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Effect of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on prostaglandin production and parturition

Reference	D11998
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Prof. Claire Wathes
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Dilkush Abayasekara, Dr Zhangrui Cheng, Professor Anthony Flint, Professor Mark Hanson
Institution	Royal Veterinary College
Department	Clinical Sciences and Services
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	364,648
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/05/2000
End date	01/09/2003
Duration	40 months

Abstract

We propose that a high dietary intake of n-6 PUFAs may reduce prostaglandin (PG) production in the reproductive tract via inhibition of the key enzymes required for their synthesis. This may prolong parturition as PGE2 and PGF2a are required for adequate cervical ripening and myometrial activation. Three complementary approaches will integrate events at the cellular and molecular level with physiological responses in the whole animal. (1) In vitro studies with cultured ovine and human endometrial, amnion and placental cells will determine the effect of various PUFAs on PG synthesis and the expression of phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. (2) In vivo experiments with pregnant sheep will investigate the effect of dietary n-6 on the PG synthetic system in the reproductive tract and on the rate of progression of induced labour. (3) The transcription factors controlling COX-2 expression in uterus and amnion will be studied using reporter gene constructs in transiently transfected cells. The work will increase understanding of the mechanisms whereby dietary PUFAs regulate gene expression and may influence dietary recommendations for pregnant women.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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