The Effect of Space Flight Factors on the Correction Disorders of the Vaginal and Cervical Microflora in Ground-Based Models

Abstract

This work shows results of a comprehensive study of the vaginal and cervical microflora of women participating in a ground-based model experiment simulating some factors of space flight. Experiments with dry immersion allow to simulate such factors of a space flight as physical inactivity and microgravity, as well as the redistribution of liquid media associated with them. 16 volunteers, participated in 5-days dry immersion experiment, used an oral prebiotic drug based on lactoferrin and intravaginal probiotic capsules based on Lactobacillus acidophilus. It was found that the oral use of lactoferrin has a delayed positive effect on the state of the microflora of the vagina and cervical canal of volunteers. This effect is especially pronounced on the 35th day after the end of the immersion. While the use of probiotic capsules has a faster effect, noticeable after 5 days of use during immersion. The combination of lactoferrin and probiotic capsules did not give noticeable effect, which can be explained both by a small group of volunteers or lack of a synergistic effect of these drugs. One of the means that can give high efficiency in the prevention of the dysbiosis of the vaginal microflora are intravaginal capsules made of autostrains isolated individually from each volunteer and addition of lactoferrin into the capsules, the effectiveness of which when using locally was also proven in previously conducted studies in gynecological patients.