SIRT1 is a novel regulator of key pathways of human labor.

Human sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and SIRT2, which possess nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent deacetylase activity, exhibit anti-inflammatory actions. However, there are no data available on SIRT1 and SIRT2 expression and regulation in human intrauterine tissues. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the localization and expression of SIRT1 and SIRT2 in 1) placenta and fetal membranes before and after term spontaneous labor onset, 2) prelabor fetal membranes from the supracervical site (SCS) and a distal site (DS), and 3) in response to proinflammatory stimuli. Further, the effect of SIRT activation using resveratrol and SRT1720 on prolabor mediators was also assessed. SIRT1 and SIRT2 were localized in the syncytiotrophoblast layer and the cytotrophoblasts of the placenta, amnion epithelium, trophoblast layer of the chorion, and decidual cells. Additionally, SIRT2 was found within the endothelial walls of placental vessels. SIRT2, but not SIRT1, staining was significantly lower in amnion and chorion obtained from the SCS compared to a DS. On the other hand, SIRT1, but not SIRT2, gene and/or protein expression was significantly lower in placenta, amnion, and chorion obtained after labor compared to prelabor. SIRT1 expression, but not SIRT2, was down-regulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL1B. The SIRT1 activators resveratrol and SRT1720 significantly decreased LPS-induced TNF, IL6, and IL8 gene expression and release and PTGS2 mRNA expression and resultant prostaglandin (PG) E(2) and PGF(2α) release from human gestational tissues. In conclusion, SIRT1 possesses anti-inflammatory actions and thus may play a role in regulating pregnancy and parturition.