Reduced levels of genital tract immune biomarkers in postmenopausal women: implications for HIV acquisition

Reduced Levels and Bioactivity of Endogenous Protease Cathepsin D in Genital Tract Secretions of Postmenopausal Women

“…S exually active older adults are an emerging highrisk group for HIV acquisition and transmission, 1 yet few studies have focused on genital tract immunity in postmenopausal women as it pertains to HIV susceptibility. Endogenous proteases and antiproteases (P/A-P) are integral components of genital secretions and function during routine tissue remodeling in wound healing, menstrual cycling, and pregnancy.…”

“…Cohort characteristics and sample collection procedures are described in Ref. 1 Cervical vaginal lavage (CVL) was assayed for cathepsins B, D, and G by ELISA (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN; ABCAM, Cambridge, MA; Abnova, Taipei City, Taiwan, respectively). NE concentrations were determined using a multiplex bead immunoassay system (MILLIPLEX Human Sepsis Magnetic Bead Panel 3; EMD Millipore, Billerica, MA).…”

Soy isoflavones enhance β‐defensin synthesis and secretion in endometrial epithelial cells with exposure to TLR3 agonist polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid

“…Furthermore, treatment with 17β‐estradiol enhances BD‐2 expression and secretion induced by LPS. However, estrogen deprivation during the secretory phase or menstrual phase of the cycle or post‐menopause has been associated with the decreased secretion of some BD subtypes. These findings suggest a role for sex steroid hormones in BD synthesis and secretion in the absence of pathogens.…”

Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them

“…Postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable to injury, immune compromise and HIV susceptibility following sexual assault. Immunologically, the loss of estrogen with aging leads to decreased levels of protective antimicrobials, commensal lactobacilli and cervical mucus production 20,24 . Considerable thinning of the vaginal epithelium coupled with vaginal dryness leads to greater trauma 16 , and the aging process severely impairs wound-healing abilities 25,26 .…”

“…Immunologically, the loss of estrogen with aging leads to decreased levels of protective antimicrobials, commensal lactobacilli, and cervical mucus production. 20,24 Considerable thinning of the vaginal epithelium coupled with vaginal dryness leads to greater trauma, 16 and the aging process severely impairs wound-healing abilities. 25,26 Understanding the nature of the immune response following sexual violence could lead to better post-assault care and to the development of new HIV prevention tools and interventions.…”