RESEARCH - Hormonal regulation of the immune response

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Research shows hormonal regulation of the immune response

Autoimmune Disease

July 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.

http://www.obgyn.net/newsheadlines/womens_health-Autoimmune_Disease-20040705-10.\

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