The link between plasma and endometrial endocannabinoid levels
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the link between plasma and endometrial endocannabinoid levels
IRAS ID
130359
Contact name
Sarah Melford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Research summary
Endogenous cannabinoids (also known as "endocannabinoids") are naturally occurring substances in the body, which are similar to cannabis. Studies in animals have shown that these substances are vital for pregnancy to succeed. High levels are associated with miscarriages but a critical level is essential for a successful pregnancy. The precise way in which these substances influence human reproduction is not known because whilst there have been studies on the role of these substances in animal reproduction, very little research has been undertaken in human beings.
The most commonly studied endocannabinoid is ananadamide (AEA), but there is now increasing interest in its congeners oleoylethanolamine (OEA) and palmityolethanolamine (PEA), especially as all three are synthesised and degraded by the same enzymes.
Our department have already shown a correlation between changing levels of anandamide in the blood and the success (or failure) of IVF treatment as well as the likelihood of a patient having a miscarriage. However, we do not know if the levels of anandamide in the blood mirror the levels found in the endometrium.In this study, we plan to take samples of endometrium and blood from women with proven fertility to investigate if there is a correlation in the levels of key components of the endocannabinoid system in these tissues.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1158
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion