Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.49 (reverse transcriptase)
31,746 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Sensitivity of the cell-free human immundeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and its producer cells was Studied in acidic media between pH 7.4 and 4.9 vitro. The cytopathic effect, reverse transcriptase activity and p24 antigen production by survived viruses were monitored in indicator cell cultures. It was established that, the cell-free HIV-1 particles are very sensitive to acidity. Between pH 7.4 and 6.0 they loose infectivity gradually, but this process is irreversible under pH 6.0 and subsequent neutralization cannot restore lost infectivity. However, viability, of virus producer cells is hardly affected between pH 7.4 and 4.9, but their ability to release infectious particles is lost gradually, similarly to the case of cell-free viruses. Neutralization of the media after treatment results in gradual restoration of releasing infectious viruses. These data explain that, cell-free HIV-1 looses infectivity in the acidic vagina or does on the skin, but infectivity is preserved in the blood, semen, rectum and breast milk being neutral or slightly alcalic. Virus carrier or producer lymphocytes by any route of infection can survive such protective mechanism of the body.
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PMID:[Different sensitivity to acid reaction of the AIDS virus and virus-producing cells: clinical conclusions]. 221 19

Aphrodisin is a glycoprotein originally isolated from hamster vaginal discharge which was demonstrated to be involved in pheromonal effects on male hamsters. In the present study, we investigated the localization of aphrodisin-synthesizing and -storing cells in the entire genital tract of the female golden hamster using immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods. By use of immunohistochemical methods, significant aphrodisin immunoreactivity was detected within the cervical glandular tissue. Western blot analysis revealed high concentration of aphrodisin in vaginal discharge and in tissue extracts from the vagina and the cervix uteri. According to intracellular localization of aphrodisin, this protein is confined to cytoplasm of the immunoreactive cells. Immunoreactivity was also detected extracellularly on the surface of the anterior vaginal pluristratified epithelium. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed an extremely high level of aphrodisin gene expression in the vagina and in the lower part of the uterus comprising the cervix. However, aphrodisin gene expression was also demonstrated in the middle part of the uterus and at a low level even in the ovaries. No aphrodisin gene expression was detectable in the upper part of the uterus and the uterine horns. In situ hybridization confirmed that the maximum expression of the aphrodisin gene is encountered in glandular cells of the cervix uteri. These results indicate that within the female hamster genital tract aphrodisin is predominantly synthesized throughout the vagina and cervical uterus. The protein is then secreted into the vaginal lumen. It is under discussion whether the accumulation of aphrodisin in the vaginal discharge facilitates the transfer of pheromone of low molecular weight to the male hamster's vomeronasal organ during investigatory behavior.
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PMID:Gene expression of aphrodisin in female hamster genital tract segments. 901 91

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that causes feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Infection can be transmitted experimentally via the vagina and rectum, making the cat a useful model for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Some strains of FIV use the CXCR4 chemokine receptor in vitro to gain entry to feline cell lines, thymocytes and peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs). In this study, the tissue expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding the CCR3, CXCR4 and CCR5 receptors was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). mRNA encoding each receptor was expressed by two feline T-cell lines (Mya-1 and FeTJ), a feline kidney fibroblast cell line (FKCU) and PBLs. Mesenteric lymph node, colon, rectum, uterus, cervix and vagina all expressed mRNA for CXCR4 and CCR5 whilst only lymph node expressed CCR3 mRNA. In order to locate this receptor mRNA expression, in-situ hybridization studies were performed with DNA probes specific for the chemokine receptor mRNAs. CCR5 and CXCR4 receptor mRNA was expressed by epithelial cells and some lamina propria cells of the colon and rectum. Epithelial cell expression of chemokine receptor mRNA was reduced in intensity towards the base of the crypts. Expression of CXCR4 receptor was also demonstrated immunohistochemically on some lamina propria and intraepithelial cells. The expression of these receptor molecules may be important in mucosal infection with FIV.
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PMID:Expression of chemokine receptors in the feline reproductive tract and large intestine. 1205 77

Transgenic mice were generated in which a 2.2-kb segment of the 5'-flanking sequence of the mouse oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OGP) gene was used to drive expression of the simian virus 40 large T antigen (Tag). These mice spontaneously developed tumors in the female reproductive tract. Analysis using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that the 2.2-kb OGP 5'-flanking region drove Tag mRNA expression in the oviduct, uterus, vagina, and ovary, but not in other tissues. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the tumor cells were distributed in the oviduct, endometrium, myometrium, and vagina; and had atypical features, abnormal mitosis, and Tag expression. Ovariectomy suppressed Tag expression, and thereby, blocked tumorigenesis in the transgenic mice. Estradiol administration to ovariectomized transgenic mice led to dramatic hyperplasia of the reproductive tract tissues in association with enhanced Tag expression, both in intensity and distribution. These results demonstrated that a 2.2-kb fragment of the 5'-flanking sequence of the mouse OGP gene was capable of directing the expression of Tag and inducing tumorigenesis in female reproductive tract tissues in an estrogen-dependent manner. Estrogen response elements present in the promoter region were functional in vivo. These transgenic mice represent a unique model, since they develop tumors in the oviducts as well as in other tissues derived from the Mullerian duct.
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PMID:Mouse transgenic for murine oviduct-specific glycoprotein promoter-driven simian virus 40 large T-antigen: tumor formation and its hormonal regulation. 1220 26

WHI-07 [5-bromo-6-methoxy-5,6-dihydro-3'-azidothymidine-5'-(p-bromophenyl)-methoxy alaninyl phosphate] is a novel dual-function aryl phosphate derivative of zidovudine with potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and spermicidal activities. WHI-07 was active against the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This study evaluated whether topical application of WHI-07 as a single agent and in combination with an organometallic vanadium complex, vanadocene dithiocarbamate (VDDTC), via a nontoxic gel microemulsion can block vaginal as well as rectal transmission of feline AIDS (FAIDS) by chronically FIV-infected feline T cells in the natural host model. Genital transmission of FIV was monitored in recipient cats by the appearance of viral antibodies to FIV Gag proteins and by virus isolation of blood leukocytes as measured by FIV reverse transcriptase activity and FIV-specific PCR. Microbicidal activity was considered effective when the treated cats did not show evidence of FIV infection for up to 18 weeks postchallenge. An aggregate analysis of 46 specific-pathogen-free cats revealed that a single dose of the infected cell inoculum efficiently transmitted FIV infection when delivered into the vagina (100%) or rectum (66%). Pretreatment of the vagina or rectum with 2% WHI-07 alone or in combination with 0.25% VDDTC significantly (P = 0.004) protected cats from genital transmission by the highly infectious inoculum (7 million FIV(Bangston)-infected feline T cells). Collectively, using the vaginal and rectal transmucosal model for FAIDS, our studies demonstrated that WHI-07 either alone or in combination with a vanadocene has clinical potential for the development of a dual-function anti-HIV microbicide for sexually active women.
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PMID:Antiretroviral spermicide WHI-07 prevents vaginal and rectal transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus in domestic cats. 1504 5

A female controlled drug delivery system (FcDDS) containing sodium dodecyl sulfate as a microbicide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a synergistic microbicide, and lactic acid as a pH modulator was developed as an intravaginal barrier device against sexually transmitted diseases. The host response of the vagina to the FcDDS was evaluated through biocompatibility tests including cell viability, estrogenicity, and cytotoxicity assays on HeLa cervical cells and NIH:Ovcar-3 ovarian cells. Gel electrophoresis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays on HeLa cervical cell lines were also performed to elucidate the effects of EDTA on the expression of particular proteins of interest. The results of the cell viability test showed no significant difference in viability of cells upon exposure to EDTA at concentrations less than 0.035% that was reported to exert spermicidal activity. EDTA at concentrations less than 0.035% did not cause any cytotoxicity. The results of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that EDTA induced the expression of a 67-kDa protein in HeLa cells, which was identified as elastin binding protein (a part of the elastin receptor complex). This work has demonstrated that FcDDS containing EDTA is biocompatible and safe to be used as an intravaginal barrier device.
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PMID:Biocompatibility of components of a female controlled drug delivery system. 1537 89

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an often fatal viral infection described in about 30 countries, and it has the most extensive geographic distribution of the medically important tickborne viral diseases, closely approximating the known global distribution of Hyalomma spp ticks. Human beings become infected through tick bites, by crushing infected ticks, after contact with a patient with CCHF during the acute phase of infection, or by contact with blood or tissues from viraemic livestock. Clinical features commonly show a dramatic progression characterised by haemorrhage, myalgia, and fever. The levels of liver enzymes, creatinine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase are raised, and bleeding markers are prolonged. Infection of the endothelium has a major pathogenic role. Besides direct infection of the endothelium, indirect damage by viral factors or virus-mediated host-derived soluble factors that cause endothelial activations and dysfunction are thought to occur. In diagnosis, enzyme-linked immunoassay and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR are used. Early diagnosis is critical for patient therapy and prevention of potential nosocomial infections. Supportive therapy is the most essential part of case management. Recent studies suggest that ribavirin is effective against CCHF, although definitive studies are not available. Health-care workers have a serious risk of infection, particularly during care of patients with haemorrhages from the nose, mouth, gums, vagina, and injection sites. Simple barrier precautions have been reported to be effective.
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PMID:Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. 1655 45

TMC 120 (Dapivirine) is a potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is presently being developed as a vaginal HIV microbicide. To date, most vaginal microbicides under clinical investigation have been formulated as single-dose semi-solid gels, designed for application to the vagina before each act of intercourse. However, a clear rationale exists for providing long-term, controlled release of vaginal microbicides in order to afford continuous protection against heterosexually transmitted HIV infection and to improve user compliance. In this study we report on the incorporation of various pharmaceutical excipients into TMC 120 silicone, reservoir-type intravaginal rings (IVRs) in order to modify the controlled release characteristics of the microbicide. The results demonstrate that TMC 120 is released in zero-order fashion from the rings over a 28-day period and that release parameters could be modified by the inclusion of release-modifying excipients in the IVR. The hydrophobic liquid excipient isopropyl myristate had little effect on steady-state daily release rates, but did increase the magnitude and duration of burst release in proportion to excipient loading in the IVR. By comparison, the hydrophobic liquid poly(dimethylsiloxane) had little effect on TMC 120 release parameters. A hydrophilic excipient, lactose, had the surprising effect of decreasing TMC 120 burst release while increasing the apparent steady-state daily release in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on previous cell culture data and vaginal physiology, TMC120 is released from the various ring formulations in amounts potentially capable of maintaining a protective vaginal concentration. It is further predicted that the observed release rates may be maintained for at least a period of 1 year from a single ring device. TMC 120 release profiles and the mechanical properties of rings could be modified by the physicochemical nature of hydrophobic and hydrophilic excipients incorporated into the IVRs.
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PMID:Intravaginal ring delivery of the reverse transcriptase inhibitor TMC 120 as an HIV microbicide. 1688 69

HIV infection rates in the developing world remain a serious problem. One potential approach to reduce infection rates is to use products known as microbicides, referred to herein as microbicide drug products (MDPs). These are drugs capable of, when administered topically to the vagina (or rectum), interfering with infection by one or more mechanisms. This review article covers the latest pharmaceutical developments in the area of microbicides dosage forms and delivery systems. These products are principally designed for use in the developing world and must therefore address cultural and societal issues generally unknown in the developed world. The first-generation microbicides evaluated clinically were principally polyanions. These drugs, administered intravaginally as gels, were found to be ineffective in preventing transmission of HIV from men to women. Second-generation drugs such as tenofovir, dapivirine, and UC781 are reverse transcriptase inhibitors developed as gels formulations and intravaginal rings (IVRs). Gels are considered coitally-related products while IVRs are coitally-independent systems designed to release the drug over a four-week period or possibly longer (up to 3 or 4 months). Other dosage forms under development include fast dissolving films, tablets/capsules, and possibly vaginal sponges. Dual protection systems are also under development. These systems include formulations capable of preventing HIV infection along with a second drug capable of preventing conception or other viral infections such as HSV.
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PMID:Pharmaceutical development of microbicide drug products. 2001 1

Sexual transmission of HIV is the major cause of spread of HIV in Africa and the Third World and is an unmet medical need. Recently, microbicides have attracted attention because they allow females to protect themselves and their offspring. We are exploiting one of the four retroviral enzymes, the ribonuclease H, RNase H, as a novel approach for a microbicide. It is the only enzyme of HIV not yet targeted by antiretroviral therapy. The enzyme is linked to the reverse transcriptase (RT) and hydrolyzes the RNA moiety of RNA-DNA hybrids. The RNase H is located inside virus particles and normally functions during viral replication inside cells. Here we show that activating the RNase H prematurely inside the virus particles destroys the viral genome and abrogates viral infectivity. The antiviral compound consists of a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), which creates an artificial RNA-DNA hybrid substrate for the RNase H inside the particle. The compound was analyzed in mouse models including humanized SCID mice and the vagina of mice. Infection was reduced up to 1000-fold or could be completely prevented. The compound is suitable as microbicide or to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
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PMID:Premature activation of the HIV RNase H drives the virus into suicide: a novel microbicide? 2293 Nov 14


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