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

Abstract

Vaginal ecosystem is a unique environment where, in physiological conditions, lactobacilli dominate. However, pathogenic microbial species responsible for vaginitis and vaginosis can also harbor vaginal microbiota. To extend our previously published data, we analyzed here 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 and their anti-inflammatory properties. Our results show that, unlike the placebo, RBG 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 (with RBG being the most effective), demonstrating that also the placebo retains anti-inflammatory properties. From our experimental approach, we highlighted 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. In summary, 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.

Anti-chlamydial activity of vaginal fluids: new evidence from an in vitro model

“…These findings could pave the way for novel strategies to prevent or counteract chlamydial infection. Among them, we can hypothesize the development of new probiotic formulations based on L. crispatus species, the use lactobacilli-derived postbiotics, or the application of vaginal gels containing lactic acid ( Pendharkar et al., 2023 ; Shen et al., 2023 ; Spaggiari et al., 2023 ). Finally, we can speculate that the practice of vaginal microbiome transplantation (VMT) from a donor with a flora dominated by L. crispatus could be of aid in preventing CT infections, by the restoration of a vaginal healthy state ( Ma et al., 2019 ).…”

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“…These findings could pave the way for novel strategies to prevent or counteract chlamydial infection. Among them, we can hypothesize the development of new probiotic formulations based on L. crispatus species, the use lactobacilli-derived postbiotics, or the application of vaginal gels containing lactic acid (Pendharkar et al, 2023;Shen et al, 2023;Spaggiari et al, 2023). Finally, we can speculate that the practice of vaginal microbiome transplantation (VMT) from a donor with a flora dominated by L. crispatus could be of aid in preventing CT infections, by the restoration of a vaginal healthy state (Ma et al, 2019).…”