Lipidomic analysis of fatty acids and their derived lipid mediators in disorders of the endometrium

Introduction: Endometriosis and endometrial cancer are conditions thought to originate from abnormalities in endometrial function, yet our understanding of the changes that predispose women to these conditions remains incomplete. One of the pathological characteristics shared by both endometriosis and endometrial cancer is the upregulation of pro-inflammatory lipids. Although there are a large number of lipid mediators of inflammation derived from various fatty acids, only a select few have, to date, been studied in endometriosis or endometrial cancer. Aims: The aim of this project is to establish profiles of fatty acids and their derived lipid mediators in the human endometrium across the phases of the menstrual cycle (for localised uterine lipid changes) and the omental adipose (for distal peritoneal lipid changes). These data will then be compared to fatty acid and lipid profiles in endometrial disease states: endometriosis and endometrial cancer, to assess if lipid profiles vary between these tissues and draw conclusions as to the possible contribution of such fatty acids and lipids to disease initiation, progression and treatment. Methods: Samples of human endometrium and omental adipose were acquired ... (continues)