Reduced platelet aggregation in women after intercourse: a possible role for the cyclooxygenase pathway.

We hypothesise that molecules in the cyclooxygenase pathway affect platelet activity when seminal fluid (SF) is present. We considered the influence of SF on platelet aggregation in women, and believe that the prostanoids in SF signalling are significant. Thirty-one female subjects were studied, 20 of whom were sexually active. Male partners were given either aspirin or indomethacin to inhibit cyclooxygenase. The 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto PGF1α) and prostaglandin E metabolite (PGE-M) in SF were measured by competitive assay. Platelets and prostanoids were evaluated in women, periodically, before and after intercourse. The platelets were tested with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA). To block the interaction between the uterus and SF, some couples used condoms. We found that the 6-keto prostaglandin F1α in urine at 2 hours post-intercourse (1418.75 pg/mL, Std 688.39) was greater than pre-intercourse (772.68 pg/mL, Std 116.54). Post-intercourse, a transient decrease in platelet aggregation was observed in women whose partners did not use condoms. Averages for platelet aggregation were 20.16% with ADP, and more significantly, 37.79% with AA after 2 hours. In contrast, couples using condoms showed no changes, averaging 64.02% with ADP and 72.06% with AA. Women whose partners were taking aspirin or indomethacin also showed no changes. SF from men taking aspirin or indomethacin led to no reduction in platelet aggregometry in their partners. These results indicate that in cases of exposure to SF, the transient change in women's platelet activity could be related to the cyclooxygenase pathway.

Targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation: Exploring Promising Pharmacological Strategies for the Treatment of Preeclampsia.

Neutrophils, which constitute the most abundant leukocytes in human blood, emerge as crucial players in the induction of endothelial cell death and the modulation of endothelial cell responses under both physiological and pathological conditions. The hallmark of preeclampsia is endothelial dysfunction induced by systemic inflammation, in which neutrophils, particularly through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), play a pivotal role in the development and perpetuation of endothelial dysfunction and the hypertensive state. Considering the potential of numerous pharmaceutical agents to attenuate NET formation (NETosis) in preeclampsia, a comprehensive assessment of the extensively studied candidates becomes imperative. This review aims to identify mechanisms associated with the induction and negative regulation of NETs in the context of preeclampsia. We discuss potential drugs to modulate NETosis, such as NF-κß inhibitors, vitamin D, and aspirin, and their association with mutagenicity and genotoxicity. Strong evidence supports the notion that molecules involved in the activation of NETs could serve as promising targets for the treatment of preeclampsia.

Prognostic Value of Galectin Expression in Patients with Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Galectins are a family of proteins with affinity for ß-galactosides and their expression correlates with overall survival (OS) in several cancers. However, in breast cancer their prognostic potential is unclear. In this study we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the prognostic value of galectin expression in breast cancer and to identify sources of heterogeneity. For this purpose, we performed a search of related publications in PubMed, Central-Conchrane, Web of Science database, OVID-EMBASE, Scope and EBSCOhost until November 2021.Thirteen articles were included with a total of 2700 patients. High galectin expression was found not to correlate with OS in breast cancer (HR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.93-1.31). In the case of galectin-3, correlation with OS was observed when performing subgroup analysis by cellular localization (HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.94 for cytoplasmic and HR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.00-3.29 for cytoplasmic plus nuclear). Galectin-7 correlates with DFS/PFS/DSS (HR = 2.43; 95% CI 1.36-4.31). Finally, galectin-3 correlates with some clinicopathological features such as lymph node metastasis, estrogen receptor expression and age. In conclusion, galectin-3 correlates with OS in breast cancer when cellular localization is considered while galectin-7 correlates with DFS/PFS/DSS. The cellular localization of galectins should be as fundamental aspect to be determined in future studies.

Multiple Origins of Extracellular DNA Traps.

Extracellular DNA traps (ETs) are evolutionarily conserved antimicrobial mechanisms present in protozoa, plants, and animals. In this review, we compare their similarities in species of different taxa, and put forward the hypothesis that ETs have multiple origins. Our results are consistent with a process of evolutionary convergence in multicellular organisms through the application of a congruency test. Furthermore, we discuss why multicellularity is related to the presence of a mechanism initiating the formation of ETs.