Concentrations of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine in the follicular fluid of women with endometriosis: the role of M1 polarised macrophages

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Fonseca, BM (Author) Other; Moreira Pinto, B (Author) Other; Costa, L (Author) Other; Felgueira, E (Author) Other; oliveira, p (Author) ICBAS; Rebelo, I (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Vol. 33

Final page: 270

ISSN: 1031-3613

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-GF4

DOI: 10.1071/rd20247

Abstract (EN): Although N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA; also known as anandamide) is present in human follicular fluid (FF), its regulation remains unknown. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to: (1) investigate the relationships between FF AEA concentrations in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology and their age, body mass index, ART characteristics and fertility treatment outcomes; and (2) assess how different inflammatory patterns may triggerAEA production by human granulosa cells (hGCs). FF AEA concentrations were higher in women undergoing IVF than in those undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection group. FF AEA median concentrations were lower in women undergoing ART because of male factor infertility than in women with endometriosis (1.6 vs 2.5nMrespectively), but not women with tubal, hormonal or unexplained infertility (1.6, 2.4 and 1.9nM respectively). To evaluate the effects of macrophages on AEA production by hGCs, hGCs were cocultured with monocyte-derived macrophages. The conditioned medium from M1 polarised macrophages increased AEA production by hGCs. This was accompanied by an increase in AEAmetabolising enzymes, particularly N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D. The results of the present study show that high FF AEA concentrations in patients with endometriosis may be associated with the recruitment of inflammatory chemokines within the ovary, which together may contribute to the decreased reproductive potential of women with endometriosis. Collectively, these findings add a new player to the hormone and cytokine networks that regulate fertility in women.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9