Estrogen regulation of immune responses after injury

There is a naturally occurring gender difference in immune responses which persists after traumatic injury. Physiological levels of 17β-estradiol (E 2) are immunostimulatory, whereas high pregnancy and superphysiological levels are immunosuppressive. In contrast, at all concentrations, testosterone...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular and cellular endocrinology 2002-07, Vol.193 (1), p.129-135
Main Authors: Kovacs, Elizabeth J, Messingham, Kelly A.N, Gregory, Meredith S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cytokines
Cytokines - biosynthesis
Estrogens - physiology
Female
Gender
Gonadal steroids hormones
Humans
Immunity
Interleukin-6
Macrophage
Male
Sex Factors
Trauma
Wounds and Injuries - immunology
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Summary:There is a naturally occurring gender difference in immune responses which persists after traumatic injury. Physiological levels of 17β-estradiol (E 2) are immunostimulatory, whereas high pregnancy and superphysiological levels are immunosuppressive. In contrast, at all concentrations, testosterone suppresses immune responses. Evidence from this laboratory and others suggest that the gender difference in immune responses after injury is mediated in part by alterations in the circulating levels of gonadal steroid hormones through modulation of production of inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Aberrant production of IL-6 is known to be an important mediator of immunity after injury. Since E 2 is a critical regulator of IL-6 production and overall immune function, it suggests gender specific therapies should be considered for the treatment of patients.
ISSN:0303-7207
1872-8057
DOI:10.1016/S0303-7207(02)00106-5