Modulation of human beta-defensin-2 expression by 17beta-estradiol and progesterone in vaginal epithelial cells.
We investigated the expression of HBD-1 and -2 in vaginal epithelial cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the effects on HBD-2 expressions by 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. Primary vaginal epithelial cells were isolated from a segment of normal anterior vaginal wall obtained during vaginoplasty and were cultured in keratinocyte growth medium and were allowed to undergo their 3rd passage. Expression of HBD-1 and -2 by different stimuli using LPS 0.5 microg/ml, 17beta-estradiol 2 nM and progesterone 1 microM was measured by RT-PCR, ELISA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. HBD-1 was produced constitutively in vaginal epithelial cells and the production of HBD-1 was not influenced by LPS, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone, but the production of HBD-2 was increased inducibly by LPS. 17beta-Estradiol and progesterone did not change the production of HBD-2 in normal state, but 17beta-estradiol increased the production of HBD-2 and progesterone suppressed the production of HBD-2 under the circumstances with infection. The HBD-2 plays an important role at innate host defense on genitourinary tract. The lacks of estrogen during menopause or uses of a progesterone-based oral contraceptive in sexually active women may influence production of HBD-2 in vaginal epithelium and may increase susceptibility to bacterial vaginitis or recurrent UTI.
Han
June Hyun
JH
Department of Urology, KEPCO Medical Foundation Hanil General Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Min Su
MS
Lee
Moo Yeol
MY
Kim
Tae Hyoung
TH
Lee
Mi-Kyung
MK
Kim
Hye Ryoun
HR
Myung
Soon Chul
SC
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology*; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; C106641:DEFB4A protein, human; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D023083:beta-Defensins; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol