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Prostanoid excretion in incipient singleton and twin pregnancies
R M van der Weiden1, F M Helmerhorst, M J Keirse
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Early twin and singleton pregnancies show similar increases in prostacyclin over thromboxane A2 metabolites. This suggests a balanced prostanoid profile in the first half of pregnancy following in vitro fertilization.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 are key regulators of vascular tone and hemostasis.
- Imbalances in prostanoid production are implicated in pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urinary excretion of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 metabolites in early IVF-twin and singleton pregnancies.
- To compare the prostacyclin/thromboxane A2 ratio between twin and singleton pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples collected from 23 women for 20 weeks post-embryo transfer.
- Quantification of prostanoids using high-pressure liquid chromatography-radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha) and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha) increased in both pregnancy types.
- The ratio of prostacyclin to thromboxane A2 metabolites increased significantly.
- No significant differences in prostanoid metabolite levels or ratios were observed between twin and singleton pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Both twin and singleton pregnancies exhibit a comparable rise in the prostacyclin to thromboxane A2 ratio during early gestation.
- The findings suggest a similar prostanoid metabolic profile in the initial half of IVF-induced twin and singleton pregnancies.