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5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and human parturition
S S Edwin1, R J Romero, H Munoz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
Prostaglandins
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Concentrations of 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) increase in amniotic fluid before labor onset. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) also boosts 5-HETE production by amnion cells, potentially impacting preterm labor treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) is an arachidonic acid metabolite.
- 5-HETE can induce uterine contractions.
- The role of 5-HETE in labor onset is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if 5-HETE concentrations rise before or after labor onset.
- To investigate if acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) affects 5-HETE production by human amnion cells.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of 5-HETE concentrations in amniotic fluid at different gestational stages.
- In vitro study of ASA's effect on 5-HETE production by human amnion cells.
Main Results:
- 5-HETE levels were significantly elevated in amniotic fluid prior to spontaneous labor (over 2.5-fold increase).
- ASA treatment alone and in combination with IL-1 beta significantly increased 5-HETE production by amnion cells.
- ASA inhibited PGE2 production, as expected.
Conclusions:
- Elevated 5-HETE before labor suggests a role in labor onset mechanisms.
- ASA's ability to increase 5-HETE production may explain the limited success of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in treating preterm labor.