levels. Conclusions Our simulation shows >50% of research participants on standard dosing would have 3rd trimester trough plasma TFV concentrations below levels associated with protection. This simulation provides the quantitative basis for the design of prospective TDF/FTC studies during pregnancy to evaluate the safety and appropriateness of pregnancy-adjusted dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K. Scott
- Women’s Health Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yifan Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Mark A. Marzinke
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jenell S. Coleman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Craig W. Hendrix
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert Bies
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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9
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Minalt N, Caldwell A, Yedlicka GM, Joseph S, Robertson SE, Landrum LM, Peipert JF. Association between intrauterine device use and endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer: an expert review. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:93-100. [PMID: 37001577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The intrauterine device is one of the most effective forms of contraception. Use of the intrauterine device has increased in the United States over the last 2 decades. Two formulations are commercially available in the United States: the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device and the copper intrauterine device. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device releases progestin, causing endometrial suppression and cervical mucus thickening, whereas the primary mechanism of action of the copper intrauterine device is to create a local inflammatory response to prevent fertilization. Whereas the protective effects of combined hormonal contraception against ovarian and endometrial cancer, and of tubal sterilization against ovarian cancer are generally accepted, less is known about the effects of modern intrauterine devices on the development of gynecologic malignancies. The best evidence for a protective effect of intrauterine device use against cancer incidence pertains to levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and endometrial cancer, although studies suggest that both copper intrauterine devices and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices reduce endometrial cancer risk. This is supported by the proposed dual mechanisms of action including both endometrial suppression and a local inflammatory response. Studies on the relationship between intrauterine device use and ovarian cancer risk show conflicting results, although most data suggest reduced risk of ovarian cancer in intrauterine device users. The proposed biological mechanisms of ovarian cancer reduction (foreign-body inflammatory response, increased pH, antiestrogenic effect, ovulation suppression) vary by type of intrauterine device. Whereas it has been well established that use of copper intrauterine devices confers a lower risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasms, the effect of levonorgestrel intrauterine device use on cervical cancer remains unclear. Older studies have linked its use to a higher incidence of cervical dysplasia, but more recent literature has found a decrease in cervical cancer with intrauterine device use. Various mechanisms of protection are postulated, including device-related inflammatory response in the endocervical canal and prostaglandin-mediated immunosurveillance. Overall, the available evidence suggests that both levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and copper intrauterine devices reduce gynecologic cancer risk. Whereas there is support for the reduction of endometrial cancer risk with hormonal and copper intrauterine device use, and reduction of cervical cancer risk with copper intrauterine device use, evidence in support of risk reduction with levonorgestrel intrauterine device use for cervical and ovarian cancers is less consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Minalt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Amy Caldwell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Grace M Yedlicka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Sophia Joseph
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Sharon E Robertson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lisa M Landrum
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jeffrey F Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.
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10
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Nosik M, Berezhnya E, Bystritskaya E, Kiseleva I, Lobach O, Kireev D, Svitich O. Female Sex Hormones Upregulate the Replication Activity of HIV-1 Sub-Subtype A6 and CRF02_AG but Not HIV-1 Subtype B. Pathogens 2023; 12:880. [PMID: 37513727 PMCID: PMC10383583 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070880] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of all people living with HIV worldwide are women. Globally, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among women aged 15 to 44. The safe and effective methods of hormonal contraception are an essential component of preventive medical care in order to reduce maternal and infant mortality. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of hormones on the rate of viral replication in HIV infection, especially non-B subtypes. The goal of the present work was to study in vitro how the female hormones β-estradiol and progesterone affect the replication of the HIV-1 subtypes A6, CRF02_AG, and B. The findings show that high doses of hormones enhanced the replication of HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 by an average of 1.75 times and the recombinant variant CRF02_AG by 1.4 times but did not affect the replication of HIV-1 subtype B. No difference was detected in the expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 co-receptors on the cell surface, either in the presence or absence of hormones. However, one of the reasons for the increased viral replication could be the modulated TLRs secretion, as it was found that high doses of estradiol and progesterone upregulated, to varying degrees, the expression of TLR2 and TLR9 genes in the PBMCs of female donors infected with HIV-1 sub-subtype A6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nosik
- I.I. Mechnikov Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Berezhnya
- I.I. Mechnikov Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Irina Kiseleva
- I.I. Mechnikov Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Lobach
- I.I. Mechnikov Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kireev
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana Svitich
- I.I. Mechnikov Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Pérez-López FR, Fernández-Alonso AM, Mezones-Holguín E, Vieira-Baptista P. Low genitourinary tract risks in women living with the human immunodeficiency virus. Climacteric 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37054721 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2194528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
This review analyzes the clinical associations between specific low genitourinary tract clinical circumstances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV). Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves survival and reduces opportunistic infections and HIV transmission. Despite appropriate ART, WLHIV may display menstrual dysfunction, risk of early menopause, vaginal microbiome alterations, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, vasomotor symptoms and low sexual function as compared to women without the infection. They have increased risks of intraepithelial and invasive cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. The reduced immunity capacity may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, side-effects or toxicity of ARTs, and opportunistic infections. Menstrual dysfunction and early menopause may contribute to the early onset of vascular atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and increased osteoporosis risks requiring specific early interventions. On the other hand, the association between being postmenopausal and having a low sexual function is significant and related to low adherence to ART. WLHIV deserve a specific approach to manage different low genitourinary risks and complications related to hormone dysfunction and early menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- F R Pérez-López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - E Mezones-Holguín
- Centro de Estudios Económicos y Sociales en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Perú
| | - P Vieira-Baptista
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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12
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Cardenas MC, Farnan S, Hamel BL, Mejia Plazas MC, Sintim-Aboagye E, Littlefield DR, Behl S, Punia S, Enninga EAL, Johnson E, Temesgen Z, Theiler R, Gray CM, Chakraborty R. Prevention of the Vertical Transmission of HIV; A Recap of the Journey so Far. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040849. [PMID: 37112830 PMCID: PMC10142818 DOI: 10.3390/v15040849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1989, one in four (25%) infants born to women living with HIV were infected; by the age of 2 years, there was 25% mortality among them due to HIV. These and other pieces of data prompted the development of interventions to offset vertical transmission, including the landmark Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trial Group Study (PACTG 076) in 1994. This study reported a 67.5% reduction in perinatal HIV transmission with prophylactic antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal zidovudine. Numerous studies since then have provided compelling evidence to further optimize interventions, such that annual transmission rates of 0% are now reported by many health departments in the US and elimination has been validated in several countries around the world. Despite this success, the elimination of HIV’s vertical transmission on the global scale remains a work in progress, limited by socioeconomic factors such as the prohibitive cost of antiretrovirals. Here, we review some of the key trials underpinning the development of guidelines in the US as well as globally, and discuss the evidence through a historic lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Camila Cardenas
- Pediatric Residency Program, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sheila Farnan
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Hamel
- Pediatric Residency Program, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Maria Camila Mejia Plazas
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Pediatric Residency Program, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, 3100 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155, USA
| | - Elise Sintim-Aboagye
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Dawn R. Littlefield
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Supriya Behl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sohan Punia
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ann L Enninga
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 33155, USA
| | - Erica Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Zelalem Temesgen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Regan Theiler
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 33155, USA
| | - Clive M. Gray
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Biomedical Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7600, South Africa
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-507-293-9531
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13
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Moliki JM, Nhundu TJ, Maritz L, Avenant C, Hapgood JP. Glucocorticoids and medroxyprogesterone acetate synergize with inflammatory stimuli to selectively upregulate CCL20 transcription. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 563:111855. [PMID: 36646303 PMCID: PMC9892260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory cytokine, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20), is emerging as a therapeutic target for immune-based therapies. Cooperative regulation of CCL20 by glucocorticoids and progestins used in endocrine therapy and pro-inflammatory mediators could modulate immune function and affect disease outcomes. We show that glucocorticoids as well as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the progestin widely used in injectable contraception in sub-Saharan Africa, cooperate with pro-inflammatory mediators to upregulate CCL20 protein and/or mRNA in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human cervical cell lines. Changes in CCL20 mRNA levels were shown to be synergistic, as assessed by Chou analysis, cell- and gene-specific and to involve transcriptional regulation, with a requirement for a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) site and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) involvement. The novel results suggest a mechanism whereby MPA, like glucocorticoids, may impact inflammation both systemically and in the genital tract in patients using MPA and/or glucocorticoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson M Moliki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tawanda J Nhundu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leo Maritz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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14
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Rangsrikitphoti P, Marquez-Garban DC, Pietras RJ, McGowan E, Boonyaratanakornkit V. Sex steroid hormones and DNA repair regulation: Implications on cancer treatment responses. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 227:106230. [PMID: 36450315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The role of sex steroid hormones (SSHs) has been shown to modulate cancer cytotoxic treatment sensitivity. Dysregulation of DNA repair associated with genomic instability, abnormal cell survival and not only promotes cancer progression but also resistance to cancer treatment. The three major SSHs, androgen, estrogen, and progesterone, have been shown to interact with several essential DNA repair components. The presence of androgens directly regulates key molecules in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Estrogen can promote cell proliferation and DNA repair, allowing cancer cells to tolerate chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Information on the role of progesterone in DNA repair is limited: progesterone interaction with some DNA repair components has been identified, but the biological significance is still unknown. Here, we review the roles of how each SSH affects DNA repair regulation and modulates response to genotoxic therapies and discuss future research that can be beneficial when combining SSHs with cancer therapy. We also provide preliminary analysis from publicly available databases defining the link between progesterone/PR and DDRs & DNA repair regulation that plausibly contribute to chemotherapy response and breast cancer patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattarasiri Rangsrikitphoti
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Diana C Marquez-Garban
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Richard J Pietras
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eileen McGowan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Viroj Boonyaratanakornkit
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Age-related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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15
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Influence of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and HIV on Cervicovaginal Cytokines and Microbiota in Malawi. mSphere 2023; 8:e0058522. [PMID: 36622252 PMCID: PMC9942570 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00585-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Important questions remain on how hormonal contraceptives alter the local immune environment and the microbiota in the female genital tract and how such effects may impact susceptibility to HIV infection. We leveraged samples from a previously conducted clinical trial of Malawian women with (n = 73) and without (n = 24) HIV infection randomized to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or the levonogestrel implant in equal numbers within each group and determined the effects of these hormonal contraceptives (HCs) on the vaginal immune milieu and the composition of the vaginal microbiota. Longitudinal data for soluble immune mediators, measured by multiplex bead arrays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and vaginal microbiota, assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon, were collected prior to and over a period of 180 days post-HC initiation. DMPA and levonogestrel had only minimal effects on the vaginal immune milieu and microbiota. In women with HIV, with the caveat of a small sample size, there was an association between the median log10 change in the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-10 ratio in vaginal fluid at day 180 post-HC compared to baseline when these women were classified as having a community state type (CST) IV vaginal microbiota and were randomized to DMPA. Long-lasting alterations in soluble immune markers or shifts in microbiota composition were not observed. Furthermore, women with HIV did not exhibit increased viral shedding in the genital tract after HC initiation. Consistent with the results of the ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes) trial, our data imply that the progestin-based HC DMPA and levonorgestrel are associated with minimal risk for women with HIV. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02103660). IMPORTANCE The results of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial, the first large randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the HIV acquisition risk of women receiving DMPA, the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant, or the copper intrauterine device (IUD), did not reveal an increased risk of HIV acquisition for women on any of these three contraceptives. Our study results confirm that the two different progestin-based hormonal contraceptives DMPA and levonogestrel will not increase the risk for HIV infection. Furthermore, DMPA and levonogestrel have only minimal effects on the immune milieu and the microbiota in the vaginal tract, attesting to the safety of these hormonal contraceptives.
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16
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Cartwright M, Toit RLD, Africander D. The transcriptional activity of progestins used in contraception and menopausal hormone therapy via progesterone receptor A is dependent on the density of the receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 639:70-76. [PMID: 36470074 PMCID: PMC9876880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies directly comparing the efficacies and potencies of multiple progestins used in contraception and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in parallel via human progesterone receptor isoform A (PR-A) in the same model system are limited, and how these parameters are influenced by the density of PR-A are unclear. This is surprising as it is known that the expression levels of PR-A vary in different tissues and diseases. We thus determined for the first time the relative efficacies and potencies for transactivation of the natural PR ligand, progesterone (P4), the PR-specific agonist promegestone (R5020), and selected progestins from all four generations in parallel via different densities of PR-A overexpressed in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Comparative dose-response analysis showed that P4, R5020, the 1st generation progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone, 2nd generation progestin levonorgestrel, 3rd generation progestin gestodene, as well as 4th generation progestins nesterone, nomegestrol acetate and drospirenone display differential agonist efficacies and potencies via PR-A. Moreover, we showed that the agonist efficacies and potencies of the progestins via PR-A were modulated in a density- and progestin-specific manner. Our finding that the potencies of the progestins via PR-A, at all densities, do not exceed reported progestin serum concentrations in women, suggest that these progestins are likely to elicit similar effects in vivo. We are the first to report that P4 and the selected progestins display similar agonist activity for transrepression via PR-A, and that the density of PR-A enhances the transrepression activity of some, but not all progestogens. Collectively, our findings provide proof of concept that the effects of the selected progestins via PR-A is progestin-specific and dependent on the density of the receptor, suggesting differential progestin responses in women using these progestins in contraception and MHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Cartwright
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
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17
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Bick AJ, Avenant C, Tomasicchio M, van der Spuy Z, Hapgood JP. Increased HIV-1 infection in PBMCs treated in vitro with menstrual cycle phase hormones or medroxyprogesterone acetate likely occurs via different mechanisms. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13643. [PMID: 36302121 PMCID: PMC9884997 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13643] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Both luteal phase progesterone (P4) levels and use of the intramuscular (IM) injectable progestin-only contraceptive depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) have been linked to increased S/HIV acquisition in animal, clinical and in vitro models. Several plausible mechanisms could explain MPA-induced HIV-1 acquisition while those for the luteal phase are underexplored. METHOD OF STUDY Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with P4 and estrogen at concentrations mimicking the luteal phase, follicular phase or with levels of MPA mimicking peak serum levels in DMPA-IM users. Cells were infected with an R5-tropic infectious molecular clone and HIV-1 infection was measured. A role for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was investigated using the GR/PR antagonist RU486. CCR5 protein levels and activation status, assessed by levels of the activation marker CD69, were measured by flow cytometry after treatment in vitro and in PBMCs from naturally-cycling women or DMPA-IM users. RESULTS Both MPA and luteal phase hormones significantly increased HIV-1 infection in vitro. However, MPA but not luteal phase hormones increased the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, CCR5 protein expression on CD4+ T cells and increased expression of the activation marker CD69. The GR is involved in MPA-induced, but not luteal phase hormone-induced increased HIV-1 infection. In DMPA-IM users, the frequency of CCR5-expressing CD3+ and CD8+ cells was higher than for women in the luteal phase. CONCLUSIONS MPA increases HIV-1 infection in a manner different from that of luteal phase hormones, most likely involving the GR and at least in part changes in the frequency and/or expression of CCR5 and CD69.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J. Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michele Tomasicchio
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and UCT Lung Institute, South Africa.,South African MRC Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zephne van der Spuy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janet P. Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town South Africa.,Corresponding author:
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18
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Abstract
It was in the 1990s, that the possibility of increased transmission of HIV with the use of injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera®, was first flagged in medical literature. This has posed a challenge for its use in countries, particularly in the African region, where the prevalence and transmission rate of HIV is high. In 2015, a randomised 'clinical' trial, the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) was launched in four African countries to resolve the question whether the increased risk was causal. Contrary to expectations, the ECHO trial successfully recruited and randomised the specified number of girls/women participants. This paper argues that this was made possible by exercising undue influence, by using incentives, coercive language, and by concealing the real nature of the clinical trial during recruitment. The ECHO trial is unique in subjecting a group of healthy girls/women knowingly to a contraceptive drug with an intention not of finding out whether it is efficacious as a contraceptive, but to find out how risky or life-threatening its use could be. Thus, the ECHO trial has violated one of the central tenets of the Helsinki Declaration by privileging pursuit of knowledge over the interests of the girl/women trial participants from Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sathyamala
- International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, The Netherlands
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19
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Enfield K, Avenant C, Hapgood JP. Progestogens exhibit progestogen-, promoter- and isoform-specific effects via the progesterone receptor. Steroids 2022; 187:109094. [PMID: 35905833 PMCID: PMC9939308 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are therapies designed to target the progesterone receptor (PR) to prevent unwanted pregnancy and to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, respectively, in women. Although these therapies are widely used globally, few studies have investigated in parallel how the transcriptional responses of the progestogens used in these therapies compare to each other via the PR isoforms (PR-A and PR-B). Using dose-response promoter-reporter and endogenous gene expression assays, we compared the transcriptional responses of six widely-used progestogens via each PR isoform. The present study shows that progestogens exhibit progestogen-specific potencies and efficacies via both PR isoforms. In addition, the endogenous gene expression data reveals that progestogens exhibit promoter-specific effects. Furthermore, this study reveals that progestogen responses via PR-A are significantly more potent and less efficacious than those observed via PR-B, and that this is unlikely due to differences in PR protein levels. Correlation analysis revealed that there is no detectable correlation between potency or efficacy of progestogens for PR-B or PR-A versus reported relative binding affinity (RBA) of progestogens for the PR, consistent with complex mechanisms of PR regulation. Taken together, our data show that it cannot be assumed that all progestogens have similar transcriptional responses on all genes. Since the PR plays a role in cognition, regulation of inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis, female reproduction and disease, the data suggest that these important physiological functions could be differentially affected depending on progestogen, promoter, and ratios of PR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Enfield
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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20
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Bick AJ, Skosana SB, Avenant C, Hapgood JP. Variability and quantification of serum medroxyprogesterone acetate levels. Steroids 2022; 187:109100. [PMID: 35964796 PMCID: PMC9884996 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Quantification of serum progestin levels in clinical contraceptive studies is now routinely performed to understand progestin pharmacokinetics and to correct for unreliable self-reporting of contraceptive use by study participants. Many such studies are focussed on the three-monthly progestin-only intramuscular (IM) injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM). Methods commonly used to measure serum MPA levels include liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA); however, RIA methods have not been used in recent years. We review the available literature and find that these methods vary widely in terms of use of organic solvent extraction, use of derivitization and choice of organic solvent and chromatography columns. There is a lack of standardization of LC/MS methodology, including a lack of detailed extraction protocols. Limited evidence suggests that RIA, without organic solvent extraction, likely over-estimates progestin levels. Maximum MPA concentrations in the first two weeks post-injection show wide inter-individual and inter-study variation, regardless of quantification method used. Standardization of quantification methods and sampling time post-injection is required to improve interpretation of clinical data, in particular the side effects arising at different times depending on the pharmacokinetic profile unique to injectable contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Salndave B Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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21
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Stanton AM, O'Cleirigh C, Knight L, Davey DLJ, Myer L, Joska JA, Mayer KH, Bekker L, Psaros C. The importance of assessing and addressing mental health barriers to PrEP use during pregnancy and postpartum in sub-Saharan Africa: state of the science and research priorities. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26026. [PMID: 36251124 PMCID: PMC9575939 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pregnant and postpartum women (PPW) in sub‐Saharan Africa are at disproportionately high risk of HIV infection compared to non‐pregnant women. When used consistently, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent HIV acquisition and transmission to the foetus or infant during these critical periods. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between mental health challenges (e.g. depression and traumatic stress associated with intimate partner violence) and decreased PrEP adherence and persistence, particularly among adolescents, younger women and women in the postpartum period. However, mental health is not currently a major focus of PrEP implementation research and programme planning for PPW. Discussion PrEP implementation programmes for PPW need to assess and address mental health barriers to consistent PrEP use to ensure effectiveness and sustainability in routine care. We highlight three key research priorities that will support PrEP adherence and persistence: (1) include mental health screening tools in PrEP implementation research with PPW, both to assess the feasibility of integrating these tools into routine antenatal and postpartum care and to ensure that limited resources are directed towards women whose symptoms may interfere most with PrEP use; (2) identify cross‐cutting, transdiagnostic psychological mechanisms that affect consistent PrEP use during these periods and can realistically be targeted with intervention in resource‐limited settings; and (3) develop/adapt and test interventions that target those underlying mechanisms, leveraging strategies from existing interventions that have successfully mitigated mental health barriers to antiretroviral therapy use among people with HIV. Conclusions For PPW, implementation of PrEP should be guided by a robust understanding of the unique psychological difficulties that may act as barriers to uptake, adherence and persistence (i.e. sustained adherence over time). We strongly encourage PrEP implementation research in PPW to incorporate validated mental health screening tools and ultimately treatment in routine antenatal and postnatal care, and we stress the potential public health benefits of identifying women who face mental health barriers to PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M. Stanton
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA,Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA,Fenway HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA,Fenway HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Dvora L. Joseph Davey
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa,Division of Infectious Diseases, Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Landon Myer
- School of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - John A. Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Fenway HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA,HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Christina Psaros
- Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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22
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Perkins MS, Louw-du Toit R, Jackson H, Simons M, Africander D. Upregulation of an estrogen receptor-regulated gene by first generation progestins requires both the progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor alpha. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:959396. [PMID: 36187129 PMCID: PMC9519895 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.959396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progestins, synthetic compounds designed to mimic the activity of natural progesterone (P4), are used globally in menopausal hormone therapy. Although the older progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethisterone (NET) have been implicated in increased breast cancer risk, little is known regarding newer progestins, and no significant risk has been associated with P4. Considering that breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women, establishing which progestins increase breast cancer incidence and elucidating the underlying mechanisms is a global priority. We showed for the first time that the newer-generation progestin drospirenone (DRSP) is the least potent progestin in terms of proliferation of the estrogen-responsive MCF-7 BUS breast cancer cell line, while NET and P4 have similar potencies to estradiol (E2), the known driver of breast cancer cell proliferation. Notably, MPA, the progestin most frequently associated with increased breast cancer risk, was significantly more potent than E2. While all the progestogens enhanced the anchorage-independent growth of the MCF-7 BUS cell line, MPA promoted a greater number of colonies than P4, NET or DRSP. None of the progestogens inhibited E2-induced proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. We also showed that under non-estrogenic conditions, MPA and NET, unlike P4 and DRSP, increased the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) target gene, cathepsin D, via a mechanism requiring the co-recruitment of ERα and the progesterone receptor (PR) to the promoter region. In contrast, all progestogens promoted the association of the PR and ERα on the promoter of the PR target gene, MYC, thereby increasing its expression under non-estrogenic and estrogenic conditions. These results suggest that progestins differentially regulate the way the PR and ER converge to modulate the expression of PR and ER-regulated genes. Our novel findings indicating similarities and differences between P4 and the progestins, emphasize the importance of comparatively investigating effects of individual progestins rather than grouping them as a class. Further studies are required to underpin the clinical relevance of PR/ERα crosstalk in response to different progestins in both normal and malignant breast tissue, to either confirm or refute their suitability in combination therapy for ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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23
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Bunjun R, Ramla TF, Jaumdally SZ, Noël-Romas L, Ayele H, Brown BP, Gamieldien H, Harryparsad R, Dabee S, Nair G, Onono M, Palanee-Phillips T, Scoville CW, Heller KB, Baeten JM, Bosinger SE, Burgener A, Passmore JAS, Jaspan H, Heffron R. Initiating Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Increases Frequencies of Th17-like Human Immunodeficiency Virus Target Cells in the Genital Tract of Women in South Africa: A Randomized Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:2000-2011. [PMID: 35941737 PMCID: PMC9710690 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal CD4+ T cells are preferential targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and have consequently been used as a proxy measure for HIV susceptibility. The ECHO randomized trial offered a unique opportunity to consider the association between contraceptives and Th17-like cells within a trial designed to evaluate HIV risk. In a mucosal substudy of the ECHO trial, we compared the impact of initiating intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), copper-IUD, and the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant on cervical T cells. METHODS Cervical cytobrushes from 58 women enrolled in the ECHO trial were collected at baseline and 1 month after contraceptive initiation. We phenotyped cervical T cells using multiparameter flow cytometry, characterized the vaginal microbiome using 16s sequencing, and determined proteomic signatures associated with Th17-like cells using mass spectrometry. RESULTS Unlike the LNG implant or copper-IUD, DMPA-IM was associated with higher frequencies of cervical Th17-like cells within 1 month of initiation (P = .012), including a highly susceptible, activated population co-expressing CD38, CCR5, and α4β7 (P = .003). After 1 month, women using DMPA-IM also had more Th17-like cells than women using the Cu-IUD (P = .0002) or LNG implant (P = .04). Importantly, in women using DMPA-IM, proteomic signatures signifying enhanced mucosal barrier function were associated with the increased abundance of Th17-like cells. We also found that a non-Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome at baseline was associated with more Th17-like cells post-DMPA-IM (P = .03), although this did not influence barrier function. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that DMPA-IM-driven accumulation of HIV-susceptible Th17-like cells might be counteracted by their role in maintaining mucosal barrier integrity. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02550067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Bunjun
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanko F Ramla
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Shameem Z Jaumdally
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laura Noël-Romas
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Hossaena Ayele
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan P Brown
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hoyam Gamieldien
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rushil Harryparsad
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Smritee Dabee
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WHRI), Johannesburg, South Africa,University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven E Bosinger
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Correspondence: J.-A. S. Passmore, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa ()
| | - Heather Jaspan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA,University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Radzey N, Harryparsad R, Meyer B, Chen PL, Gao X, Morrison C, Taku O, Williamson A, Mehou‐Loko C, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt F, Buck G, Smit J, Strauss J, Nanda K, Ahmed K, Beksinska M, Serrano M, Bailey V, Masson L, Deese J. Genital inflammatory status and the innate immune response to contraceptive initiation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13542. [PMID: 35394678 PMCID: PMC10909525 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Data on the effects of contraceptives on female genital tract (FGT) immune mediators are inconsistent, possibly in part due to pre-existing conditions that influence immune mediator changes in response to contraceptive initiation. METHODS This study included 161 South African women randomised to injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), copper intrauterine device (IUD), or levonorgestrel (LNG) implant in the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial. We measured thirteen cytokines and antimicrobial peptides previously associated with HIV acquisition in vaginal swabs using Luminex and ELISA, before, and at 1 and 3 months after contraceptive initiation. Women were grouped according to an overall baseline inflammatory profile. We evaluated modification of the relationships between contraceptives and immune mediators by baseline inflammation, demographic, and clinical factors. RESULTS Overall, LNG implant and copper IUD initiation were associated with increases in inflammatory cytokines, while no changes were observed following DMPA-IM initiation. However, when stratifying by baseline inflammatory profile, women with low baseline inflammation in all groups experienced significant increases in inflammatory cytokines, while those with a high baseline inflammatory profile experienced no change or decreases in inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION We conclude that pre-contraceptive initiation immune profile modifies the effect of contraceptives on the FGT innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Radzey
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Rushil Harryparsad
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Bahiah Meyer
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | - Ongeziwe Taku
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Anna‐Lise Williamson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Celia Mehou‐Loko
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Gregory Buck
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Jennifer Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandDurbanSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research CentreTshwaneSouth Africa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandDurbanSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Lindi Masson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM)University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South AfricaDurbanSouth Africa
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Jennifer Deese
- RTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
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25
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Komane M, Avenant C, Louw-du Toit R, Africander DJ, Hapgood JP. Differential off-target glucocorticoid activity of progestins used in endocrine therapy. Steroids 2022; 182:108998. [PMID: 35271867 PMCID: PMC9081821 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.108998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates transcription of genes involved in multiple processes. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), widely used in the injectable contraceptive Depo-MPA (DMPA), has off-target effects via the GR, which may result in side-effects in endocrine therapy. However, very little is known about the GR activity of other progestins used in endocrine therapy. This study compared GR activities for several progestins, using whole cell binding, dose-response, and GR phosphorylation assays, in both a cell line model and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MPA, etonogestrel (ETG) and nestorone (NES) exhibit greater relative binding affinities for the GR than levonorgestrel (LNG) and norethisterone/norethindrone (NET) and are partial GR agonists for transactivation but agonists for transrepression on synthetic promoters in COS-1 cells. MPA is a potent agonist for endogenous GR-regulated GILZ and IL6 genes in PBMCs. While ETG and NES also display agonist activity on IL6, they have little effect on GILZ. In contrast, LNG and NET exhibit little to no activity in transactivation models, while both exhibit some transrepressive activity but are generally less potent and/or efficacious than MPA. Antagonist and phosphorylation assays confirmed that MPA and NES act via the GR on endogenous genes in PBMCs. Our results suggest GR-mediated dose-dependent and gene-specific transcriptional side-effects are likely to occur at physiologically relevant concentrations in vivo for MPA, may possibly occur selectively for ETG and NES, but are unlikely to occur for LNG and NET. This suggests that these progestins will exhibit differential side-effects in endocrine therapy via the GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleshigo Komane
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Donita J Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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26
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Bradley F, Franzén Boger M, Kaldhusdal V, Åhlberg A, Edfeldt G, Lajoie J, Bergström S, Omollo K, Damdimopoulos A, Czarnewski P, Månberg A, Oyugi J, Kimani J, Nilsson P, Fowke K, Tjernlund A, Broliden K. Multi-omics analysis of the cervical epithelial integrity of women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010494. [PMID: 35533147 PMCID: PMC9119532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable hormonal contraceptive used by millions of women worldwide. However, experimental studies have associated DMPA use with genital epithelial barrier disruption and mucosal influx of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target cells. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of these findings. Ectocervical biopsies and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens were collected from HIV-seronegative Kenyan sex workers using DMPA (n = 32) or regularly cycling controls (n = 64). Tissue samples were assessed by RNA-sequencing and quantitative imaging analysis, whereas protein levels were measured in CVL samples. The results suggested a DMPA-associated upregulation of genes involved in immune regulation, including genes associated with cytokine-mediated signaling and neutrophil-mediated immunity. A transcription factor analysis further revealed DMPA-associated upregulation of RELA and NFKB1 which are involved in several immune activation pathways. Several genes significantly downregulated in the DMPA versus the control group were involved in epithelial structure and function, including genes encoding keratins, small proline-rich proteins, and cell-cell adhesion proteins. Pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development, including keratinization and cornification processes. The cervicovaginal microbiome composition (Lactobacillus dominant and non-Lactobacillus dominant) had no overall interactional impact on the DMPA associated tissue gene expression. Imaging analysis verified that DMPA use was associated with an impaired epithelial layer as illustrated by staining for the selected epithelial junction proteins E-cadherin, desmoglein-1 and claudin-1. Additional staining for CD4+ cells revealed a more superficial location of these cells in the ectocervical epithelium of DMPA users versus controls. Altered protein levels of SERPINB1 and ITIH2 were further observed in the DMPA group. Identification of specific impaired epithelial barrier structures at the gene expression level, which were verified at the functional level by tissue imaging analysis, illustrates mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa. Sexual transmission accounts for the majority of all new HIV infections in women, and alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with an increase in the risk of acquiring HIV. Observational epidemiological studies have implied that the use of the injectable hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with increased HIV-acquisition. However, a prospective clinical study has not confirmed this association and the controversial findings are currently evaluated in the context of international reproductive health policies. Several studies using various model systems indicate that DMPA affects the integrity of the genital epithelial barrier as well as the mucosal immune system, but the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. To characterize the effect of DMPA on the genital mucosal environment, we used a multi-omics approach to assess paired genital secretions and cervical tissue samples from long-term regular DMPA users living in Kenya. This unique cohort represents a population at risk of HIV infection in which DMPA is one of the most commonly used hormonal contraceptives. We identified impaired cervical epithelial barrier structures, including DMPA-associated reduction in the expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules, keratins, small proline-rich proteins and a thinner upper epithelial layer with more superficially located CD4+ cells. Gene set enrichment pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development including keratinization and cornification pathways. Protein analysis identified altered levels of selected anti-proteases. Our findings illustrate mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frideborg Bradley
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Franzén Boger
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vilde Kaldhusdal
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Åhlberg
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Edfeldt
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sofia Bergström
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Omollo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis core facility, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Paulo Czarnewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, SciLifeLab, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Månberg
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Nilsson
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Keith Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Use and the Development and Progression of Uterine Leiomyoma. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:797-807. [PMID: 35576339 PMCID: PMC9015023 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the association between use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (an injectable progestin-only contraceptive) and leiomyoma development. METHODS We conducted a cohort study in the Detroit, Michigan, area that involved four clinic visits at 20-month intervals over 5 years (2010-2018) and used a standardized ultrasonography protocol to prospectively measure leiomyomas 0.5 cm or more in diameter. Participants were 1,693 self-identified Black women aged 23-35 years with no prior leiomyoma diagnosis and no hysterectomy. For this substudy, years since last use of DMPA was ascertained from questionnaire data at every visit. Leiomyoma incidence was defined as the first visit with an observed leiomyoma among women who were leiomyoma-free at enrollment. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate associations were examined with Cox models. Leiomyoma growth was calculated as the change in log-volume for leiomyomas matched at successive visits and was modeled using linear mixed models accounting for clustered data. Leiomyoma loss, defined as a reduction in leiomyoma number in successive visits, was modeled using Poisson regression. All models used time-varying exposure and covariates. RESULTS Of participants with at least one follow-up visit (N=1,610), 42.9% had ever used DMPA. Participants exposed to DMPA within the previous 2 years experienced reduced leiomyoma development during the subsequent observation interval compared with never users, including lower leiomyoma incidence (5.2% vs 10.7%), adjusted hazard ratio 0.6 (95% CI 0.4-1.0), 42.0% lower leiomyoma growth (95% CI -51.4 to -30.7) and 60% greater leiomyoma loss (adjusted risk ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2). Excess leiomyoma loss was also seen for those who used DMPA 2-4 years before the visit compared with never users, 2.1-fold increase (95% CI 1.4-3.1). CONCLUSION Recent use of DMPA was associated with reduced leiomyoma development and increased leiomyoma loss. Such changes in early leiomyoma development in young women could delay symptom onset and reduce the need for invasive treatment.
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Recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:138. [PMID: 35300702 PMCID: PMC8932341 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy is a global issue with serious ramifications for women, their families, and society, including abortion, infertility, and maternal death. Although existing contraceptive strategies have been widely used in people's lives, there have not been satisfactory feedbacks due to low contraceptive efficacy and related side effects (e.g., decreased sexuality, menstrual cycle disorder, and even lifelong infertility). In recent years, biomaterials-based long-acting reversible contraception has received increasing attention from the viewpoint of fundamental research and practical applications mainly owing to improved delivery routes and controlled drug delivery. This review summarizes recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception via various delivery routes, including subcutaneous implant, transdermal patch, oral administration, vaginal ring, intrauterine device, fallopian tube occlusion, vas deferens contraception, and Intravenous administration. In addition, biomaterials, especially nanomaterials, still need to be improved and prospects for the future in contraception are mentioned.
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Sherrill-Mix S, Yang M, Aldrovandi GM, Brenchley JM, Bushman FD, Collman RG, Dandekar S, Klatt NR, Lagenaur LA, Landay AL, Paredes R, Tachedjian G, Turpin JA, Serrano-Villar S, Lozupone CA, Ghosh M. A Summary of the Sixth International Workshop on Microbiome in HIV Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:173-180. [PMID: 34969255 PMCID: PMC9009592 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In October of 2020, researchers from around the world met online for the sixth annual International Workshop on Microbiome in HIV Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment. New research was presented on the roles of the microbiome on immune response and HIV transmission and pathogenesis and the potential for alterations in the microbiome to decrease transmission and affect comorbidities. This article presents a summary of the findings reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Sherrill-Mix
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Scott Sherrill-Mix, Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 424 Johnson Pavilion, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michelle Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Grace M. Aldrovandi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Frederic D. Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ronald G. Collman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Satya Dandekar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Nichole R. Klatt
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Alan L. Landay
- Division of Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Roger Paredes
- Institut de Recerca de la SIDA IrsiCaixa i Unitat VIH, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universitat de Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jim A. Turpin
- Divison of AIDS, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sergio Serrano-Villar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mimi Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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30
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Scott RK, Hull SJ, Richards RC, Klemmer K, Salmoran F, Huang JC. Awareness, acceptability, and intention to initiate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant women. AIDS Care 2022; 34:201-213. [PMID: 33874801 PMCID: PMC8523573 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1916870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention is critically important during pregnancy, however, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized. We conducted a survey of pregnant and non-pregnant women in a high HIV prevalence community in Washington D.C. to evaluate determinants of PrEP initiation during pregnancy. 201 pregnant women and a reference population of 1103 non-pregnant women completed the survey. Among pregnant women, mean age was 26.9 years; the majority were Black with household-incomes below the federal poverty level. Despite low perceived risk of HIV acquisition and low prior awareness of PrEP, 10.5% of respondents planned to initiate PrEP during pregnancy. Pregnant women identified safety, efficacy, and social network and medical provider support as key factors in PrEP uptake intention. The belief that PrEP will "protect (their) baby from HIV" was associated with PrEP uptake intention during pregnancy. Concerns regarding maternal/fetal side effects, and safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding were not identified as deterrents to uptake intention. When compared to a nonpregnant sample, there were no significant differences in uptake intention between the two samples. These findings support the need for prenatal educational interventions to promote HIV prevention during pregnancy, as well as interventions that center on the role of providers in the provision of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K. Scott
- Women’s Health Research, MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI), Washington, DC, USA,Women’s & Infants’ Services, MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC), Washington, DC, USA,Obstetrics & Gynecology, Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shawnika J. Hull
- School of Communication & Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Robin C. Richards
- Women’s & Infants’ Services, MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristen Klemmer
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Frida Salmoran
- Women’s Health Research, MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jim C. Huang
- Women’s Health Research, MedStar Health Research Institute (MHRI), Washington, DC, USA,Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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31
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Vanpouille C, Günaydın G, Jangard M, Clerici M, Margolis L, Broliden K, Introini A. The Progestin Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Affects HIV-1 Production in Human Lymphoid Tissue Explants in a Dose-Dependent and Glucocorticoid-like Fashion. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112303. [PMID: 34835109 PMCID: PMC8621851 DOI: 10.3390/v13112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between the use of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and HIV-1 susceptibility has been addressed mainly in respect to the changes occurring in the female genital mucosa and blood. However, one of the main sites of HIV-1 pathogenesis is lymphoid organs. To investigate the immunoregulatory effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at this site, human tonsillar tissue explants were infected ex vivo with either a CCR5 (BaL) or CXCR4 (LAI) HIV-1 variant and the release of p24gag and cytokines was measured in culture supernatant. The response to MPA was compared with that elicited by treatment with progesterone (P4) and dexamethasone (DEX), which selectively binds the glucocorticoid receptor, in donor-matched explant cultures. MPA treatment reduced the replication of both tested HIV-1 strains as well as the production of the mediators of inflammation IL-1β, IL-17A and CCL5, but not CCL20, in a similar way to DEX, whereas P4 had no effect on HIV-1 replication. The magnitude of both MPA and DEX-mediated responses was proportional to the length of exposure and/or administered dose. Blockage of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors with mifepristone abolished all observed changes in HIV-1 and cytokine production, and was associated with increased IL-22 levels in HIV-infected explants. Our data indicate that elevated doses of MPA may affect the immune responses in lymphoid tissue in a glucocorticoid-like fashion with an immediate impact on local HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Vanpouille
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Gökçe Günaydın
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
| | - Mattias Jangard
- Ear, Nose and Throat Unit, Research Laboratory, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section on Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
| | - Andrea Introini
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden; (G.G.); (K.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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32
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Lee Y, Li W, Tang J, Schwendeman SP, Prausnitz MR. Immediate detachment of microneedles by interfacial fracture for sustained delivery of a contraceptive hormone in the skin. J Control Release 2021; 337:676-685. [PMID: 34375689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite their high efficacy and safety, long-acting contraceptive methods are underutilized among women in some settings because they usually require injection or implantation by healthcare personnel. Here, we report a self-administrable microneedle (MN) patch for the rapid administration of a sustained-release contraceptive hormone delivery system into the skin that increases the simplicity and reliability of the MN delivery. We developed an immediate microneedle detachment system using a porous patch backing that has sufficient strength during MN insertion into skin under compression, but enables immediate detachment (< 1 s) of the MNs due to fracture at the MN - backing interface upon patch removal under tension from the skin surface. After patch application, the removed patch produced no biohazardous sharps waste, and was designed to achieve long-acting contraception by formulating poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) MNs to slowly release the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel for up to 1 month. Our combined strategy using immediate MN detachment in the skin and sustained drug delivery from the MNs could facilitate greater access to long-acting contraception by providing a simple and convenient option for self-administered, long-acting contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunki Lee
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Wei Li
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Steven P Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mark R Prausnitz
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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33
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Wand H, Morris N, Reddy T. Characteristics of women who use hormonal contraceptives and their population-level impacts on HIV infection in a cohort of South African women (2002-2016). EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2021; 25:449-455. [PMID: 33140988 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2020.1831469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women's choice of contraceptive can have broader implications and may play a significant role in shaping their sexual practices. We aim to identify the characteristics of women who use hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. We also quantify the population-level impact of their shared characteristics on HIV incidence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 9948 women who enrolled in six-HIV prevention trials conducted in South Africa (2002-2016) were included. We used logistic and Cox regression models and estimated the population-level impact of the use of injectables on HIV incidence in the multifactorial-model setting. RESULTS Using hormonal injectables were associated with increased risk of HIV infection (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR):1.51, 95% CI:1.22, 1.86). At the population level less than 20% of the infections were associated with injectable contraceptives among younger women (i.e., less than 35 years of age). Factors including being single/not-cohabiting, using condoms at last sex, partner-related factors, and STI diagnosis were all identified as shared characteristics of women who preferred using hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. At the population level, these factors were associated with more than 50% of the infections among women younger than 35 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis presented evidence for the overlapping characteristics of the women who used hormonal injectables and those at high-risk of HIV infection. These findings reinforce the importance of comprehensive contraceptive counselling to women about the importance of dual protection, such as male condoms and hormonal contraceptives use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Natashia Morris
- Biostatistics Unit: GIS, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
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34
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Swaims-Kohlmeier A, Sheth AN, Brody J, Hardnett FP, Sharma S, Bonning EW, Ofotokun I, Massud I, García-Lerma JG. Proinflammatory oscillations over the menstrual cycle drives bystander CD4 T cell recruitment and SHIV susceptibility from vaginal challenge. EBioMedicine 2021; 69:103472. [PMID: 34229275 PMCID: PMC8264117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The menstrual cycle influences HIV infection-risk in women, although the timing and underlying mechanism are unclear. Here we investigated the contribution of the menstrual cycle to HIV susceptibility through evaluating immune behavior with infection-risk over time. METHODS Blood and vaginal lavage samples were collected from 18 pig-tailed macaques to evaluate immune changes over reproductive cycles, and from 5 additional animals undergoing repeated vaginal exposures to simian HIV (SHIV). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from healthy women (n = 10) were prospectively collected over the course of a menstrual cycle to profile T cell populations. Immune properties from PBMC and vaginal lavage samples were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma progesterone was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The oscillation frequency of progesterone concentration and CCR5 expression on CD4 T cells was calculated using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram. SHIV infection was monitored in plasma by RT-PCR. Immune measures were compared using generalized estimating equations (GEE). FINDINGS Macaques cycle-phases were associated with fluctuations in systemic immune properties and a type-1 inflammatory T cell response with corresponding CCR5+ memory CD4 T cell (HIV target cell) infiltration into the vaginal lumen at the late luteal phase. Power spectral analysis identified CCR5 oscillation frequencies synchronized with reproductive cycles. In a repetitive low-dose vaginal challenge model, productive SHIV163P3 infection only occurred during intervals of mounting type-1 T cell responses (n = 5/5). Finally, we identify similar type-1 inflammatory T cell responses over the menstrual cycle are occurring in healthy women. INTERPRETATION These data demonstrate that periodic shifts in the immune landscape under menstrual cycle regulation drives bystander CCR5+ CD4 T cell recruitment and HIV susceptibility in the female reproductive tract. FUNDING This study was supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329 and NIH grants to Emory University (K23AI114407 to A.N.S., the Emory University Center for AIDS research [P30AI050409], and Atlanta Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute [KLR2TR000455, UL1TR000454]). DISCLAIMER The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Swaims-Kohlmeier
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States..
| | - Anandi N Sheth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Jed Brody
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Felicia P Hardnett
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Erin Wells Bonning
- Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Ivana Massud
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - J Gerardo García-Lerma
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
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35
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Ayele H, Perner M, McKinnon LR, Birse K, Farr Zuend C, Burgener A. An updated review on the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on the mucosal biology of the female genital tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13455. [PMID: 33991137 PMCID: PMC8459266 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is important for women’s health and essential to mitigate maternal and fetal mortality rates. The progestin‐based contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice with a low failure rate and convenient administration schedule. Aim In this review, we compiled observational data from human cohorts that examine how DMPA influences the mucosal biology of the female genital tract (FGT) that are essential in maintaining vaginal health, including resident immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, epithelial barrier function, and the vaginal microbiome Materials and Methods This review focused on the recent published literature published in 2019 and 2020. Results Recent longitudinal studies show that DMPA use associates with an immunosuppressive phenotype, increase in CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and alterations to growth factors. In agreement with previous meta‐analyses, DMPA use is associated with minimal effects of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Cross‐sectional studies associate a more pro‐inflammatory relationship with DMPA, but these studies are confounded by inherent weaknesses of cross‐sectional studies, including differences in study group sizes, behaviors, and other variables that may affect genital inflammation. Discussion & Conclusion These recent results indicate that the interactions between DMPA and the vaginal mucosa are complex emphasizing the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies that take into consideration the measurement of multiple biological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossaena Ayele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Perner
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Solna, Sweden
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36
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Bick AJ, Louw-du Toit R, Skosana SB, Africander D, Hapgood JP. Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and serum concentrations of progestins used in contraception. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 222:107789. [PMID: 33316287 PMCID: PMC8122039 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many different forms of hormonal contraception are used by millions of women worldwide. These contraceptives differ in the dose and type of synthetic progestogenic compound (progestin) used, as well as the route of administration and whether or not they contain estrogenic compounds. There is an increasing awareness that different forms of contraception and different progestins have different side-effect profiles, in particular their cardiovascular effects, effects on reproductive cancers and susceptibility to infectious diseases. There is a need to develop new methods to suit different needs and with minimal risks, especially in under-resourced areas. This requires a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics, metabolism, serum and tissue concentrations of progestins used in contraception as well as the biological activities of progestins and their metabolites via steroid receptors. Here we review the current knowledge on these topics and identify the research gaps. We show that there is a paucity of research on most of these topics for most progestins. We find that major impediments to clear conclusions on these topics include a lack of standardized methodologies, comparisons between non-parallel clinical studies and variability of data on serum concentrations between and within studies. The latter is most likely due, at least in part, to differences in intrinsic characteristics of participants. The review highlights the importance of insight on these topics in order to provide the best contraceptive options to women with minimal risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Salndave B Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Bastianelli C, Farris M, Bianchi P, Benagiano G. The effect of different contraceptive methods on the vaginal microbiome. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:821-836. [PMID: 33863265 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1917373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Following a historical overview, the effect of different contraceptive methods on vaginal microbiome has been reviewed and summarized.Areas covered: Effects of combined hormonal contraceptives (oral or vaginal) and of progestin only (injectable and implantable), intrauterine devices/systems (copper- or levonorgestrel-releasing), on vaginal microbiome. In addition, mention is made of vaginal rings releasing antiviral drugs and lactic acid.Expert opinion: The vaginal microbiota (VM) is unique in that it is normally dominated by Lactobacillus species providing a degree of protection against infections; this however may vary, depending on the species and strains of Lactobacillus. Bacterial Vaginosis represents the most common dysbiosis of the VM and its prevalence can be influenced by use of contraception. Available evidence indicates that, under the influence of oral or systemically administered female sex hormones, there is apromotion of vaginal eubiosis, with aprevalence of ahealthy VM in which Lactobacilli predominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bastianelli
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gynecology and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Farris
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gynecology and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Italian Association for Demographic Education, AIED, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bianchi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Benagiano
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Gynecology and Urology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Rodriguez-Garcia M, Connors K, Ghosh M. HIV Pathogenesis in the Human Female Reproductive Tract. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:139-156. [PMID: 33721260 PMCID: PMC9273024 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Women remain disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The primary mechanism for HIV acquisition in women is sexual transmission, yet the immunobiological factors that contribute to HIV susceptibility remain poorly characterized. Here, we review current knowledge on HIV pathogenesis in women, focusing on infection and immune responses in the female reproductive tract (FRT). RECENT FINDINGS We describe recent findings on innate immune protection and HIV target cell distribution in the FRT. We also review multiple factors that modify susceptibility to infection, including sex hormones, microbiome, trauma, and how HIV risk changes during women's life cycle. Finally, we review current strategies for HIV prevention and identify barriers for research in HIV infection and pathogenesis in women. A complex network of interrelated biological and sociocultural factors contributes to HIV risk in women and impairs prevention and cure strategies. Understanding how HIV establishes infection in the FRT can provide clues to develop novel interventions to prevent HIV acquisition in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Kaleigh Connors
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Mimi Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health and Health Services, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
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Molatlhegi RP, Ngcobo S, Liebenberg LJP, Ngcapu S, Mabhula A, Leslie A, Mchunu N, Zondi MM, Adamson JH, Govender K, Samsunder N, Karim SSA, Karim QA, Passmore JAS, Sivro A, McKinnon LR. Genital and systemic immune effects of the injectable, contraceptive norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), in South African women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13411. [PMID: 33641222 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Injectable hormonal contraceptives (IHC) have been associated with altered mucosal and systemic milieu which might increase HIV risk, but most studies have focused on DMPA and not NET-EN, despite the growing popularity and lower HIV risk associated with the latter in observational studies. METHOD OF STUDY We used high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-LC-MS/MS) to measure steroid hormones in plasma samples of CAPRISA004 study participants. Concentrations of 48 cytokines were measured in the cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and plasma, and their expression was compared between participants with detectable NET-EN (n = 201) versus non-detectable IHC (n = 90). Each log10 cytokine concentration was tested as an outcome in linear-mixed models, with NET-EN detection as the main explanatory variable. Multivariable models were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, detectable NET-EN was associated with reduced cervicovaginal M-CSF (P = 0.008), GM-CSF (P = 0.025) and G-CSF (P = 0.039), and elevated levels MIF (P = 0.008), IL-18 (P = 0.011), RANTES (P = 0.005) and IL-1Rα (P < 0.001). Lower G-CSF (P = 0.011) and elevated IL-1Rα (P = 0.008) remained significant in adjusted models. Multivariable analyses of plasma samples obtained from NET-EN-detectable women showed a significant increase in IP-10 (P = 0.026) and reductions in TNF-β (P = 0.037), RANTES (P = 0.009), and M-CSF (P < 0.001). While similar growth factor reduction in CVL was noted for both DMPA and NET-EN, similar trends were not observed for endogenous progesterone. CONCLUSIONS Detectable NET-EN was associated with reduced growth factors in the plasma and genital tract; particularly G-CSF and M-CSF. Our results suggest that while NET-EN is not inflammatory, it may have important immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refilwe P Molatlhegi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samkelisiwe Ngcobo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Amanda Mabhula
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Alasdair Leslie
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nobuhle Mchunu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa.,School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Mthobisi M Zondi
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - John H Adamson
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Katya Govender
- African Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Matubu AT, Hillier SL, Meyn LA, Stoner KA, Mhlanga F, Mbizvo M, Maramba A, Chirenje ZM, Achilles SL. Effect of injectable progestin-only contraceptives, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone enanthate, on cytokine production during T-cell activation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13405. [PMID: 33609312 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13405] [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] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM There is paucity of human data about the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) and norethisterone enanthate (Net-En) use on systemic immune function, which may have implications for reproductive tract infection susceptibility and transmissibility. We sought to evaluate the impact of injectable contraceptive use on T-cell responsiveness using T cells exposed in vivo and tested ex vivo. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from healthy, HIV-negative women after 30, 90 and 180 days of DMPA, norethisterone enanthate (Net-En) or copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) contraceptive use. Cells were stimulated ex vivo with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin, stained and analysed using flow cytometry. Mixed-effects linear models were used to evaluate change in proportions of T cells producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13. RESULTS Compared with baseline, decreased proportions of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .003, p = .006, respectively) and TNF-α-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .039, p = .034, respectively) were observed after 180 days of DMPA use. Decreased IL-4-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (p = .045 and p = .024, respectively) were noted after 180 days of Net-En use. Decreased IL-4-producing CD4+ T cells were observed after 30 days (p = .035) and not after 180 days of DMPA use (p = .49). There were no changes in proportion of T cells producing IL-13 in DMPA users, nor any changes in IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-13 in Net-En and Cu-IUD users. CONCLUSION In vivo exposure of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to typical pharmacologic concentrations of DMPA does not cause broad suppression to stimuli; however, depletion of specific cytokine-producing T cells may occur after prolonged DMPA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen T Matubu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sharon L Hillier
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie A Meyn
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Felix Mhlanga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mike Mbizvo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Aaron Maramba
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Zvavahera M Chirenje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe-Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Sharon L Achilles
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Wessels JM, Nguyen PV, Vitali D, Mueller K, Vahedi F, Felker AM, Dupont HA, Bagri P, Verschoor CP, Deshiere A, Mazzulli T, Tremblay MJ, Ashkar AA, Kaushic C. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) enhances susceptibility and increases the window of vulnerability to HIV-1 in humanized mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3894. [PMID: 33594113 PMCID: PMC7887257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The progestin-based hormonal contraceptive Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) is widely used in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV-1 is endemic. Meta-analyses have shown that women using DMPA are 40% more likely than women not using hormonal contraceptives to acquire Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). Therefore understanding how DMPA increases susceptibility to HIV-1 is an important public health issue. Using C57BL/6 mice and our previously optimized humanized mouse model (NOD-Rag1tm1Mom Il2rgtm1Wjl transplanted with hCD34-enriched hematopoietic stem cells; Hu-mice) where peripheral blood and tissues are reconstituted by human immune cells, we assessed how DMPA affected mucosal barrier function, HIV-1 susceptibility, viral titres, and target cells compared to mice in the diestrus phase of the estrous cycle, when endogenous progesterone is highest. We found that DMPA enhanced FITC-dextran dye leakage from the vaginal tract into the systemic circulation, enhanced target cells (hCD68+ macrophages, hCD4+ T cells) in the vaginal tract and peripheral blood (hCD45+hCD3+hCD4+hCCR5+ T cells), increased the rate of intravaginal HIV-1 infection, extended the window of vulnerability, and lowered vaginal viral titres following infection. These findings suggest DMPA may enhance susceptibility to HIV-1 in Hu-mice by impairing the vaginal epithelial barrier, increasing vaginal target cells (including macrophages), and extending the period of time during which Hu-mice are susceptible to infection; mechanisms that might also affect HIV-1 susceptibility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Wessels
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Philip V Nguyen
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Danielle Vitali
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Kristen Mueller
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Vahedi
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Allison M Felker
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Haley A Dupont
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Puja Bagri
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Chris P Verschoor
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Alexandre Deshiere
- Axe Des Maladies Infectieuses Et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Tony Mazzulli
- Public Health Laboratories, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V2, Canada.,Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michel J Tremblay
- Axe Des Maladies Infectieuses Et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ali A Ashkar
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, MDCL Room 4014, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Transcriptional response of vaginal epithelial cells to medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment results in decreased barrier integrity. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 143:103253. [PMID: 33285485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a frequently used hormonal contraceptive that has been shown to significantly increase HIV-1 susceptibility by approximately 40 %. However, the underlying mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Here, we examined the biological response to MPA by vaginal epithelial cells, the first cells to encounter HIV-1 during sexual transmission, in order to understand the potential mechanism(s) of MPA-mediated increase of HIV-1 infection. Using microarray analysis and in vitro assays, we characterized the response of vaginal epithelial cells, grown in biologically relevant air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, to physiological levels of female sex hormones, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or MPA. Transcriptional profiling of E2, P4 or MPA-treated vaginal epithelial cells indicated unique transcriptional profiles associated with each hormone. MPA treatment increased transcripts of genes related to cholesterol/sterol synthesis and decreased transcripts related to cell division and cell-cell adhesion, results not seen with E2 or P4 treatments. MPA treatment also resulted in unique gene expression indicative of decreased barrier integrity. Functional assays confirmed that MPA, but not E2 or P4 treatments, resulted in increased epithelial barrier permeability and inhibited cell cycle progression. The effects of MPA on vaginal epithelial cells seen in this study may help explain the increase of HIV-1 infection in women who use MPA as a hormonal contraceptive.
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Characterisation of progestins used in hormonal contraception and progesterone via the progesterone receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:879-885. [PMID: 33008590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.058] [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: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Different progestogens are widely used in hormonal therapy and mediate their therapeutic actions via the progesterone receptor (PR). Little published data exist on their relative efficacies and potencies via the PR, while those available may be confounded by off-target receptors, different methodologies and model systems. We performed dose-response analysis to investigate the efficacies and potencies for transcription of progesterone and several progestins widely used in contraception via the B isoform of human PR (PR-B). We compared responses using three different cell lines and two different transient transfection conditions. Results show that in vitro biological responses via PR-B for the select progestogens can vary significantly in biocharacter, rank order and absolute values for efficacies and potencies, depending on the cell line and transfection condition. Progestogen rank orders for published relative binding affinities are mostly different to those for relative efficacies and potencies. These in vitro differences suggest that rank orders and absolute values of the efficacies and potencies of the progestogens are likely to vary in vivo in a cell-specific and progestogen-specific manner, and cannot easily be extrapolated from in vitro data, as is usually the practice. While obtaining such data in vivo is not possible, these in vitro data show proof of concept for likely significant cell- and progestogen-specific PR-B effects.
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de Lara LM, Parthasarathy RS, Rodriguez-Garcia M. Mucosal Immunity and HIV Acquisition in Women. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 19:32-38. [PMID: 33103019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Women acquire HIV through sexual transmission. Women worldwide represent half of the people living with HIV, but young women in endemic areas are disproportionally affected. Low transmission rates per sexual act in women suggest that local immune protective mechanisms in the genital tract have the potential to prevent infection. However, conditions that induce genital inflammation are known to increase the risk of HIV acquisition. The female genital tract (FGT) is divided into different anatomical compartments with distinct reproductive functions. The immune cells present in each of these compartments are specialized in balancing reproduction and protection against infections, and are the same cells that can encounter and respond to HIV. Understanding the physiological and pathological factors that influence mucosal immune cell presence, susceptibility to HIV-infection and anti-HIV immune responses in the FGT is necessary to develop preventive strategies. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of HIV infection in the human female genital tract, with an emphasis on the characterization of the mucosal cells susceptible to HIV-infection, innate immune responses and mucosal factors that increase genital inflammation and influence susceptibility to HIV acquisition in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno de Lara
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ragav S Parthasarathy
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Program, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Program, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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Edfeldt G, Lajoie J, Röhl M, Oyugi J, Åhlberg A, Khalilzadeh-Binicy B, Bradley F, Mack M, Kimani J, Omollo K, Wählby C, Fowke KR, Broliden K, Tjernlund A. Regular use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate causes thinning of the superficial lining and apical distribution of HIV target cells in the human ectocervix. J Infect Dis 2020; 225:1151-1161. [PMID: 32780807 PMCID: PMC8974825 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with an increased risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We hypothesize that DMPA use influences the ectocervical tissue architecture and HIV target cell localization. METHODS Quantitative image analysis workflows were developed to assess ectocervical tissue samples collected from DMPA users and control subjects not using hormonal contraception. RESULTS Compared to controls, the DMPA group exhibited a significantly thinner apical ectocervical epithelial layer and a higher proportion of CD4+CCR5+ cells with a more superficial location. This localization corresponded to an area with a non-intact E-cadherin net structure. CD4+Langerin+ cells were also more superficially located in the DMPA group, while fewer in number compared to the controls. Natural plasma progesterone levels did not correlate with any of these parameters, whereas estradiol levels were positively correlated with E-cadherin expression and a more basal location for HIV target cells of the control group. CONCLUSIONS DMPA users have a less robust epithelial layer and a more apical distribution of HIV target cells in the human ectocervix, which could confer a higher risk of HIV infection. Our results highlight the importance of assessing intact genital tissue samples to gain insights into HIV susceptibility factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Edfeldt
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maria Röhl
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alexandra Åhlberg
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Behnaz Khalilzadeh-Binicy
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frideborg Bradley
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Mack
- Department of Internal Medicine - Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Omollo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carolina Wählby
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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46
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Quispe Calla NE, Vicetti Miguel RD, Fritts L, Miller CJ, Aceves KM, Cherpes TL. Exogenous sex steroids regulate genital epithelial barrier function in female rhesus macaques. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:310-317. [PMID: 32542371 PMCID: PMC7401374 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is concern that using depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for pregnancy prevention heightens HIV susceptibility. While no clinical data establishes causal link between HIV acquisition and use of this injectable progestin, prior work from our laboratory showed that DMPA comparably lowers genital levels of the cell-cell adhesion molecule desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and weakens genital epithelial barrier function in female mice and women. We likewise saw DMPA increase mouse susceptibility to multiple genital pathogens including HIV. Herein, we sought to confirm and extend these findings by comparing genital epithelial barrier function in untreated rhesus macaques (RM) vs. RM treated with DMPA or DMPA and estrogen (E). Compared to controls, genital tissue from RM with pharmacologically relevant serum levels of medroxyprogesterone acetate displayed significantly lower DSG1 levels and greater permeability to low molecular mass molecules. Conversely, DMPA-mediated effects on genital epithelial integrity and function were obviated in RM administered DMPA and E. These data corroborate the diminished genital epithelial barrier function observed in women initiating DMPA and identify RM as a useful preclinical model for defining effects of exogenous sex steroids on genital pathogen susceptibility. As treatment with E averted DMPA-mediated loss of genital epithelial barrier function, our results also imply that contraceptives releasing progestin and E may be less likely to promote transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens than progestin-only compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirk E Quispe Calla
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Linda Fritts
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kristen M Aceves
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas L Cherpes
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Morrison CS, Hofmeyr GJ, Thomas KK, Rees H, Philip N, Palanee-Phillips T, Nanda K, Nair G, Onono M, Mastro TD, Lind M, Heffron R, Edward V, Deese J, Beksinska M, Beesham I, Stringer JS, Baeten JM, Ahmed K, Kiarie J, Mugo NR, Justman J, Nhlabatsi Z, Bukusi EA, Louw C, Bekker LG, Smit J, Singata-Madliki M, Sibiya S, Kasaro MP, Baron D, Donnell D, Gichangi PB, Heller KB, Mbandazayo N, Pleaner M, Scoville CW, Shears K, Steyn PS, Taylor D, Welch JD. Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Copper Intrauterine Devices, and Levonorgestrel Implants on Early HIV Disease Progression. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:632-640. [PMID: 32394723 PMCID: PMC7414801 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited data exist on the effects of contraceptives on HIV disease progression. We studied the association between intramuscular injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), the copper intrauterine device (IUD), and the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant on markers of HIV disease progression at the time of HIV detection and 3 months postdetection and time from detection to CD4 count <350 cells/mm3. Among women initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), we studied the effect of contraceptive group on time from ART initiation to viral load (VL) <40 copies/mL. We included women 16-35 years randomized to DMPA-IM, copper IUD, or LNG implant with incident HIV infection during the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial (n = 382). We analyzed HIV VL and CD4 cell count according to participants' randomized method and also conducted a "continuous use" analysis that excluded follow-up time after method discontinuation. We used adjusted linear models to compare mean VL and CD4 cell levels by contraceptive group up to the time of ART initiation. We compared time from HIV detection to CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 and, following ART initiation, time to viral suppression (VL <40 copies/mL) using Cox proportional hazards models. At HIV detection, women allocated to DMPA-IM had lower VL relative to copper IUD (-0.28 log10 copies/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.55 to -0.01) and LNG implant (-0.27, CI: -0.55 to 0.02) and higher mean CD4 than copper IUD users by 66 cells/mm3 (CI: 11-121). In continuous use analyses women allocated to DMPA-IM progressed to CD4 < 350 cells/mm3 slower than copper IUD users (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.6, CI: 0.3-1.1), whereas copper IUD users progressed faster than LNG implant users (HR = 1.8, CI: 1.0-3.3). Time to viral suppression was faster for DMPA-IM than copper IUD (HR = 1.5, CI: 1.0-2.3) and LNG implant 1.4 (CI: 0.9-2.2) users. We found no evidence of more rapid early HIV disease progression among women using DMPA-IM than among women using copper IUD or LNG implant. Our finding of more rapid progression among copper IUD compared with DMPA-IM users should be interpreted cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G. Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Witwatersrand/Fort Hare/Walter Sisulu, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neena Philip
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Maggie Lind
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Vinodh Edward
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jen Deese
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey S.A. Stringer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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MPA given orally during the first trimester for threatened miscarriage carries no specific risk for foetal abnormalities albeit the rate is higher than non-threatened pregnancies. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:424-432. [PMID: 32389607 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.03.008] [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: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This observational study examines the outcomes of pregnancies arising in women referred for infertility, where those who experienced threatened miscarriage were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) tablets. The 14-year study period covers comprehensive real-time data entries into the validated electronic database including details of the infertility management, pregnancy outcomes and any foetal anomalies among the infants, each being tracked and recorded. Of 4057 clinical pregnancies, 1343 received MPA for threatened miscarriage; 934 (69.6 %) of which continued to livebirths. These were compared with the remaining 2714 clinical pregnancies without threatened miscarriage or MPA and which resulted in 2075 (76.5 %) livebirths. There were 134 developmental abnormalities recorded among the 3009 livebirths of which 78 (2.6 %) were categorised appropriate for the Western Australian Developmental Abnormalities Register; WARDA. These comprised 55 in the MPA group, 36 of which were categorised as serious (being 2.7 % of clinical pregnancies and 3.9 % of births). In the group without MPA, there were 79 abnormalities, of which 42 were categorised as serious (being 1.7 % of clinical pregnancies and 2.2 % of births). Specifically, there were no cases of androgenisation noted among the female infants. The abnormality rates were low overall and well within the annual WARDA ranges. We cautiously suggest that oral MPA can be considered for studies throughout pregnancy including the early first trimester to assess a potential role in reducing miscarriage, as well as advanced pregnancies to evaluate a potential role in reducing stillbirths and preterm delivery.
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Hormonal Contraceptives and the Acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Updated Systematic Review. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 46:290-296. [PMID: 30628946 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that some forms of hormonal contraception (HC) increase women's risk of non-human immunodeficiency virus sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet evidence has not been reviewed since 2008. We conducted an updated systematic review to incorporate studies published between January 2009 and June 2017 to examine the relationship between HCs and incident or recurrent STIs. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE to identify prospective studies comparing risk of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), Treponema pallidum, or Trichomonas vaginalis, between women using HC versus nonhormonal methods or no methods. We summarize results by type of STI and HC and study quality using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. RESULTS Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) reduces the risk of trichomoniasis (consistent evidence) and may increase the risk of HSV-2 (strong effect, few studies); inconclusive evidence exists for HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Data on oral contraceptive pills (OCPs; generally not differentiated whether combined or progestin-only pills) suggest that use is associated with a reduced risk of trichomoniasis with inconclusive findings for HSV-2, HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Very few studies included norethisterone enanthate (Net-En) injectable, implants or the levonorgestrel intrauterine device. CONCLUSIONS Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate and OCPs reduce the risk of trichomoniasis and DMPA may increase the risk of HSV-2. However, the potential for confounding cannot be ruled out. Future studies should specify the type of injectable or OCP used to increase understanding of biological pathways; more research is needed on implants and hormonal intrauterine devices.
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Plasma concentration of injectable contraceptive correlates with reduced cervicovaginal growth factor expression in South African women. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:449-459. [PMID: 31896762 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable contraceptives have been associated with mucosal immune changes and increased HIV acquisition, but studies have often been hampered by the inaccuracy of self-reported data, unknown timing of injection, and interactions with mucosal transmission co-factors. We used mass spectrometry to quantify the plasma concentrations of injectable contraceptives in women from the CAPRISA004 study (n = 664), with parallel quantification of 48 cytokines and >500 host proteins in cervicovaginal lavage. Higher DMPA levels were associated with reduced CVL concentrations of GCSF, MCSF, IL-16, CTACK, LIF, IL-1α, and SCGF-β in adjusted linear mixed models. Dose-dependent relationships between DMPA concentration and genital cytokines were frequently observed. Unsupervised clustering of host proteins by DMPA concentration suggest that women with low DMPA had increases in proteins associated with mucosal fluid function, growth factors, and keratinization. Although DMPA was not broadly pro-inflammatory, DMPA was associated with increased IP-10 in HSV-2 seropositive and older women. DMPA-cytokine associations frequently differed by vaginal microbiome; in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women, DMPA was associated with elevated IL-8, MCP-1, and IP-10 concentrations. These data confirm a direct, concentration-dependant effect of DMPA on functionally important immune factors within the vaginal compartment. The biological effects of DMPA may vary depending on age, HSV-2 status, and vaginal microbiome composition.
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