Downregulation of human endometrial IL-18 by exogenous ovarian steroids.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of ovarian steroids on IL-18, IL-15 and angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression in the endometrium in the mid luteal phase.


METHODS
We quantified IL-18/GAPDH, IL-18 BP/GAPDH, IL-15/GAPDH and angiopoietin-2/GAPDH in the endometrium by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on day 21 of the cycle. We first compared cytokines expression over two natural cycles (n = 15) then between natural and oestrogen-progestin replacement treatment (n = 18).


RESULTS
Endometrial IL-18, IL-18 BP, IL-15 and angiopoietin-2 mRNA expression did not change over two natural cycles. Addition of exogenous hormones significantly decreased IL-18 and IL-18 BP mRNA expression but not influence IL-15 or angiopoietin-2 ratios. This was also observed with immunohistochemistry.


CONCLUSIONS
Exogenous oestro-progestative hormones influence endometrial IL-18 system expression involved in angiogenesis and in the uterine natural killer (uNK) cell activation pathway during the implantation process.
Lédée
Nathalie
N
Université Versailles- St Quentin en Yvelines, Centre Hospitalier de Poissy- St Germain en Laye, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, France. ledeenathalie@aol.com
Dubanchet
Sylvie
S
Lombroso
Raoul
R
Ville
Yves
Y
Chaouat
Gérard
G
D042702:Angiopoietin-2 / Q000235:genetics; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000235:genetics; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000494:pharmacology*
D042702:Angiopoietin-2; D019409:Interleukin-15; D020382:Interleukin-18; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013256:Steroids