dinoprost and Genital-Neoplasms--Female

Prostaglandins, thromboxanes (TX) and leukotrienes, collectively referred to as eicosanoids, are cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA). Prostaglandins, have been recognised for many years as key molecules in regulating reproductive tract physiology and pathology. Numerous recent studies in in vitro model systems and knockout mouse models have demonstrated specific functional roles for the respective cyclooxygenase enzymes, prostaglandins and prostanoid receptors. Here we review the findings obtained in several of these studies with emphasis on the roles played by cyclooxygenase enzymes and prostaglandins, specifically prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2alpha in reproductive tract physiology and pathology.

Topics: Animals; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Prostaglandins; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Reproduction; Signal Transduction

Oxidative stress is known to be an important contributing factor in many chronic diseases. Spontaneously occurring benign oviduct leiomyomas are common tumors of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), which makes it a good animal model for screening potential agents for testing in the prevention and treatment of human myoma uteri. Since dietary intake of selenium has been associated with a reduced risk of a variety of human cancers, we investigated the effects of selenium supplementation on the development of leiomyomas in the Japanese quail. Potential mechanisms of action of selenium include its antioxidant properties and modulation of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70); therefore, we measured levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-isoprostane levels, and Hsp70 expression in tissue specimens obtained from the quails. One hundred and eighty quails (8 mo old) were assigned to 3 treatment groups consisting of 60 birds in each group. Birds were fed either a basal diet containing 0.048 mg Se per kg or the basal diet supplemented with 0.2 mg or 0.4 mg of selenium (Selenomax, yeast-bound l-selenomethionine, 60%) per kg of diet. The animals were sacrificed after 250 days, and the tumors were identified. Selenium supplementation did not affect the number of leiomyomas as compared to control subjects (P > 0.05). However, the tumors in selenium fed birds were smaller than those found in control birds (P = 0.01). Serum Se increased (P = 0.01), whereas MDA and 8-isoprostane, 8-OHdG concentrations decreased (P = 0.01) with selenium supplementation (P = 0.01). Selenium supplementation decreased Hsp70 in the tissue of birds. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with selenium reduces the size of spontaneously occurring leiomyoma of the oviduct in the Japanese quail.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Coturnix; Deoxyguanosine; Dietary Supplements; Dinoprost; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Incidence; Leiomyoma; Liver; Malondialdehyde; Oviducts; Random Allocation; Selenium; Selenomethionine; Tumor Burden; Uterine Neoplasms; Yeast, Dried

Increased prostaglandin synthesis has been implicated as a causative factor in the production of radiation induced enteritis. Seventeen patients selected to begin pelvic irradiation for treatment of gynecological cancer had plasma Prostaglandin E, Prostaglandin F, and 13, 14 dihydro 15 keto PGF2 alpha metabolite determined by radioimmunoassay, prior to initiation of radiotherapy, at weekly intervals during treatment and at six weeks following completion of radiotherapy. A total of 362 prostaglandin determinations were performed. Thirteen patients (76%) developed significant diarrhea consisting of three or more watery bowel movements per day. Nine patients (53%) had intermittent colicky pain and six patients (35%) had nausea and vomiting during treatment. Statistical evaluation revealed no significant elevation of plasma prostaglandins during radiotherapy.

Topics: Adult; Diarrhea; Dinoprost; Enteritis; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins E; Prostaglandins F; Radioimmunoassay; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy Dosage