Menstrual cycle-related sialidase activity of the female cervical mucus is associated with exosome-like vesicles.
OBJECTIVE
To study endogenous sialidase activity in genital tract secretions of pregnant and nonpregnant women.


METHODS
Laboratory study.


METHODS
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.


METHODS
Vaginal and cervical mucus samples were obtained from pregnant and nonpregnant women in different phases of the menstrual cycle and in different weeks of pregnancy.


METHODS
Sialidase activity was assessed by fluorimetric assay and localized by transmission electron microscopy and differential centrifugation.


RESULTS
Sialidase activity in cervical mucus of healthy women reaches a maximum in the ovulatory phase. Cervical mucus from pregnant and nonpregnant women had significant sialidase activity that was associated with membranous vesicles having an exosome-like structure.


CONCLUSIONS
Female cervical mucus contains an endogenous menstrual cycle-related sialidase that could be involved in modifying the rheologic properties of mucus to favor sperm progression at fertilization. Its association with exosome-like vesicles also suggests a role in intercellular communication before and after fertilization.
Flori
Federica
F
Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Siena, Policlinico le Scotte, Siena, Italy.
Secciani
Federica
F
Capone
Antonietta
A
Paccagnini
Eugenio
E
Caruso
Sabrina
S
Ricci
Maria Grazia
MG
Focarelli
Riccardo
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000201:enzymology*; D022162:Cytoplasmic Vesicles / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy
D009439:Neuraminidase