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Autoimmune DiseaseJuly 5, 2004
2004 JUL 5 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Recent study results have revealed hormonal regulation of the immune system and suggest the possibility of targeting autoimmunity in women.
"Interaction between the endocrine and the immune systems has been suggested by observations of sexual dimorphism of the immune response, differential susceptibility to autoimmunity between the sexes, changes in autoimmune disease activity during the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy, and in vitro studies of hormonal influence on cytokine production," reported C. Dosiou and colleagues in a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
"We hypothesized that if there is hormonal regulation of the immune response, this would be manifest in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) at different phases of the menstrual cycle. In this study, we describe gene profiling of PBLs from the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle."
Dosiou and coauthors "observed important differences in immune gene expression, with significant down-regulation of the immune response in the luteal phase. A significant number of interferon (IFN)-related genes are amongst the downregulated genes.
"These results support significant hormonal regulation of the immune system and may have therapeutic implications in diseases of autoimmunity in women," the researchers concluded (Interferon-related and other immune genes are downregulated in peripheral blood leukocytes in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2004;89(5):2501-2504).
For additional information, contact C. Dosiou, Stanford University, Med Center, Department Med, Division Endocrinology & Metabolism, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.
The publisher of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism can be contacted at: Endocrine Society, 4350 East West Highway Suite 500, Bethesda, MD 20814-4110 USA.
The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Autoimmunity, Endocrinology, Genetics, Proteomics, Gynecology, Immunology, and Women's Health. This article was prepared by OBGYN & Reproduction Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, OBGYN & Reproduction Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.
©Copyright 2004, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
