Decreases in adrenomedullin expression and ciliary beat frequency in the nasal epithelium in tubal pregnancy

Fertil Steril. 2013 Aug;100(2):459-63.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.04.007. Epub 2013 May 10.

Abstract

Objective: To study adrenomedullin (ADM) expression and its relation to ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the nasal mucociliated epithelium in tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP).

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Patient(s): Women with tEP and normal intrauterine pregnancy matched for age and gestational age were recruited. Healthy nonpregnant women were also recruited as nonpregnant controls.

Intervention(s): Nasal epithelial brushing.

Main outcome measure(s): Adrenomedullin expression in nasal epithelium (measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, plasma ADM concentration (measured by ELISA), and CBF (measured by photometric method).

Result(s): We have demonstrated a similar decrease in ADM expression and CBF in the nasal mucociliated epithelium, as well as in plasma ADM concentration, in women with tEP compared with normal pregnant women. Adrenomedullin up-regulates nasal CBF via the ADM receptor, as in the oviduct. There is significant correlation between nasal and oviductal CBF.

Conclusion(s): Nasal epithelium ADM and CBF, as well as plasma ADM, are possible predictors of women at risk of tEP.

Keywords: Adrenomedullin; ciliary beat frequency; nasal ciliated epithelium; tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenomedullin / blood
  • Adrenomedullin / genetics*
  • Adrenomedullin / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cilia / physiology*
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Fallopian Tubes / metabolism
  • Fallopian Tubes / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Mucosa / cytology
  • Nasal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Nasal Mucosa / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / blood
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / genetics
  • Pregnancy, Tubal* / physiopathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ADM protein, human
  • Adrenomedullin