Safety of multiple administrations of spermicidal LL-37 antimicrobial peptide into the mouse female reproductive tract.

We have previously demonstrated spermicidal activity of LL-37 antimicrobial peptide on mouse/human sperm and its contraceptive effects in female mice. With its microbicidal action against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, LL-37 warrants development into a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) agent for administering into the female reproductive tract (FRT). However, it is important to verify that multiple administrations of LL-37 do not lead to damage of FRT tissues and/or irreversible loss of fecundity. Herein, we transcervically injected LL-37 (36 µM-10× spermicidal dose) into female mice in estrus in three consecutive estrous cycles. A set of mice were sacrificed for histological assessment of the vagina/cervix/uterus 24 h after the last injection, while the second set were artificially inseminated with sperm from fertile males 1 week afterwards, and then monitored for pregnancy. Mice injected with PBS in parallel were regarded as negative controls, whereas those injected with vaginal contraceptive foam (VCF, available over the counter), containing 12.5% nonoxynol-9, served as positive controls for vaginal epithelium disruption. We demonstrated that the vagina/cervix/uterus remained normal in both LL-37-injected and PBS-injected mice, which also showed 100% resumption of fecundity. In contrast, VCF-injected mice showed histological abnormalities in the vagina/cervix/uterus and only 50% of them resumed fecundity. Similarly, LL-37 multiply administered intravaginally caused no damage to FRT tissues. While our results indicate the safety of multiple treatments of LL-37 in the mouse model, similar studies have to be conducted in non-human primates and then humans. Regardless, our study provides an experimental model for studying in vivo safety of other vaginal MPT/spermicide candidates.

ZB-06, a vaginal film containing an engineered human contraceptive antibody (HC4-N), demonstrates safety and efficacy in a phase 1 postcoital test and safety study.

BACKGROUND: With an unplanned pregnancy rate of 50% or more in many countries, there is an urgent need for contraceptives that are more accessible and acceptable. To meet the growing demand for new contraceptives, ZabBio developed ZB-06, a vaginal film containing HC4-N, a human contraceptive antibody that inactivates sperm. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential contraceptive activity of the ZB-06 film using a surrogate assessment for contraceptive efficacy, the postcoital test. We also assessed clinical safety of film use among healthy heterosexual couples. Serum, cervical mucus, and vaginal fluid HC4-N antibody concentrations and sperm agglutination potency were determined after single film use. Changes in the concentration of soluble proinflammatory cytokines and vaginal Nugent score after film use were measured as subclinical safety endpoints. STUDY DESIGN: This was a phase 1, first-in-woman, open-label, proof-of-concept, postcoital test and safety study. RESULTS: A total of 20 healthy women were enrolled in the study, and 8 heterosexual couples completed all study visits. The product was safe for both female participants and their male sexual partners. The postcoital test performed on ovulatory cervical mucus at baseline (no product use) revealed a mean of 25.9 (±30.6) progressively motile sperm per high-power field. After use of a single ZB-06 film before intercourse, this number dropped to 0.04 (±0.06) progressively motile sperm per high-power field (P<.0001). At the follow-up postcoital test visit approximately 1 month later (no product use), a mean of 47.4 (±37.4) progressively motile sperm per high-power field was observed, indicating contraceptive reversibility. CONCLUSION: A single dose of the ZB-06 film applied before intercourse was safe and met efficacy surrogate benchmarks of excluding progressively motile sperm from ovulatory cervical mucus. These data indicate that ZB-06 is a viable contraceptive candidate warranting further development and testing.

17BIPHE2, an engineered cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide with low susceptibility to proteases, is an effective spermicide and microbicide against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

STUDY QUESTION: Is 17BIPHE2, an engineered cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide with low susceptibility to proteases, a better spermicide in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) than its parental peptides, LL-37 and GF-17? SUMMARY ANSWER: At the same mass concentration, 17BIPHE2 exhibited the highest spermicidal activity on human sperm resuspended in CVF-containing medium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: LL-37 and its truncated peptide GF-17 exert both spermicidal and microbicidal activities, although they are prone to proteolytic degradation in body fluids. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Spermicidal activities of 17BIPHE2 were evaluated in vitro in mouse and human sperm, both resuspended in medium, and then on human sperm incubated in CVF-containing medium; in the latter condition, the spermicidal activity and peptide stability in CVF of 17BIPHE2 were compared with that of LL-37 and GF-17. The in vivo contraceptive effects of 17BIPHE2 and the reversibility thereof were then assessed in mice. Finally, in vitro microbicidal effects of 17BIPHE2 on Neisseria gonorrhoeae were determined. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were assessed by videomicroscopy and exclusion of Sytox Green, a membrane-impermeable fluorescent dye, respectively. Successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) was determined by the presence of two pronuclei in oocytes following their coincubation with capacitated untreated or 17BIPHE2-treated sperm. Sperm alone or with 17BIPHE2 were transcervically injected into female mice and successful in vivo fertilization was indicated by the formation of two-cell embryos 42-h postinjection, and by pregnancy through pup delivery 21-25 days afterwards. Peptide intactness was assessed by immunoblotting and HPLC. Reversibility of the contraceptive effects of 17BIPHE2 was evaluated by resumption of pregnancy of the female mice, pretranscervically injected with 17BIPHE2, following natural mating with fertile males. Minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations of 17BIPHE2 on N. gonorrhoeae were obtained through microdilution broth assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: At the same mass concentration, 17BIPHE2 was a more effective spermicide than LL-37 or GF-17 on human sperm resuspended in CVF-containing medium, with the spermicidal concentration of 32.4 µM. This was mainly due to lower susceptibility of 17BIPHE2 to CVF proteases. Importantly, the reproductive tract of mouse females treated three times with 32.4 µM 17BIPHE2 remained normal and their fecundity resumed after stopping 17BIPHE2 treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: For ethical reasons, the inhibitory effects of 17BIPHE2 on fertilization and pregnancy cannot presently be performed in women. Also, while our study has proven the effectiveness of 17BIPHE2 as a spermicide for mouse and human sperm in vitro, dosage formulation (e.g. in hydrogel) of 17BIPHE2 still needs to be developed to allow 17BIPHE2 to remain in the vagina/uterine cavity with controlled release for its spermicidal action. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Since 17BIPHE2 also exerted bactericidal activity against N. gonorrhoeae at its spermicidal concentration, it is a promising candidate to be developed into a vaginal multipurpose prevention technology agent, thus empowering women against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PJT 173268 to N.T.). There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Propoxur (PPx) exposure as hormonal disruptor and spermatocidal in rat model.

BACKGROUND: Propoxur is a carbamate insecticide widely used both in indoor and outdoor place to control insects. This present work was conducted to study the effect of exposure of propoxur (PPX) on hormonal and histological changes in the rat testes. METHODS: The control animals received distil water, while the treated animals received Propoxur (PPx) by inhalation every other day for one month (PPx-1) and two months (PPx-2) respectively. The animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation; blood sample was obtained for reproductive hormonal assay and the testes were excised following abdominal incision fixed in Bouin's fluid for histological observations. RESULTS: Significant decrease in the level of testosterone (TT) and increase in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) were observed in PPX treated groups alongside with the degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, complete loss of spermatogonia population, and the testicular basal membrane. There was no reversal of destruction 30 days after withdrawal of the insecticide, indicating a persistent effect. CONCLUSION: The exposure to PPX insecticide has obvious deleterious effects on rat testicular micro-structure and reproductive hormones, Therefore, inhalation of such insecticide should be limited with special care in handling to limit or minimize its hazards.

In vitro spermicidal effect of Thevetia Peruviana leaves on human spermatozoa.

An in vitro spermicidal effect of aqua-methanolic (2:3) extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves on human spermatozoa was evaluated in a dose-dependent manner (20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/ml) at a 1:1 ratio. Sperm motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) and acrosomal status and function tests were performed immediately (20 s), and after 5 and 10 min of exposure of the spermatozoa to the extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves at different dose concentrations. Nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) test, DNA fragmentation test and sperm revival test were also evaluated. The sperm motility was affected immediately at a dose of 20 mg/ml and reduced gradually at doses of 40 and 80 mg/ml of Thevetia peruviana extract. Complete immobilisation of spermatozoa was observed at 160 mg /ml dose of this extract treatment within 5 min. 50% immobilisation of spermatozoa (EC50) was observed at 28 mg/ml dose of Thevetia peruviana extract within 20 s. The sperm viability decreased significantly at a higher concentration of extract, and all spermatozoa were found to be non-viable after 10 min when treated with 160 mg/ml dose of Thevetia peruviana extract. HOS and NCD of spermatozoa also reduced gradually at a higher concentration of extract administration. The percentage of DNA damage in spermatozoa was four times greater than in the control group. The findings indicate that the hydro-methanolic extract of Thevetia peruviana leaves possesses appreciably potent spermicidal activity through an in vitro model, which may explore an effective vaginal contraceptive.

Comparative in vitro study on the local tolerance and efficacy of benzalkonium chloride, myristalkonium chloride and nonoxynol-9 as active principles in vaginal contraceptives.

BACKGROUND: Spermicides have been identified as a potentially attractive alternative to hormonal contraceptives and/or intrauterine devices. Thus, this study aimed evaluating the efficacy and local tolerance of benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and myristalkonium chloride (MKC) contained in Pharmatex® vaginal formulations and compare them with nonoxynol-9 (N-9), the most common active ingredient in topical vaginal contraceptives. METHODS: Human normozoospermic samples were assessed for motility, viability, acrosome status and penetration ability after exposure to control, N-9 or different BKC and MKC doses for 0 and 10 minutes. Local tolerance on HeLa cells was evaluated by the Trypan-blue and MTT assays. RESULTS: Exposure to BKC and MKC reduced acrosome integrity while promoting total immobilisation and complete loss of sperm viability (p < .001, n = 15). Both compounds also compromised sperm penetration ability upon exposure (p < .001, n = 15). N-9 induced the same outcomes (p < .001, n = 15); nevertheless, it was more toxic to HeLa cells than BKC and MKC (p < .05, n = 14). CONCLUSIONS: BKC and MKC present strong in vitro spermicidal activity at lower doses than N-9 and were better tolerated after immediate exposure than N-9. Available Pharmatex® galenic formulations were as effective as products based on N-9.

dl-Mandelic acid exhibits high sperm-immobilizing activity and low vaginal irritation: A potential non-surfactant spermicide for contraception.

dl-Mandelic acid (MA), an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, has been widely used as an intermediate of pharmaceutical and fine chemicals. Here, we evaluated the sperm-immobilizing activity of MA and its safety profiles. Spermatozoon motility was assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis, the integrity of the plasma membrane and. mitochondrial potential was assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-pisum sativum agglutinin and JC-1, respectively. The local tolerance of the MA-containing gel formulation was evaluated using a rabbit vaginal irritation test. We found that MA inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration-dependent manner. Within 20 s, MA-induced spermatozoa immobilization occurred with a minimum effective concentration and a median effective concentration of 0.86 and 0.54 mg/mL, respectively. Plasma membrane disruptions of MA-treated spermatozoa were relatively mild, but mitochondrial depolarization occurred. Histopathological examination showed that MA exposure did not exert obvious effects on the integrity of spermatozoa membrane structures and only caused slight irritation to the rabbit vaginal epithelium. The vaginal irritation scores of the vehicle control and the nonoxynol -9 gel control groups were 1.38 ± 0.65 and 7.88 ± 1.67, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas those of the MA gel groups at 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL were 1.69 ± 1.04, 2.98 ± 0.77, and 4.35 ± 1.04 with p values of >0.05, >0.05, and <0.05 (vs. vehicle control), respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). Therefore, our results confirmed that MA exhibited significant sperm-immobilizing effects and caused mild plasma membrane injury, suggesting that it has potential for development as a future non-surfactant spermicide.

Three Bacteriocin Peptides from a Lactic Acid Bacterium Weissella confusa MBF8-1 with Spermicidal Activity.

BACKGROUND: The development of antibiotic resistance amongst bacterial pathogens and a population explosion, e.g. in countries such as Indonesia, are two issues the world is facing today. These issues have stimulated interest in the development of new antimicrobial therapeutic agents and contraceptive strategies, such as novel spermicides. Bacteriocins, which are bacterially-derived antimicrobial peptides, may fulfill some of the criteria for these new agents. METHODS: Weissella confusa MBF8-1, originally isolated from a homemade soy product, exhibits antibacterial activity that was subsequently found to be plasmid-encoded, presumably by three peptides Bac1, Bac2 and Bac3. In the present study, we tested cell-free MBF8-1 bacteriocin preparations and chemically-synthesized versions of Bac1, Bac2 and Bac3 peptides for (i) its antibacterial activity against the indicator bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides and (ii) its ability to affect the motility of spermatozoa. Nisin, a known lantibiotic bacteriocin, was used as the control. RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that synthetic Bac1, in combination with synthetic Bac2, was sufficient to inhibit the growth of L. mesenteroides and affect sperm motility. However, the presence of all three synthetic peptides, s-Bac1, s-Bac2 and s-Bac3, was required for full potency. CONCLUSION: In summary, the bacteriocin-like peptides of W. confusa MBF8-1 have the potential to be developed as a narrow-spectrum antimicrobial agent and a novel spermicidal agent.

Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and its truncated forms, GI-20 and GF-17, exert spermicidal effects and microbicidal activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

STUDY QUESTION: Do the truncated LL-37 peptides, GI-20 and GF-17, have spermicidal activity and microbicidal effects on the sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae with equivalent potency to LL-37? SUMMARY ANSWER: GI-20 and GF-17 exhibited spermicidal effects on both mouse and human sperm as well as microbicidal action on N. gonorrhoeae with the same efficacy as LL-37. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 exerts microbicidal activity against various STI pathogens as well as spermicidal effects on both mouse and human sperm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Spermicidal activities of GI-20 and GF-17 were evaluated in vitro in mouse and human sperm and in vivo in mice. Finally, in vitro antimicrobial effects of LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 on an STI pathogen, N. gonorrhoeae were determined. All experiments were repeated three times or more. In particular, sperm samples from different males were used on each experimental day. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The plasma membrane integrity of peptide-treated sperm was assessed by cellular exclusion of Sytox Green, a membrane impermeable fluorescent DNA dye. Successful mouse in vitro fertilization was revealed by the presence of two pronuclei in oocytes following co-incubation with capacitated untreated/peptide-pretreated sperm. Sperm plus each peptide were transcervically injected into female mice and the success of in vivo fertilization was scored by the formation of 2-4 cell embryos 42 h afterward. Reproductive tract tissues of peptide pre-exposed females were then assessed histologically for any damage. Minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations of LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 on N. gonorrhoeae were determined by a standard method. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Like LL-37, treatment of sperm with GI-20 and GF-17 resulted in dose-dependent increases in sperm plasma membrane permeabilization, reaching the maximum at 18 and 3.6 µM for human and mouse sperm, respectively (P < 0.0001, as compared with untreated sperm). Mouse sperm treated with 3.6 µM GI-20 or GF-17 did not fertilize oocytes either in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, reproductive tract tissues of female mice pre-exposed to 3.6 µM GI-20 or GF-17 remained intact with no lesions, erosions or ulcerations. At 1.8-7.2 µM, LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 exerted bactericidal effects on N. gonorrhoeae. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Direct demonstration of the inhibitory effects of GI-20 and GF-17 on human in vitro and in vivo fertilization cannot be performed due to ethical issues. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Like LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 acted as spermicides and microbicides against N. gonorrhoeae, without adverse effects on female reproductive tissues. With lower synthesis costs, GI-20 and GF-17 are attractive peptides for further development into vaginal spermicides/microbicides. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP119438 and CCI82413 to N.T.) and NIH (R01 AI105147 to G.W.). There are no competing interests to declare.

An overview of properties of Amphora (Acidform) contraceptive vaginal gel.

INTRODUCTION: Although only a minority of contracepting women rely solely on spermicides, they may soon be the only ongoing female method available without a prescription in the United States. Spermicides are also combined with other methods for additional pregnancy protection and/or lubrication. Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), the active ingredient in most spermicides, is cytotoxic and may increase risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially in high-risk women. Amphora (previously called Acidform) is a noncytotoxic spermicide composed of a series of generally regarded as safe compounds, which maintains the acidity of the vagina following coitus to immobilize and kill sperm. Amphora is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved as a vaginal lubricant. Amphora is currently being tested in a multicenter Phase III contraceptive trial. AREAS COVERED: This paper describes key properties of Amphora, including its acid-buffering abilities, viscosity, stability, bioadhesiveness, and tolerability. EXPERT OPINION: Amphora is a nontoxic spermicide that maintains the pH within the vagina at levels less than 5.0 for hours, which immobilizes and kills sperm as well as many sexually transmitted pathogens. If the current clinical trial demonstrates safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Amphora as a contraceptive, it would represent a viable alternative to N-9. Its potential as a microbicide warrants further investigation.

Homopiperazine Derived Female Controlled Vaginal Trichomonacidal Contraceptive: An Addition to Structure-Activity Relationship.

BACKGROUND: In our previous work, several piperazine derived bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl) disulfides and disulfide esters of dithiocarbamic acid have been synthesized and evaluated for their spermicidal and microbicidal efficacy. These studies have provided some promising compounds for developing a dually active vaginal microbicidal contraceptive which is under pre-clinical stage. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was the design synthesis and biological evaluation of bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl) disulfides (4-15) and 2,2'-disulfanediylbis (3-(substituted-1-yl) propane-2,1-diyl) disubstituted-1-carbodithioates (19-28) as non-surfactant molecules capable of eliminating Trichomonas vaginalis as well as irreversibly immobilizing 100% human sperm promptly. METHOD: Spermicidal, anti-trichomonas, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility study of the synthesized compounds was done as per the reported methodologies. RESULT: Among bis(dialkylaminethiocarbonyl) disulfides (4-15, Table 1), compound 4 (MEC 0.02 mM) was found to be the most desirable for spermicidal activity as it was 40 times more active than Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), and also active against Trichomonas vaginalis (MIC 0.02 &1.10 mM). 2, 2'-disulfanediylbis (3-(substituted- 1-yl) propane-2, 1-diyl) disubstituted-1-carbodithioates (19-28, Table 2), and compounds (19, 22, 23, and 24 MEC 0.05 mM) were sixteen times more active than N-9 with promising Trichomonacidal activity. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the disulfide linkage alone and dithiocarbamate along with disulfide group within the same chemical entity impart the desired multiple activities of compounds.

A CCR5 antagonist-based HIV entry inhibitor exhibited potent spermicidal activity: Potential application for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission.

B07 is a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor that is being developed as an anti-HIV microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Here we evaluated its spermicidal and contraceptive potential, including sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and contraceptive efficacy tested in rabbits. We found that B07 inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Within 30 min, B07 induced sperm immobilization with the minimum 100% effective concentration and median effective concentration of 640.0 and 64.4 µg/mL, respectively. The hypo-osmotic swelling test showed that plasma membranes of B07-treated sperms exhibited slight disruption, as verified by electron micrographs. In both B07 gel and N-9 gel groups, not a single implantation site or embryo was observed based on the contraceptive efficacy test in rabbits, indicating that B07 could effectively block the potential of sperm to reach and/or fertilize oocytes. The safety profile of B07 in vivo was evaluated by use of an optimized rabbit vaginal irritation test. While the pathological scores of the N-9 gel group was 14.67 ±â€¯1.21, those of the blank control and B07 gel groups were 2.17 ±â€¯0.76 and 4.00 ±â€¯0.89, respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). The proportion of inflammatory cells and CD45+ cells in the cervicovaginal lavages of the B07 gel group showed no significant change compared to those of the control group. Therefore, our results confirmed that B07 exhibited significant spermicidal and contraceptive effects, suggesting its potential for development as a microbicidal spermicide for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission.

Spermicidal efficacy of VRP, a synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide, inducing apoptosis and membrane disruption.

Presently available contraceptives are mostly hormonal or detergent in nature with numerous side effects like irritation, lesion, inflammation in vagina, alteration of body homeostasis, etc. Antimicrobial peptides with spermicidal activity but without adverse effects may be suitable alternatives. In the present study, spermicidal activity of a cationic antimicrobial peptide VRP on human spermatozoa has been elucidated. Progressive forward motility of human spermatozoa was instantly stopped after 100 µM VRP treatment and at 350 µM, all kinds of sperm motility ceased within 20 s as assessed by the Sander-Cramer assay. The spermicidal effect was confirmed by eosin-nigrosin assay and HOS test. VRP treatment (100 µM) in human spermatozoa induced both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. TUNEL assay showed VRP treatment significantly disrupted the DNA integrity and changed the mitochondrial membrane permeability as evident from MPTP assay. AFM and SEM results depicted ultra structural changes including disruption of the acrosomal cap and plasma membrane of the head and midpiece region after treatment with 350 µM VRP. MTT assay showed after treatments with 100 and 350 µM of VRP for 24 hr, a substantial amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus (about 90% and 75%, respectively) remained viable. Hence, VRP being a small synthetic peptide with antimicrobial and spermicidal activity but tolerable to normal vaginal microflora, may be a suitable target for elucidating its contraceptive potentiality.

[Contraception during perimenopause: The spermicides option]. / Contraception des femmes en périménopause : place des spermicides.

AIM: In perimenopause, the increased cardiovascular and cancer risk and the increased incidence of gynaecologic disorders have a major impact on the choice of an appropriate contraceptive method. The aim of this review is to assess the potential benefit of spermicides at this stage of woman's life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review presents the eligibility criteria of the different contraceptive methods according to national and international guidelines, together with a literature review of the efficacy and side-effects of the two major spermicidal preparations, benzalkonium chloride and nonoxynol-9, with specific focus on the over-40 age group. RESULTS: The guidelines do not contraindicate any contraceptive method in women after 40. The efficacy data of spermicides show high variation between publications, with no age-specific differences. A special group suitable for spermicide use for contraception is perimenopausal women, particularly those with contraindications to other contraceptive methods or unwilling to use them. An additional benefit of some spermicides could be their lubricant effect. CONCLUSION: The spermicide option should be included into contraceptive counselling for women aged over 40, with evidence-based information about their mechanism of action, efficacy and safety. There is, however, a need for efficacy and acceptability studies on spermicides, with special reference to this age group.

Spermicidal Constituents of Ethanolic Extract of Sacoglottis gabonensis Stem Bark.

AIM: To isolate the spermicidal constituents of Sacoglottis gabonensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract with partitioned fractions of Sacoglottis gabonensis stem bark were subjected to sperm immobilization assay. The most active EtOAc fraction was further purifi ed by column and Semi-Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography to give compounds which were characterized by spectroscopic methods (UV, LC/MS, and NMR). The compound(s) was also tested for sperm immobilization activity. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract showed 100% signifi cant (p < 0.05) sperm immobilization activity at a concentration of 30 mg/mL at 20 s compared to both negative and positive controls. The most active ethyl acetate fraction yielded methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate, eriodictyol and bergenin. Bergenin had 100% sperm immobilization activity at 20 mg/mL in 60 s which was signifi cant (p < 0.05) also when compared to the positive and negative control while methyl 3,5-dihydroxy- 4-methoxybenzoate, eriodictyol were not active. CONCLUSION: The active spermicidal constituent in Sacoglottis gabonensis stem bark extract is bergenin. However, methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate and eriodictyol showed no activity. This plant is known for its aphrodisiac action; hence, caution may have to be exercised in its use because of its spermicidal eff ect.

Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) regulates sperm motility.

Sperm motility is the major decisive factor in determining male fertility. The objective of the present study was to analyse the effect of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) on the temporal regulation of sperm motility. Observations were recorded in various rodent species and among differentially motile sperm fractions including swim up and leftover layer of human semen sample using JC-1 stain (a marker of the MMP) through FACS. Swim-up sperms having highest motility showed significantly higher MMP as compared to leftover sperms, which had the least motility. Interestingly, infertile patients with compromised motility showed low MMP as compared to the healthy individuals. Further, as per the time lapse, sperm motility goes down, at the same time, it was observed that MMP also decreases in human as well as in rodent sperms. Treatment of known spermicides on human sperms reduced their motility drastically which in turn also reduced its MMP significantly. Treatment of human sperms with oxidative uncoupler also impeded their motility by reducing MMP, indicating a definitive role on MMP on sperm motility and fertility. Based on the results of the study, MMP can be considered as a potential regulator and indicator of sperm motility and hence could be directly related to male fertility.

Assessment of spermicidal activity of the antimicrobial peptide sarcotoxin Pd: A potent contraceptive agent.

OBJECTIVES: In searching for new spermicidal microbicides for use in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) we investigated the spermicidal and cytotoxicity activities of the antimicrobial peptide sarcotoxin Pd. METHODS: Washed sperm from 10 healthy, normal volunteers was treated with different concentrations of sarcotoxin Pd. Sperm motility and morphology were assessed at 0, 0.3, 5, 10 and 15 min. The cytotoxicity of sarcotoxin Pd in normal human cervical HeLa cells was measured. Percentage cell survival was expressed as the number of live cells in the test group. RESULTS: The cytotoxic effect of sarcotoxin Pd was concentration-dependent. Significant cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations above 24 µg/ml. Sarcotoxin Pd immobilised 100% of spermatozoa at a dose of 90 and 80 µg/ml after 0.3 and 5 min, respectively, and immobilised 50% of spermatozoa after 15 min at lower doses. Sarcotoxin Pd inhibited sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner. The peptide immobilised sperm within 20 s at its maximal effective concentration of 90 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcotoxin Pd appears to be a good candidate for a contraceptive agent in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and STIs.

Effects of Heliopsis longipes ethanolic extract on mouse spermatozoa in vitro.

CONTEXT: Heliopsis longipes (A. Gray) Blake (Asteraceae), a plant native to Mexico, is used in traditional medicine as analgesic and microbicide. The main component in the H. longipes ethanolic extract (HLEE) is affinin, as determined by HPLC/UV-visible and NMR measurement. To date, there is no documented evidence on the spermicidal activity of this extract. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess in vitro the effectiveness of HLEE as spermicide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The spermicidal activity of HLEE was evaluated by the Sander-Cramer assay. Spermatozoa were incubated for 20 s with HLEE in concentrations ranging from 75 to 2000 µg/mL to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC) value. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of HLEE was estimated by assaying serial dilutions from the MEC. Additionally, sperms were incubated with 125, 250, or 500 µg/mL of HLEE to evaluate the viability and the integrity of sperm membrane. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay. RESULTS: HLEE caused an inhibition of 100% in spermatozoa motility at a MEC value of 2000 µg/mL; the EC50 value was 125 µg/mL. Additionally, exposure to HLEE at 125, 250, or 500 µg/mL for 30 min decreased sperm viability to 27%, 8%, and 2% of the control value, respectively, and significantly increased the percentage of sperms with structurally disorganized membrane. HLEE also increased significantly the level of lipid peroxidation in sperms with respect to controls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the spermicidal activity of HLEE in vitro and suggest that this action is caused by oxidative damage and alterations in the spermatozoal membrane.

N-Alkyl/aryl-4-(3-substituted-3-phenylpropyl)piperazine-1-carbothioamide as dual-action vaginal microbicides with reverse transcriptase inhibition.

The growing population and health-care burden (due to STIs and HIV) imposes a particular economic crisis over resource-poor countries. Thus a novel approach as vaginal microbicides emerges as integrated tool to control both population and anti-STIs/HIV. Our continued efforts in this field led to the synthesis of fifteen N-alkyl/aryl-4-(3-substituted-3-phenylpropyl) piperazine-1-carbothioamide (12-26) derivatives as topical vaginal microbicides which were evaluated for anti-Trichomonas, spermicidal, antifungal and reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitory activities. All compounds were also tested for preliminary safety through cytotoxicity assays against human cervical cell line (HeLa) and the vaginal flora, Lactobacillus. Docking studies were performed to gain an insight into the binding mode and interactions of the most promising compound 12 [oxo derivative], comprising of reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitory (72.30%), spermicidal (MEC 0.01%), anti-Trichomonas (MIC 46.72 µM) and antifungal (MIC 9.34-74.8 µM) activities, along with its hydroxyl (17) and O-alkylated 4-trifluoromethylphenoxy (22) derivative, with similar activities. The stability of compound 12 in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) and its preliminary in vivo pharmacokinetics performed in female NZ-rabbits signifies its clinical safety in comparison to marketed spermicide Nonoxynol-9.