Expression of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen-sulfide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and their mechanisms of action in amniotic tissues

Ming Liu,Xin Ni,Tao Duan,Xing-Ji You,Dan Liu,Lu Gao

doi:10.4314/tjpr.v17i5.5

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the expressions of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ - lyase (CSE) and cyclooxygenase - 2 (COX - 2) and their relationships with premature delivery in amniotic tissues.Methods: Parturients were divided into three groups: 40 preterm-labor parturients (PTL group), 28 term-labor parturients (TL group), and 28 term non-labor parturients (TNL group). Changes in expressions of CBS, CSE and COX-2 were determined by Western blot (WB) in amniotic tissues of parturients in the three groups. The expression of COX - 2 was determined after the amniotic tissues of parturients in the TNL group were cultured in vitro and processed by exogenous hydrogen-sulfide (H2S).Results: The expression level of COX - 2 was significantly lower in the TNL group, when compared with the PTL and TL groups (p < 0.05). The expression of CBS was increased in the order PTL > TL > TNL, with TNL group having the highest level, and there were significant differences in CBS expressions among the three groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that when the expressions of CBS and CSE are down-regulated, the decreased H2S synthesis promotes the overexpression of COX - 2 by NF - kB signaling pathway, causing increased prostaglandin synthesis which results in premature delivery.Keywords: Cystathionine β - synthase, Cystathionine γ - lyase, Cyclooxygenase - 2; Amniotic tissues; Preterm labor

Highlights

Preterm labor (PL) is the most common intrapartum complication, and the first cause of neonatal illness and death [1]
The expression of CBS was increased in Correlation among the expressions of COX 2, CBS and cystathionine γ - lyase (CSE) in amniotic tissues
Comparisons between the PTL, TL and TNL groups showed that the expressions of CSE and CBS in the PTL and TL groups were significantly decreased when compared with corresponding expressions in the TNL group; expressions of CSE and CBS were lowest in the PTL group, while expressions of CSE and CBS in the TL group were significantly lower than those in the TNL group

Summary

Introduction

Preterm labor (PL) is the most common intrapartum complication, and the first cause of neonatal illness and death [1]. SH20140109), and followed the guidelines of Helsinki Declaration [8]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion