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Cyclooxygenase enzyme expression and E series prostaglandin receptor signalling are enhanced in heavy menstruation

O P Milling Smith1, H N Jabbour, H O D Critchley

  • 1Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|February 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Heavy menstrual bleeding is linked to increased cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and altered prostaglandin signaling in the endometrium. Targeting prostaglandin E series receptors may offer new treatments for heavy periods.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular endocrinology
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • Mechanisms of heavy menstrual blood loss (MBL) are not fully understood, but prostaglandins are implicated.
  • Cyclooxygenase (COX)-prostaglandin pathways are key in endometrial function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression patterns of COX-prostaglandin pathway components in the endometrium of women with normal versus heavy MBL.
  • To identify potential molecular targets for treating heavy menstruation.

Main Methods:

  • Endometrial biopsies collected across the menstrual cycle from women with measured MBL.
  • Quantitative RT-PCR analysis for gene expression.
  • In vitro endometrial tissue culture with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expression in heavy MBL endometrium.
  • Increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in response to PGE2 in heavy MBL endometrium.
  • Reduced expression of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) in heavy MBL endometrium.

Conclusions:

  • E series prostaglandin receptors and their signaling pathways are potential therapeutic targets for heavy menstruation.
  • Altered prostaglandin signaling contributes to heavy menstrual blood loss.
Abstract

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