Effects of cyclic versus sustained estrogen administration on peripheral immune functions in ovariectomized mice.

Problem: Estrogens have multiple influences on immune functions. We aimed to compare the effects of cyclic versus sustained estrogen treatments under the same accumulated dose on peripheral immune functions in ovariectomized mice.

Method Of Study: Ovariectomized adult Balb/c mice were treated with estradiol (E2) by s.

Effects of estrogen receptor subtype-selective agonists on autoimmune disease in lupus-prone NZB/NZW F1 mouse model.

The specific roles of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes alpha and beta in mediating estrogen's influences on lupus autoimmunity are unknown. Herein we found that ovariectomized NZB/NZW F1 mice treated with propyl pyrazole triol (ERalpha-selective agonist) had significantly shorter survival, earlier development of albuminuria, higher serum concentrations of total IgG and prolactin, increased serum levels of anti-DNA IgG3, IgG2a and IgG2b and decreased anti-DNA IgG1 level compared to vehicle controls. In contrast, diarylpropionitrile (ERbeta-selective agonist) administration significantly decreased serum anti-DNA IgG2b level but did not significantly affect serum levels of other anti-DNA IgG subclasses, serum total IgG or prolactin concentration, mortality or the occurrence of albuminuria.

Effects of estrogen receptor subtype-selective agonists on immune functions in ovariectomized mice.

Estrogens have multiple influences on immune functions. Estrogen receptors (ERs) have two distinct subtypes - alpha and beta. To explore the specific roles of each ER subtype in estrogen-mediated immunomodulation, we investigated the effects of ER subtype-selective agonists on immune functions in ovariectomized Balb/c mice.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with autoimmune diseases.

Evidence points to increases in the incidence and prevalence of several autoimmune diseases in the United States. As a result, the cost to public health from clinical management of autoimmune conditions is on the rise. The initiation and progression of autoimmune disturbances involves both genetic and environmental factors.

Coumestrol, bisphenol-A, DDT, and TCDD modulation of interleukin-2 expression in activated CD+4 Jurkat T cells.

Endogenous estrogens are known to modulate several components of immune response, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. IL-2 is a cytokine that plays an important role in adaptive immune responses. These responses may be modulated by xenoestrogens such as coumestrol, bisphenol A (BPA), DDT, and TCDD.

Abnormal glucose homeostasis and pancreatic islet function in mice with inactivation of the Fem1b gene.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disorder of glucose homeostasis involving complex gene and environmental interactions that are incompletely understood. Mammalian homologs of nematode sex determination genes have recently been implicated in glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These are the Hedgehog receptor Patched and Calpain-10, which have homology to the nematode tra-2 and tra-3 sex determination genes, respectively.

Xenoestrogen modulation of the immune system: effects of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are complex organic compounds that are frequently found in the environment as a result of agricultural and industrial activities. Both compounds have substantial immune system and endocrine system disrupting activity, acting as estrogen agonists or antagonists (xenoestrogens). Research has demonstrated that exposure to xenoestrogens can result in body weight loss, developmental abnormalities, thymic atrophy, carcinogenesis, and tissue-specific hypoplastic and hyperplastic responses.

Mycophenolate mofetil: selective T cell inhibition.

Mycphenolate mofetil is a suppressor of T cell proliferation and adhesion. Its primary mode of action is inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, a purine salvage pathway required by T lymphocytes. Although the role of T cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been controversial, a preliminary report of mycophenolate mofetil's successful use in RA patients clearly suggests that its efficacious properties need further investigation.

Cox-2 inhibitors: today and tomorrow.

The elucidation of inducible cyclooxygenase (Cox-2) dependent inflammatory pathways led to the development of specific Cox-2 inhibitors, the coxibs. These agents include the currently available celecoxib and rofecoxib and such second-generation agents as parecoxib, valdecoxib, and etoricoxib. The therapeutic advantage of coxibs is founded primarily in their lack of significant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: a guide to therapy.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown; however, extensive research has yielded great insight into its pathogenesis. Lymphocytes play a significant role, but a lesser role in the perpetuation of late disease. The rheumatoid synovium is composed primarily of fibroblasts and monocytes that produce inflammatory cytokines, of which interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor are of key importance.