title: Expression of the prostaglandin F synthase AKR1B1 and the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1 in human fetal membranes in relation to spontaneous term and preterm labor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human labor is a complex series of cellular and molecular events that occur at the materno-fetal and uterine levels. Many hypotheses have been proposed for the initiation of human labor, one hypothesis suggests that maturation of the fetus releases a signal in the amniotic fluid that will be transmitted to myometrium via the fetal membranes and initiate uterine contractions. There is strong evidence that prostaglandins (PGs) play a central role in initiation and progression of human labor.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study we intended to investigate the expression of prostaglandin F synthase and the prostaglandin transporter in the human fetal membranes and to explore the relationship between cytokines and PGs in the mechanism of human labor.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used fetal membranes obtained before labor at term and after spontaneous labor at term or preterm to identify the changes in prostaglandin F synthase (AKR1B1) and human prostaglandin transporter (SLCO2A1) proteins in relation to parturition. Using fetal membranes explants we tested the effect of cytokines (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) on PG production and the concomitant changes in cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), AKR1B1 and SLCO2A1 expression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of PTGS2 and AKR1B1 was upregulated in the fetal membranes in association with term labor while SLCO2A1 was downregulated with advancing gestation and during term labor. Before labor, IL-1 increased the expression of PTGS2, however during labor TNF upregulated PTGS2 and AKR1B1 proteins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prostaglandin F synthase AKR1B1 is upregulated while prostaglandin transporter is downregulated during term labor. The amnion is more responsive than choriodecidua to stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms of term and preterm labor are different.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Hana A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Alzamil
authors.affiliation: Pathology, University Hospitals Bristol Haemato-Oncology Diagnostic Service, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Joya
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pawade
authors.affiliation: Axe Reproduction, Santé Périnatale et Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Michel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fortier
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: A López
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Bernal
keywords: cytokines; parturition; placenta; preterm birth; prostaglandins; uterus