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Pařízek A, Hill M, Dušková M, Kolátorová L, Suchopár J, Šimják P, Anderlová K, Kudová E, Rogalewicz V, Vacek J, Koudelková M, Chloupková R, Alblová M, Pařízková P, Laštůvka Z, Barták M. The Endocannabinoid System - The Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in High-Risk Women: Protocol of a Study. Physiol Res 2023; 72:S381-S387. [PMID: 38116776 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, even in developed countries. Prediction of sPTB is therefore a valuable tool to reduce the associated risks. The current standard for the prediction of sPTB consists, in addition to anamnestic data, of previous sPTB and previous second trimester miscarriage, measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound (TVU CL) together with assessment of fetal fibronectin levels in cervicovaginal fluid. Other evaluation parameters, such as the level of endocannabinoids in the pregnant woman's blood, could increase the sensitivity of this management. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are a part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS); out of them anandamide (arachidonoyl-ethanolamide, AEA), in particular, plays an important role in the regulation of pregnancy and childbirth. We present the protocol for an open, non-randomized study to evaluate concentrations of AEA and other endocannabinoids: 2 linoleoylglycerol (2-AG), 2 linoleoylglycerol (2-LG), 2 oleoylglycerol (2-OG), and 2 arachidonoyldopamine (2-ADOPA or also NADA) in the blood of pregnant women as potential predictors of sPTB. In a total of 230 women with a history of sPTB or miscarriage, eCBs levels between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation will be assessed from maternal blood, in addition to the standard procedure. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of the endocannabinoids tested and the risk of sPTB. The results of this study will describe the prognostic significance of maternal blood eCBs levels for sPTB, and could subsequently enable improved screening programs for early identification of sPTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pařízek
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Pařízek A, Suchopár J, Laštůvka Z, Alblová M, Hill M, Dušková M. The Endocannabinoid System and Its Relationship to Human Reproduction. Physiol Res 2023; 72:S365-S380. [PMID: 38116770 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is among the most important regulators of human reproduction. It already applies at the level of the sperm and the egg, plays an important role in the fertilization of the egg, its implantation, regulates the function of the placenta and participates in childbirth. The aim of this work is to summarize the knowledge accumulated so far and to show that the endocannabinoid system must be perfectly regulated in order to maintain a physiological pregnancy from implantation to delivery. Only an exceptional interplay of enzymes such as NAPE-PDL or FAAH, endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 can ensure the proper functioning of the reproductive organs and thus lead to delivery on time. Changes in the endocannabinoid system can lead to a number of pathological conditions, e.g., during blastocyst implantation, retardation of embryo development, impaired placental function or miscarriage. Soon, we can expect not only an understanding of all the regulatory events associated with the endocannabinoid system and other regulatory systems that participate in reproduction, but also several possibilities for pharmacotherapeutic interventions that can modify the formation, degradation and effect of endocannabinoids. It cannot be ruled out that some components of the endocannabinoid system could become a marker for monitoring pregnancy and childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pařízek
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Taylor AH, Bachkangi P, Konje JC. Labour and premature delivery differentially affect the expression of the endocannabinoid system in the human placenta. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:577-593. [PMID: 37750996 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Plasma concentrations of N-arachidonyletholamine (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) increase at term and can predict when a woman is likely to go into labour. We hypothesised that increased plasma AEA concentrations in women in preterm and term labour might also be increased and have a function in the placenta at the end of pregnancy. Here we examined the expression of the N-acylethanolamine-modulating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase-D (NAPE-PLD) and of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the placenta and their activation in an in vitro model of the third-trimester placenta to determine if those expressions change with labour and have functional significance. Expression of CB1, CB2, FAAH and NAPE-PLD was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-qPCR in placental samples obtained from four patient groups: preterm not in labour (PTNL), term not in labour (TNL), preterm in labour (PTL) and term in labour (TL). Additionally, the effects of AEA on a third-trimester human cell line (TCL-1) were evaluated. All ECS components were present in the third-trimester placenta, with NAPE-PLD and CB2 being the key modulated proteins in terms of expression. Functionally, AEA reduced TCL-1 cell numbers through the actions of the CB2 receptor whilst CB1 maintained placental integrity through the expression of the transcription regulators histone deacetylase 3, thyroid hormone receptor β 1 and the modulation of 5α reductase type 1. The placenta in the third trimester and at term is different from the placenta in the first trimester with respect to the expression of CB1, CB2, FAAH and NAPE-PLD, and the expression of these proteins is affected by labour. These data suggest that early perturbation of some ECS components in the placenta may cause AEA-induced PTL and thus PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony H Taylor
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - Panos Bachkangi
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Burton On Trent, UK
| | - Justin C Konje
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Feto Maternal Centre, Al Markhiya, Doha, Qatar
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Berger N, Allerkamp H, Wadsack C. Serine Hydrolases in Lipid Homeostasis of the Placenta-Targets for Placental Function? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6851. [PMID: 35743292 PMCID: PMC9223866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic state of pregnant women and their unborn children changes throughout pregnancy and adapts to the specific needs of each gestational week. These adaptions are accomplished by the actions of enzymes, which regulate the occurrence of their endogenous substrates and products in all three compartments: mother, placenta and the unborn. These enzymes determine bioactive lipid signaling, supply, and storage through the generation or degradation of lipids and fatty acids, respectively. This review focuses on the role of lipid-metabolizing serine hydrolases during normal pregnancy and in pregnancy-associated pathologies, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, or preterm birth. The biochemical properties of each class of lipid hydrolases are presented, with special emphasis on their role in placental function or dysfunction. While, during a normal pregnancy, an appropriate tonus of bioactive lipids prevails, dysregulation and aberrant signaling occur in diseased states. A better understanding of the dynamics of serine hydrolases across gestation and their involvement in placental lipid homeostasis under physiological and pathophysiological conditions will help to identify new targets for placental function in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Berger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (N.B.); (H.A.)
| | - Hanna Allerkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (N.B.); (H.A.)
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (N.B.); (H.A.)
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Kozakiewicz ML, Zhang J, Leone-Kabler S, Yamaleyeva LM, McDonald AG, Brost BC, Howlett AC. Differential Expression of CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a in Labor. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:279-288. [PMID: 33998898 PMCID: PMC9225407 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The endocannabinoid system is present in multiple organ systems and is involved in smooth muscle regulation, immune function, neuroendocrine modulation, and metabolism of tissues. Limited data are available regarding the presence and role of this system in reproductive tissues. Components of the endocannabinoid system have been identified in myometrial and placental tissues. However, no study has investigated differential expression of the endocannabinoid system in labor. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify two components of the endocannabinoid system, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) in uterine and placental tissues, and to determine if there is differential expression in tissues exposed to labor. We hypothesized that CB1 cannabinoid receptor concentration would be altered in uterine and placental tissue exposed to labor compared with tissues not exposed to labor. Study Design: Uterine and placental tissue samples were collected in nine laboring and 11 nonlaboring women undergoing cesarean delivery. CB1 cannabinoid receptor and CRIP1a presence and quantification were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical comparisons of laboring and nonlaboring subjects were made for uterine and placental tissue using a Mann-Whitney test. Results: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive staining for CB1 cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a in uterine tissue. The protein abundance of CB1 cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue was significantly lower in tissues exposed to labor (p=0.01). The protein abundance of CRIP1a was lower in uterine tissue exposed to labor but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.06). mRNA expression of CB1 cannabinoid receptor (p=0.20) and CRIP1a (p=0.63) did not differ in labored compared with nonlabored uterine tissues. Conclusions: Our findings of diminished protein density of CB1 cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue exposed to labor support the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in parturition. Our data add to the growing body of evidence indicating the endocannabinoid system is of importance for successful reproduction and support the need for additional research investigating this complex system as it pertains to labor. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03752021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Kozakiewicz
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra Leone-Kabler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liliya M. Yamaleyeva
- Department of Surgery, Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine BioTech Place, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna G. McDonald
- Department of Pathology, Perinatal/Autopsy Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian C. Brost
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allyn C. Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Kozakiewicz ML, Grotegut CA, Howlett AC. Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy Maintenance and Labor: A Mini-Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:699951. [PMID: 34220722 PMCID: PMC8242576 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.699951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system present in multiple organ systems and is an integral part of sustaining the microenvironment necessary for early pregnancy success and maintenance. It plays a significant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as placentation. The current theory behind the initiation of term labor is that it is a complex, multifactorial process involving sex steroid hormones, prostaglandin production and interplay at the maternal-fetal interface resulting in increased expression of receptors and gap junctions that promote uterine activation. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to early pregnancy events, the ECS plays a regulatory role in pregnancy maintenance and the timing of labor. This review presents an overview of the ECS in pregnancy that focuses on late gestation and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Kozakiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chad A Grotegut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Accialini P, Abán C, Etcheverry T, Negri Malbrán M, Leguizamón G, Herlax V, Maté S, Farina M. Anandamide Exerts a Differential Effect on Human Placenta Before and After the Onset of Labor. Front Physiol 2021; 12:667367. [PMID: 34093231 PMCID: PMC8176211 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.667367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of labor involves the action of multiple factors and recent reports have postulated the endocannabinoid system as a new regulator of this process. Our objective was to study the role of anandamide, one of the main endocannabinoids, on the regulation of placental molecules that contribute to the onset of labor at term. Placental samples were obtained from patients with laboring vaginal deliveries and from non-laboring elective cesarean sections. Vaginal delivery placentas produced higher prostaglandins levels than cesarean section samples. Besides, no differences were observed in NOS basal activity between groups. Incubation of vaginal delivery placentas with anandamide increased prostaglandins concentration and decreased NOS activity. Antagonism of type-1cannabinoid receptor (CB1) did not alter the effect observed on NOS activity. Conversely, incubation of cesarean section placentas with anandamide reduced prostaglandins levels and enhanced NOS activity, the latter involving the participation of CB1. Furthermore, we observed a differential expression of the main components of the endocannabinoid system between placental samples, being the change in CB1 localization the most relevant finding. Our results suggest that anandamide acts as a modulator of the signals that regulate labor, exerting differential actions depending on CB1 localization in laboring or non-laboring term placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Accialini
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Placentaria, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO - CONICET - UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cyntia Abán
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Placentaria, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO - CONICET - UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Etcheverry
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Placentaria, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO - CONICET - UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Negri Malbrán
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Leguizamón
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Herlax
- Laboratorio de Estudios de la Interacción Toxinas Proteicas - Membranas, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP - CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Sabina Maté
- Laboratorio de Estudios de la Interacción Toxinas Proteicas - Membranas, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP - CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariana Farina
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Placentaria, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO - CONICET - UBA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Accialini P, Etcheverry T, Malbrán MN, Leguizamón G, Maté S, Farina M. Anandamide regulates oxytocin/oxytocin receptor system in human placenta at term. Placenta 2020; 93:23-25. [PMID: 32090965 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of human parturition, however its role and modulation in the placenta is not fully understood. Non-labour cesarean section placentas were cultured with the endocannabinoid anandamide. We observed an increase in placental oxytocin receptor expression and oxytocin release. We postulate anandamide as a relevant modulator of oxytocin system in the placenta at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Accialini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (UBA-CONICET-CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Argentina.
| | - Tomás Etcheverry
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (UBA-CONICET-CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Negri Malbrán
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno (CEMIC), Argentina
| | - Gustavo Leguizamón
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno (CEMIC), Argentina
| | - Sabina Maté
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP -UNLP), Argentina
| | - Mariana Farina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (UBA-CONICET-CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Argentina
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Kuhla B, Kaever V, Tuchscherer A, Kuhla A. Involvement of Plasma Endocannabinoids and the Hypothalamic Endocannabinoid System in Increasing Feed Intake after Parturition of Dairy Cows. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:246-257. [PMID: 31141804 DOI: 10.1159/000501208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoids (ECs) N-arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) participate in the control of feed intake and energy metabolism. Most mammals increase their feed intake after parturition to cope with the increased energy and nutrient requirements for milk synthesis, thereby increasing their metabolic rate. Here we investigated in experiment 1 the regulation of plasma AEA and 2-AG concentrations during the transition from late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows, and analyzed in experiment 2 the expression of the EC system in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus of late and early lactating cows using immunohistochemistry. Cows in experiment 1 were retrospectively grouped based on peak plasma fatty acid concentrations to a high (H) or low (L) group. Feed intake was not different between groups before parturition, but was lower in H than L cows during early lactation. Plasma AEA and 2-AG concentrations increased 2.2- to 2.4-fold during early lactation, in which time plasma AEA concentrations rose faster in H cows than in L cows postpartum. Upregulation of N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D together with tending increased cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) expression, and downregulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase in early lactating cows suggested an increased PVN AEA tone. The abundance of CB1 in the ARC and diacylglycerol lipase-alpha was not different between late and early lactating cows, but PVN monoacylglycerol lipase expression was 30% higher in early lactating cows, indicating diminished PVN 2-AG concentrations. The results show a potential involvement of AEA in stimulating feed intake and of 2-AG in regulating energy metabolism of early lactating cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Kuhla
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany,
| | - Volkhard Kaever
- Hannover Medical School, Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Angela Kuhla
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Cecconi S, Rapino C, Di Nisio V, Rossi G, Maccarrone M. The (endo)cannabinoid signaling in female reproduction: What are the latest advances? Prog Lipid Res 2019; 77:101019. [PMID: 31862482 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis extracts like marijuana have the highest consumption rate worldwide. Yet, their societal acceptance as recreational and therapeutic drugs could represent a serious hazard to female human reproduction, because cannabis ingredients [termed (phyto)cannabinoids] can perturb an endogenous system of lipid signals known as endocannabinoids. Accumulated evidence on animal models and humans has demonstrated a crucial role of these endogenous signals on different aspects of female reproduction, where they act through an ensamble of proteins that synthesize, transport, degrade and traffic them. Several reports have recently evidenced the potential role of endocannabinoids as biomarkers of female infertility for disease treatment and prevention, as well as their possible epigenetic effects on pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of data collected in the last decade on the effects of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on female reproductive events, from development and maturation of follicles and oocytes, to fertilization, oviductal transport, implantation and labor. In this context, a particular attention has been devoted to the ovary and the production of fertilizable oocytes, because recent studies have addressed this hot topic with conflicting results among species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Gianna Rossi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 - 00143 Rome, Italy.
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Bachkangi P, Taylor AH, Bari M, Maccarrone M, Konje JC. Prediction of preterm labour from a single blood test: The role of the endocannabinoid system in predicting preterm birth in high-risk women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 243:1-6. [PMID: 31618675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if plasma concentrations of the N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) increase in women at high risk for preterm birth (PTB) and whether these could be used to predict preterm delivery and if so, how they compare with current methods. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING A large UK teaching hospital. POPULATION 217 pregnant women were recruited between 24 and 34 gestational weeks at 'high-risk' for PTB, recruited from a prematurity prevention clinic or antenatal wards. METHODS Plasma AEA, OEA, and PEA concentrations were measured using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry whilst FAAH enzyme activity was measured by fluorometric radiometric assay and CL by ultrasound scan. The clinical usefulness of these measurements were determined by ROC and multivariate analyses. RESULTS AEA and PEA concentrations were significantly higher in women who delivered prematurely. An AEA concentration >1.095 nM predicted PTB, the gestational age at delivery and the recruitment to delivery interval (RTDI). A PEA concentration >17.50 nM only predicted PTB; FAAH enzyme activity was not related to these changes. Multivariate analysis (all variables) generated an equation to accurately predict the RTDI. CONCLUSIONS A single plasma AEA or PEA measurement can predict PTB. A single AEA measurement predicts the gestational age of delivery and the remaining period of pregnancy with reasonable accuracy and better than existing conventional tests thus offering a better window for primary prevention of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bachkangi
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - A H Taylor
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, Department of Medicine, UK
| | | | | | - Justin C Konje
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sidra Medicine, Doha and Wellness Women's Research Center, HMC, Doha, Qatar.
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Sun X, Tavenier A, Deng W, Leishman E, Bradshaw HB, Dey SK. Metformin attenuates susceptibility to inflammation-induced preterm birth in mice with higher endocannabinoid levels. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:208-217. [PMID: 29228105 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature decidual senescence is a contributing factor to preterm birth. Fatty acid amide hydrolase mutant females (Faah-/-) with higher endocannabinoid levels are also more susceptible to preterm birth upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge due to enhanced decidual senescence; this is associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 activation. Previous studies have shown that mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) contributes to decidual senescence and promotes the incidence of preterm birth. In this study, we sought to attenuate premature decidual aging in Faah-/- females by targeting mTORC1 and p38 signaling pathways. Because metformin is known to inhibit mTOR and p38 signaling pathways, Faah-/- females were treated with metformin. These mice had a significantly lower preterm birth incidence with a higher rate of live birth after an LPS challenge on day 16 of pregnancy; metformin treatment did not affect placentation or neonatal birth weight. These results were associated with decreased levels of p38, as well as pS6, a downstream mediator of mTORC1 activity, in day 16 Faah-/-decidual tissues. Since metformin treatment attenuates premature decidual senescence with limited side effects during pregnancy, careful use of this drug may be effective in ameliorating specific adverse pregnancy events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexandra Tavenier
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Wenbo Deng
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Birchenall KA, Welsh GI, López Bernal A. Metabolite Changes in Maternal and Fetal Plasma Following Spontaneous Labour at Term in Humans Using Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091527. [PMID: 31052173 PMCID: PMC6539865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of human labour remains poorly understood, limiting our ability to manage complications of parturition such as preterm labour and induction of labour. In this study we have investigated the effect of labour on plasma metabolites immediately following delivery, comparing cord and maternal plasma taken from women who laboured spontaneously and delivered vaginally with women who were delivered via elective caesarean section and did not labour. Samples were analysed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Welch’s two-sample t-test was used to identify any significant differences. Of 826 metabolites measured, 26.9% (222/826) were significantly altered in maternal plasma and 21.1% (174/826) in cord plasma. Labour involves changes in many maternal organs and poses acute metabolic demands in the uterus and in the fetus and these are reflected in our results. While a proportion of these differences are likely to be secondary to the physiological demands of labour itself, these results present a comprehensive picture of the metabolome in the maternal and fetal circulations at the time of delivery and can be used to guide future studies. We discuss potential causal pathways for labour including endocannabinoids, ceramides, sphingolipids and steroids. Further work is necessary to confirm the specific pathways involved in the spontaneous onset of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Birchenall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK.
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Gavin I Welsh
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Andrés López Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK.
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
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Bariani MV, Correa F, Leishman E, Domínguez Rubio AP, Arias A, Stern A, Bradshaw HB, Franchi AM. Resveratrol protects from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in the uterus and prevents experimental preterm birth. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:571-581. [PMID: 28810692 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is resveratrol able to prevent the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor in 15-day pregnant BALB/c mice? SUMMARY ANSWER Resveratrol prevented the LPS-induced onset of preterm labor in 64% of the cases and showed anti-inflammatory and tocolytic effects by downregulating COX-2 and iNOS expression and NOS activity, and by changing the uterine prostaglandin and endocannabinoid profiling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Genital tract infections by Gram-negative bacteria are a common complication in human pregnancy and have been shown to increase risk of preterm delivery. Bacterial LPS elicits a strong maternal inflammatory response that results in preterm delivery and fetal death in a murine model endotoxin-induced preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An in vivo animal study was conducted. On Day 15 of pregnancy, mice received at 8:00 h a dose of vehicle (40% ethanol in saline solution) or resveratrol (3 mg/kg in vehicle) via oral gavage followed by two doses of LPS or vehicle administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), the first one at 10:00 h (0.17 mg/kg in 0.1 ml of sterile saline solution) and the second at 13:00 h (0.5 mg/kg in 0.1 ml of sterile saline solution). The mice were closely observed for any signs of morbidity (piloerection, decreased movement, and diarrhea), vaginal bleeding or preterm delivery. The beginning of preterm delivery was defined by early delivery of the first pup. Normal term labor occurs on Day 19 of gestation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Time of labor, pregnancy outcome and morphological features were evaluated after LPS and/or resveratrol administration. Uterine stripes were collected 5 h after the last LPS injection and prostaglandin and endocannabinoid profiling was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured by radioconversion assay. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-Pgdh) mRNA levels were analyzed by RT-PCR whilst the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-1 and COX-2 were studied by western blot. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In vivo treatment of 15-day pregnant BALB/c mice with resveratrol prevented the LPS-induced preterm birth in 64% of the cases, whereas only 15% of mice with LPS alone escaped preterm birth. Treatment with resveratrol resulted in a reduced NOS activity (P < 0.05) in the uterus of LPS-treated mice. Similarly, resveratrol reduced the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory agents such as iNOS (P < 0.05), COX-2 (P < 0.05), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (P < 0.05) and anandamide (AEA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, resveratrol administration resulted in changes in the uterine endocannabinoid profiling altered by LPS. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since our experimental design involves the use of mice, the extrapolation of the results presented here to humans is limited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings provide evidence for the tocolytic effects of resveratrol. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) Dr Ana María Franchi was funded by Agencia Nacional para la Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (PICT 2013/0097) and by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (PIP 2012/0061). Dr Heather B. Bradshaw was funded by NIH (DA006668). The authors have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Bariani
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Correa
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana,USA
| | - Ana Paula Domínguez Rubio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreína Arias
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aníbal Stern
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana,USA
| | - Ana María Franchi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The endocannabinoid system: A novel player in human placentation. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:58-67. [PMID: 26965993 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most consumed illegal drug around the world. Its consumption during pregnancy is associated with gestational complications, particularly with fetal growth restriction. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid molecules that act by activating the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, which are also target of the phytocannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in distinct biological processes, including pain, inflammation, neuroprotection, and several reproductive events. In addition, an abnormal expression of ECS is associated with infertility and miscarriages. This manuscript will review and discuss the expression of ECS in normal and pathological human placentas, and the role of eCBs and THC in trophoblast proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and function. The current evidence points towards a role of ECS in human placentation, shedding light on the contribution of the eCBs in the coordination of human placentation, and in the cellular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of cannabis consumption during pregnancy.
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16
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Abstract
The lasting research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has now provided solid and convincing evidence that proves the detrimental effects of recreational drug abuse (a growing habit among teenagers) on fertility. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) affect reproductive events from gametogenesis to fertilization, from embryo implantation to the final outcome of pregnancy and, thus, they have been proposed as suitable biomarkers to predict the reproductive potential of male and female gametes in clinical practice. Novel tools for reproductive medicine are highly sought after, and here we report the latest findings on the impact of the ECS on fertility, demonstrating how basic research can be translated into new medical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
- School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Rapino C, Battista N, Bari M, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoids as biomarkers of human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:501-16. [PMID: 24516083 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that affects ∼10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. More than half of all cases of infertility are a result of female conditions, while the remaining cases can be attributed to male factors, or to a combination of both. The search for suitable biomarkers of pregnancy outcome is a challenging issue in human reproduction, aimed at identifying molecules with predictive significance of the reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Among the various candidates, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and in particular anandamide (AEA), represent potential biomarkers of human fertility disturbances. Any perturbation of the balance between synthesis and degradation of eCBs will result in local changes of their tone in human female and male reproductive tracts, which in turn regulates various pathophysiological processes, oocyte and sperm maturation included. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for papers using relevant keywords like 'biomarker', 'endocannabinoid', 'infertility', 'pregnancy' and 'reproduction'. RESULTS In this review, we discuss different studies on the measurements of AEA and related eCBs in human reproductive cells, tissues and fluids, where the local contribution of these bioactive lipids could be critical in ensuring normal sperm fertilizing ability and pregnancy. CONCLUSION Based on the available data, we suggest that the AEA tone has the potential to be exploited as a novel diagnostic biomarker of infertility, to be used in association with assays of conventional hormones (e.g. progesterone, β-chorionic gonadotrophin) and semen analysis. However further quantitative research of its predictive capacity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy StemTeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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18
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Meccariello R, Battista N, Bradshaw HB, Wang H. Updates in reproduction coming from the endocannabinoid system. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:412354. [PMID: 24550985 PMCID: PMC3914453 DOI: 10.1155/2014/412354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an evolutionarily conserved master system deeply involved in the central and local control of reproductive functions in both sexes. The tone of these lipid mediators-deeply modulated by the activity of biosynthetic and hydrolyzing machineries-regulates reproductive functions from gonadotropin discharge and steroid biosynthesis to the formation of high quality gametes and successful pregnancy. This review provides an overview on ECS and reproduction and focuses on the insights in the regulation of endocannabinoid production by steroids, in the regulation of male reproductive activity, and in placentation and parturition. Taken all together, evidences emerge that the activity of the ECS is crucial for procreation and may represent a target for the therapeutic exploitation of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- *Rosaria Meccariello:
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Heather B. Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Haibin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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19
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Chan HW, McKirdy NC, Peiris HN, Rice GE, Mitchell MD. The role of endocannabinoids in pregnancy. Reproduction 2013; 146:R101-9. [PMID: 23744614 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are a family of lipid signalling molecules. As with prostaglandins (PGs), endocannabinoids are derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and affect cell function via receptor-mediated mechanisms. They also bind to PG receptors, although at a lower affinity. The endocannabinoid network is regulated in pregnancy from embryo development to labour onset. Even small changes in endocannabinoid exposure can retard embryo development and affect implantation success. There is now compelling evidence that aberrant expression of factors involved in the endocannabinoid pathway in the placenta and circulating lymphocytes results in spontaneous miscarriage and poor pregnancy outcomes. It is likely that competition between endocannabinoids, PGs and other similar lipids ultimately determines how phospholipid/fatty acid substrates are metabolised and, thus, the balance between the uterotonic and tocolytic activities. We, therefore, hypothesise that endocannabinoid profiles may be used as a biomarker to predict and/or identify spontaneous labour onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Wen Chan
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Building 71/918, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia
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20
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Denoroy L, Zimmer L, Renaud B, Parrot S. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography as a tool for the discovery and the analysis of biomarkers of diseases: A review. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2013; 927:37-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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21
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Battista N, Meccariello R, Cobellis G, Fasano S, Di Tommaso M, Pirazzi V, Konje JC, Pierantoni R, Maccarrone M. The role of endocannabinoids in gonadal function and fertility along the evolutionary axis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 355:1-14. [PMID: 22305972 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are natural lipids able to bind to cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors. Their biological actions at the central and peripheral level are under the tight control of the proteins responsible for their synthesis, transport and degradation. In the last few years, several reports have pointed out these lipid mediators as critical signals, together with sex hormones and cytokines, in various aspects of animal and human reproduction. The identification of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in reproductive cells and tissues of invertebrates, vertebrates and mammals highlights the key role played by these endogenous compounds along the evolutionary axis. Here, we review the main actions of endocannabinoids on female and male reproductive events, and discuss the interplay between them, steroid hormones and cytokines in regulating fertility. In addition, we discuss the involvement of endocannabinoid signalling in ensuring a correct chromatin remodeling, and hence a good DNA quality, in sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Università di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Abstract
Starting from an historical overview of lasting Cannabis use over the centuries, we will focus on a description of the cannabinergic system, with a comprehensive analysis of chemical and pharmacological properties of endogenous and synthetic cannabimimetic analogues. The metabolic pathways and the signal transduction mechanisms, activated by cannabinoid receptors stimulation, will also be discussed. In particular, we will point out the action of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on the different neuronal networks involved in reproductive axis, and locally, on male and female reproductive tracts, by emphasizing the pivotal role played by this system in the control of fertility.
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