title: Progesterone modulates the expression of interleukin-6 in cultured term human uterine cervical fibroblasts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The preventative value of progesterone in preterm labor has been recently recognized, especially when it is administered via vaginal suppository. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of progesterone on interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in human uterine cervical fibroblasts (UCFs) treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Human uterine cervical tissue was obtained at term, prior to the onset of labor, during the scheduled cesarean section or cesarean hysterectomy. Primary UCF cultures were established and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. IL-6 mRNA and protein expressions were examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lipopolysaccharides stimulation induced a clear time- and dose-dependent increase in IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in UCFs (P < 0.05). Progesterone treatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in IL-6 mRNA and protein expressions in UCFs (P < 0.05). Estrogen exposure had no effect on LPS-induced IL-6 up-regulation and did not modulate the effects of progesterone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our preliminary results suggest that vaginal progesterone might prevent spontaneous preterm labor through a mechanism involving anti-inflammatory effects on UCFs, particularly suppression of IL-6 production.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Min-Gyun
authors: MG
authors: Kim
authors: Jae-Yoon
authors: JY
authors: Shim
authors: Jhang Ho
authors: JH
authors: Pak
authors: Bok-Kyung
authors: BK
authors: Jung
authors: Hye-Sung
authors: HS
authors: Won
authors: Pil-Ryang
authors: PR
authors: Lee
authors: Ahm
authors: A
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011372:Progestins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011372:Progestins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011374:Progesterone