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The Role(s) of Eicosanoids and Exosomes in Human Parturition
Eman Mosaad1, Hassendrini N Peiris1, Olivia Holland1,2
1School of Biomedical Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation - Centre for Children's Health Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Abstract:
The roles that eicosanoids play during pregnancy and parturition are crucial to a successful outcome. A better understanding of the regulation of eicosanoid production and the roles played by the various end products during pregnancy and parturition has led to our view that accurate measurements of a panel of those end products has exciting potential as diagnostics and prognostics of preterm labor and delivery. Exosomes and their contents represent an exciting new area for research of movement of key biological factors circulating between tissues and organs akin to a parallel endocrine system but involving key intracellular mediators. Eicosanoids and enzymes regulating their biosynthesis and metabolism as well as regulatory microRNAs have been identified within exosomes. In this review, the regulation of eicosanoid production, abundance and actions during pregnancy will be explored. Additionally, the functional significance of placental exosomes will be discussed.
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