Reduced reproduction with increased abortion rate in transgenic mice that overexpress 15-lipoxygenase

15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) is a lipid-oxidizing enzyme that is involved in ce ll cycle regulation. To evaluate the effect of 15-LOX on reproduction, we s tudied transgenic mice that overexpress 15-LOX. The transgene was introduce d over the genetic background of the low density lipoprotein receptor defic ient mice (LDL-R-/-) and reproduction was compared to LDL-R-/- mice. We fou nd a lower pregnancy rate in the 15-LOX/LDL-R-/- mice as compared to the LD L-R-/- mice (62.74 vs. 79.1%, p < 0.01). Additionally, a remarkably higher number of resorptions per pregnancy was found in the 15-LOX/LDL-R-/- mice ( 16.7 vs. 3.27%, p < 0.001) and it was accompanied by a significantly higher activity of the 15-LOX enzyme in these resorptions as compared to other ti ssues. These findings may implicate a role for 15-LOX in the development of spontaneous abortions. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.