Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations in the intrauterine cavity of postmenopausal women using an intrauterine delivery system releasing progesterone. A possible mechanism of action of the intrauterine device.
Intrauterine devices (IUD) provide effective contraception. The current study evaluates the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the intrauterine fluid of postmenopausal women using an intrauterine delivery system releasing progesterone (IDS-P). Intrauterine fluid was obtained by lavage, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Intrauterine fluid IL-6 levels were 33.6 vs 6.09 pg/sample IDS-P vs no IDS-P (p = 0.0301). Intrauterine TNF-alpha levels for women using the IDS-P were higher than in nonusers, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were increased in the intrauterine cavity of postmenopausal women with an IDS-P. These data suggest that secreted cytokines could be a potential mechanism of IUD contraceptive efficacy.
Archer
D F
DF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA. archerdf@evms.edu
DeSoto
K R
KR
Baker
J M
JM
D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D017698:Postmenopause; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis*; D014599:Uterus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects
D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D011374:Progesterone