Systems analysis reveals differential expression of endocervical genes in African women randomized to DMPA-IM, LNG implant or cu-IUD

• DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109750
• Publication Date: 2023-09-03T09:05:39Z
• Authors: Prachi Mehrotra G...; Christina Balle; Gregory K. Tharp; Sydney A. Nelson; Melanie A. Gasper; Bryan Brown; Arghavan Alisoltani; Maricianah Onono; Thesla Palanee-Ph...; Gonsagrie Nair; Hosseana Ayele; Laura Noel-Romas; Jo-Ann S. Passmore; Adam D. Burgener; Renee Heffron; Heather B. Jaspan; Steven E. Bosinger
• Keywords: Levonorgestrel; Intrauterine device

Although effective contraceptives are crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies, evidence suggests that their use may perturb the female genital tract (FGT). A comparative analysis of effects most common on FGT have not been evaluated in a randomized clinical trial setting. Here, we effect three long-acting contraceptive methods: depot medroxyprogesterone acetate(DMPA-IM), levonorgestrel(LNG) implant, and copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), endocervical host transcriptome 188 women from Evidence Contraceptive Options HIV Outcomes Trial (ECHO) trial. Cu-IUD usage showed extensive transcriptomic changes, was associated with inflammatory anti-viral responses. DMPA-IM enriched pathways T cell LNG implant had mildest gene expression, growth factor signaling. These data provide mechanistic basis diverse influence varying FGT.