Evaluation of the novel vaginal contraceptive agent PPCM in preclinical studies using sperm hyaluronan binding and acrosome status assays.

Background: Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) sodium salt is a promising multipurpose technology for prevention of both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. In preclinical studies, PPCM has demonstrated significant (1) antimicrobial activity against several important viral and bacterial pathogens and (2) contraceptive activity associated with premature acrosome loss.

Objective: To further evaluate a vaginal antimicrobial compound as a contraceptive agent in preclinical studies utilizing a repurposed hyaluronan binding assay (HBA).

Feasibility of Repurposing the Polyanionic Microbicide, PPCM, for Prophylaxis against HIV Transmission during ART.

HIV-serodiscordant couples wishing to conceive often seek assisted reproduction, during which spermatozoa from infected men are washed to minimize the risk of HIV transmission to partner and fetus. We sought to improve this method by adding a microbicide, PPCM, as an HIV prophylactic. HIV-1 (BaL) inhibition by PPCM appears irreversible and independent of added Ca(2+).

Differential Sensitivity of Lactobacillus spp. to Inhibition by Candidate Topical Microbicides.

Preclinical evaluation of vaginal microbicides includes screening against lactobacilli. However, there is no consensus regarding the species to be tested. This study was carried out to determine if results with one species would apply to other species, and to evaluate the utility of turbidometry as a screening tool.

Nitric oxide-dependent human acrosomal loss induced by PPCM (SAMMA) and by nitric oxide donors occurs by independent pathways: basis for synthesis of an improved contraceptive microbicide.

PPCM (previously designated sulfuric acid-modified mandelic acid [SAMMA]) is a contraceptive microbicide in preclinical development. Its contraceptive activity is attributable in part to its ability to promote premature acrosomal loss. Prior studies showed that PPCM-induced human acrosomal loss (PAL) is Ca(2+)-dependent.

Spermicidal activity of the safe natural antimicrobial peptide subtilosin.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting millions of women each year, is primarily caused by the gram-variable organism Gardnerella vaginalis. A number of organisms associated with BV cases have been reported to develop multidrug resistance, leading to the need for alternative therapies. Previously, we reported the antimicrobial peptide subtilosin has proven antimicrobial activity against G.

SAMMA induces premature human acrosomal loss by Ca2+ signaling dysregulation.

SAMMA is licensed for development as a contraceptive microbicide. Understanding mechanisms of its biological activity is prerequisite to designing more active second generation products. This study examined Ca(2+) involvement in SAMMA-induced premature acrosomal loss (SAL) in noncapacitated human spermatozoa.

Preclinical evaluation of sodium cellulose sulfate (Ushercell) as a contraceptive antimicrobial agent.

The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and limited methods for control of pregnancies presents high risks to the reproductive health of women. Methods controlled by women and directed toward disease prevention and contraception are needed. We report on preclinical studies of the biological properties of sodium cellulose sulfate (Ushercell) currently being developed for use as a topical contraceptive antimicrobial agent.