Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Anti-Candida and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Vaginal Gel Formulation: Novel Data Concerning Vaginal Infection and Dysbiosis

Version 1 : Received: 3 May 2023 / Approved: 4 May 2023 / Online: 4 May 2023 (13:27:01 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Spaggiari, L.; Squartini Ramos, G.B.; Squartini Ramos, C.A.; Ardizzoni, A.; Pedretti, N.; Blasi, E.; De Seta, F.; Pericolini, E. Anti-Candida and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Vaginal Gel Formulation: Novel Data Concerning Vaginal Infection and Dysbiosis. Microorganisms 2023, 11, 1551. Spaggiari, L.; Squartini Ramos, G.B.; Squartini Ramos, C.A.; Ardizzoni, A.; Pedretti, N.; Blasi, E.; De Seta, F.; Pericolini, E. Anti-Candida and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Vaginal Gel Formulation: Novel Data Concerning Vaginal Infection and Dysbiosis. Microorganisms 2023, 11, 1551.

Abstract

Vaginal ecosystem is a unique environment where, in physiological conditions, lactobacilli dominate. However, also pathogenic microbial species, responsible of vaginitis and vaginosis, can harbor vaginal microbiota. To extend the data published by De Seta and Larsen in Pathogens (2021), here we analyzed both the anti-Candida and anti-inflammatory properties of the vaginal gel formulation, Respecta® Balance Gel (RBG), commercialized as an adjuvant to treat vaginitis and vaginosis. We evaluated its activity by an in vitro model where a monolayer of A-431 vaginal epithelial cells was infected by Candida albicans in the presence of RBG or the placebo formulation (pRBG). Specifically, we tested the RBG capacity to counteract C. albicans virulence factors as well as their anti-inflammatory properties. Our results show that, unlike the placebo, RBG reduces ,reduces, C. albicans adhesion, its capacity to form hyphae and C. albicans-induced vaginal cell damage. Interestingly, both RBG and pRBG reduce LPS-induced IL-8 secretion (being RBG the most effective) demonstrating that also the placebo retains anti-inflammatory properties. By our experimental approach we highlight the possible role of farnesol on such effects, but we would like to point out that lactic acid, polydextrose and glycogen too must be relevant in the actual application. Taken together, our results show that RBG impairs C. albicans virulence and is able to reduce the inflammation in the vaginal environment, ultimately allowing the establishment of a balanced vaginal ecosystem.

Keywords

vaginal infection; C. albicans; dysbiosis; topic treatments; anti-inflammatory effect; antifungal effect; vaginal ecosystem; IL-8; vaginal epithelial cells; dimorphic transition; farnesol

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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