April - June 2017, Volume 13, Issue 2

Anca FA

Molecular Pathways in the Endocrinology of Parturition

Acta Endo (Buc) 2017, 13 (2): 254-256
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2017.254

The entire complex process of labor is the central concern of obstetrics and premature labor poses a threat to the mother and fetus and represents a core medical and social issue. In this respect, understanding the mechanism of uterine contractions at a molecular level helps shed some light on possible future prevention and treatment. New research has emphasized the role of endocannabinoids by two metabolic pathways with final products that act as antagonists: prostaglandins and prostamides (prostaglandinethanolamides), but with competition on substrates and enzymes. Thus, the dominant pathway will be selected on account of cellular and tissue environment.

Keywords: prostaglandins, prostamide, endocannabinoid, inflammation, contractility, premature labor.

Correspondence: Alexandru Florin Anca MD PhD, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, E-mail: alfanca@yahoo.com