Prostaglandins in Seminal Fluid Worsen Cervical and Uterine Cancers
Naturally produced by the cells lining the female reproductive organs, prostaglandins would usually help regulate cell growth.
However, the concentration of prostaglandin in seminal fluid is 1000 times higher than what is normally found in these cells.
A study from the Medical Research Council’s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit at The University of Edinburgh found that the high concentration of prostaglandin in semen worsens diseases of the female reproductive organs including uterine cancer.
Led by Dr. Henry Jabbour, University of Edinburgh Honorary Fellow in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that the prostaglandins in semen influence the progression of cervical and uterine cancers by enhancing tumor growth.
Prostaglandin receptor molecules are present on the surface of the cells that make up cervical and uterine cancer tumours.
The influx of prostaglandin delivered by semen enhances the normal level of signalling between cells.
The high volume starts new cascades of signals that eventually lead to an increase in tumour growth.
Cervical cancer is usually triggered by long-term exposure to HPV and is not caused by prostaglandins. BUT, as found in this research, seminal fluid can contribute to tumor growth.
More from Dr. Henry Jabbour:
“Sexually active women who are at risk of cervical or uterine cancer should encourage their partners to wear a condom to prevent increased exposure to the prostaglandins that might make their condition worse.
“It also highlights the potential for a new therapeutic approach that will tackle both possible sources of prostaglandin, those produced naturally by women and those introduced to the body by sperm.”
Source: The University of Edinburgh News & Events
Tags: cervical-cancer, female-reproductive-organs, prostaglandins, semen, seminal-fluid, uterine-cancerRelated Stories
POSTED IN: on cervical cancer, on uterine cancer
0 opinions for Prostaglandins in Seminal Fluid Worsen Cervical and Uterine Cancers
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: