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Published on: February 22, 2015
Mutagenicity of vaginal spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 in a bacterial assay
Peter C Lambert1, Claudine Peters, Santiago A Centurión
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the potential mutagenicity of 3 commonly used over-the-counter spermicidal gels containing nonoxynol-9 as the active ingredient.
Study Design:
The gels were examined for their ability to produce mutations in a bacterial assay (Ames test). The results were compared with those from testing a series of nonantibacterial and antibacterial personal prwhen there is antibacterial personal products that come into contact with mucous membranes as well as some caustic, nonpersonal home products and a known mutagen.
Results:
All 3 spermicidal gels were as mutagenic or more mutagenic than the other products tested in each category. Although activation by liver extract was required for 2 of the gels to show mutagenicity in this assay, the third was mutagenic without liver activation.
Conclusion:
Because of the intimate contact of spermicidal gels with human gametes and the possibility that components of the gels may be absorbed systemically and reach the unfertilized or fertilized ovum, the fact that these gels have mutagenic potential raises concern in cases in which conception occurs.
Insights
Three common spermicidal gels containing nonoxynol-9 showed mutagenic potential in bacterial assays. This finding raises concerns regarding potential risks during conception.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Over-the-counter spermicidal gels are widely used for contraception.
- Nonoxynol-9 is the active ingredient in many common spermicidal products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mutagenicity of three widely available spermicidal gels containing nonoxynol-9.
- To compare the mutagenic potential of these gels with other personal and household products.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) was employed.
- Gels were tested for their ability to induce mutations in bacteria.
- Results were compared against antibacterial products, personal care items, household products, and a known mutagen.
Main Results:
- All three spermicidal gels exhibited mutagenic activity, comparable to or exceeding other tested products.
- Two gels required liver extract activation to demonstrate mutagenicity.
- One gel was mutagenic even without liver extract activation.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated mutagenic potential of spermicidal gels is a concern due to their direct contact with human gametes.
- Potential systemic absorption of gel components could affect ova.
- This raises safety considerations, particularly in cases of conception.
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