Preferred Physical Characteristics of Vaginal Film Microbicides for HIV Prevention in Pittsburgh Women.

Unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the leading cause of HIV acquisition in women. Due to the complex nature of correct and consistent condom use by both men and women, developing alternative female-controlled HIV prevention options is a global health priority. Vaginal films containing antiretroviral drugs are a potential delivery system for the prevention of HIV acquisition through sexual contact. In this study, we explored women's preferences regarding physical characteristics of microbicide vaginal films through questionnaires and focus groups. Eighty-four sexually active, ethnically diverse women 18-30 years of age from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, participated in the study. Women visually and manually examined a variety of vaginal films, as well as three other vaginal products undergoing evaluation for HIV prevention: tablet, ring, and gel. Means and standard deviations or frequencies and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for questionnaire data. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for content analysis. Women most frequently preferred vaginal films to be smooth and thin (63 %), translucent (48 %), and 2″ × 2″ square size (36 %). Driving these preferences were five major themes: ease and accuracy of use, desire for efficacy, discretion, intravaginal comfort and minimal impact, and minimizing disruption of sexual mood/activities. Women's preferences for various microbicide vaginal film physical attributes represented a balance of multiple values. In general, women desired a comfortable, efficacious, easy to use, and minimally intrusive product.

HIV and the menopause.

Dramatic improvement in the survival of the HIV population has occurred with the ascendance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In the foreseeable future, HIV-infected women who acquired disease during the peak years of the epidemic are expected to survive to experience menopause and even years beyond. The HIV epidemic may be viewed as 'mature', as its earlier victims become part of the geriatric population. Research about the process of menopause in HIV-infected women and, conversely, about HIV infection in women undergoing menopause is currently limited. Existing research suggests that the process of menopause is affected by HIV infection, inasmuch as infected women appear to experience menopause at an earlier age, with greater symptomatology, and with different reproductive hormone profiles compared with HIV-uninfected women. HIV infection also appears to affect bone mineral density, cardiovascular disease and cognition, with some age-related interactions. Lifestyle and demographic factors have pervasive importance for both HIV infection and the menopause in women. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about the menopausal process in HIV-infected women, and the common conditions in postmenopausal women that are likely to be affected by HIV infection. Clinicians should appreciate the potential role of HIV infection in caring for menopause-aged women.

Effects of cuminaldehyde on melanoma cells.

Cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde) suppressed melanin formation in cultured murine B16-F10 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent decrease up to 0.25 mm without affecting cell growth. Approximately 30% suppression in melanin production resulted when the cells were cultured with 0.25 mm of cuminaldehyde. This activity was not noticeable with cultured human A375 melanoma cells.

Anisaldehyde, a melanogenesis potentiator.

Anisaldehyde (4-methoxybenzaldehyde), previously reported as a tyrosinase inhibitor, did not inhibit melanogenesis in cultured B16-F10 melanoma cells but rather enhanced it. This adverse effect of anisaldehyde was accompanied by melanocytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner up to 2 mM. The melanin content per cell at 1 mM was increased 5-fold compared to control and morphological observations showed the deposition of melanin pigments. Anisaldehyde was also examined against cultured human A375 melanoma cells.