Are biomarkers of inflammation and placental dysfunction associated with subsequent preterm birth?
Our results suggest an interplay between inflammation and placental dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PTB. Analyzing biomarkers that reflect different pathways of PTB may hold promise for identifying patients at greatest risk.
• The results obtained in the present study indicate that (i) FAAH is present in the urinary bladder; (ii) fatty acid ethanolamides are increased during bladder inflammation; (iii) inhibition of FAAH could be an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of bladder pain. • These results raise the possibility that inhibitors of enzymes responsible for metabolism of fatty acid ethanolamides could inhibit pain associated with bladder inflammation.