Heparin exerts anti-apoptotic effects on uterine explants by targeting the endocannabinoid system.

SALAZAR ANA INES; VERCELLI CLAUDIA; SCHIARITI VICTORIA; DAVIO CARLOS; CORREA FERNANDO GABRIEL; FRANCHI, ANA MARIA

APOPTOSIS

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2016

1360-8185

Miscarriage caused by Gram-negative bacteria infectingthe female genital tract is one of the most common complications of humanpregnancy. Intraperitoneal administration of LPS to 7-days pregnant miceinduces embryo resorption after 24 h. Here, we show that LPS induced apoptosison uterine explants from 7-days pregnant mice and that CB1 receptor wasinvolved in this effect.             On the other hand, heparin has beenwidely used for the prevention of pregnancy loss in women with frequentmiscarriage with or without thrombophilia. Besides its anticoagulantproperties, heparin exerts anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory andanti-apoptotic effects. Here, we sought to investigate whether theadministration of heparin prevented LPS-induced apoptosis in uterine explantsfrom 7-days pregnant mice. We found that heparin enhanced cell survival inLPS-treated uterine explants and that this effect was mediated by increasing uterineFAAH activity. Taken together, our results point towards a novel mechanisminvolved in the protective effects of heparin.