Vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) is a chronic and progressive gynecological condition, especially common in postmenopausal women. Symptoms include irritation, dryness, thinning of the vaginal mucosa, dyspareunia, and soreness. In this study, we investigated the properties of a medical device (Celegyn®) meant to support the treatment of symptoms associated with VVA and to favor wound healing processes in the vaginal mucosa. Our data showed that Celegyn® significantly reduces epithelial permeability while not affecting the epithelial barrier functionality. The active ingredients of the medical device promoted cell migration and synergistically increased the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix synthesis and tissue repair, such as collagen type VI alpha 1 (COL6A1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Moreover, a significant reduction of the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and increasing of integrin alpha 1 (ITGA1) and Cadherin E were reported. Taken together, these data showed that the medical device is effective in reducing the inflammatory state of the vaginal epithelium in vitro, protecting it, and promoting repair mechanisms and wound healing. In addition to the characterization of the mechanism of action through in vitro studies, an observational pilot outpatient clinical experience was also conducted on 8 women, aged from 38 to 78 years old. The parameters evaluated were the most bothersome symptom of a condition of atrophic vulvovaginitis and vaginal dystrophy, elasticity, type of secretion, epithelial integrity, and hydration. The final average evaluation was good for the patients and more than good for the physician, who found a clinical improvement of the initial condition. The physician reported no severe side effects related to the product.

ESDR374 - Characterization of a class IIb gynecological medical device containing hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, sericin and glycerophosphoinositol: mechanism of action and pilot clinical experience (case report).

50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research. VIRTUAL MEETING