We conclude that both Rhbg and Rhcg are highly expressed in specific cells in the male reproductive tract where they can contribute to multiple components of male fertility.”
“Endocannabinoids are a family of GDC-0449 lipid signalling molecules. As with prostaglandins (PGs), endocannabinoids are derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and affect cell function via receptor-mediated mechanisms. They

also bind to PG receptors, although at a lower affinity. The endocannabinoid network is regulated in pregnancy from embryo development to labour onset. Even small changes in endocannabinoid exposure can retard embryo development and affect implantation success. There is now compelling evidence that aberrant expression of factors involved in the endocannabinoid pathway in the placenta and circulating lymphocytes results in spontaneous miscarriage and poor pregnancy outcomes. It is likely that competition between endocannabinoids, PGs and

other similar lipids ultimately determines how phospholipid/fatty acid substrates are metabolised and, thus, the balance between the uterotonic and tocolytic activities. We, therefore, hypothesise that endocannabinoid profiles may be used as a biomarker to predict and/or identify spontaneous labour onset.”
“Sulphate contributes to numerous processes in mammalian physiology, particularly during development. Sulphotransferases mediate the sulphate conjugation (sulphonation) of numerous compounds, including steroids, glycosaminoglycans, proteins, neurotransmitters and xenobiotics, transforming their biological Evofosfamide price activities. Importantly, the ratio of sulphonated to unconjugated molecules plays a significant physiological role in many of the molecular events that regulate mammalian growth and development. In humans, the fetus is unable to generate its own sulphate and therefore relies on sulphate

being supplied from maternal circulation via the placenta. To meet the gestational needs of the growing fetus, maternal blood sulphate concentrations double from mid-gestation. Maternal hyposulphataemia has been linked to fetal sulphate deficiency and late gestational fetal loss in mice. Disorders of sulphonation have Erastin clinical trial also been linked to a number of developmental disorders in humans, including skeletal dysplasias and premature adrenarche. While recognised as an important nutrient in mammalian physiology, sulphate is largely unappreciated in clinical settings. In part, this may be due to technical challenges in measuring sulphate with standard pathology equipment and hence the limited findings of perturbed sulphate homoeostasis affecting human health. This review article is aimed at highlighting the importance of sulphate in mammalian development, with basic science research being translated through animal models and linkage to human disorders.