The involvement of multifunctional TGF-β and related cytokines in pathogenesis of endometriosis

Justyna Sikora, Marta Smycz-Kubańska, Marta Smycz‐Kubańska, Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz, Aleksandra Mielczarek‐Palacz, Ilona Bednarek, Zdzisława Kondera-Anasz, Zdzisława Kondera‐Anasz
Immunology letters · 2018 · vol. 201 , pp. 31–37 · doi:10.1016/j.imlet.2018.10.011 · PMID:30367890 · W2898594889
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This paper explores the roles of TGF-β and related cytokines in the development and progression of endometriosis.

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Abstract

PurposeTransforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is one of the major immune and inflammation factors responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Deregulated TGF-β activity, especially its influence in peritoneal cytokine cross-talk, has been implicated in pathologies of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether TGF-β could be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. For this purpose, we evaluated concentrations of TGFβ1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of women with endometriosis.MethodsA total of 66 women of reproductive age were involved in the study, 51 endometriosis patients, and 15 women from the control group. PF and serum levels of all cytokines were measured with ELISA in women with or without endometriosis.ResultsHigher PF and serum levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, presented also as a total TGF-β in women with endometriosis compared to control were observed. The biggest increase was measured in the case of TGF-β1. The higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 in PF and serum of endometriosis women than control was observed. Higher PF levels of studied parameters in comparison with serum levels were found.ConclusionsIn endometriosis, TGF-β could affect differentiation of T helper (Th) cells, hence produce more IL-17 and IL-10 to PF and might have an indirect influence on inflammation, which is associated with higher IL-1β and IL-6 levels. In consequent, TGF-β in peritoneal fluid may promote an environment favorable to ectopic lesion formation.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Blood Proteins Endometriosis Inflammation Peritoneum Transforming Growth Factor beta1 Transforming Growth Factor beta2 Transforming Growth Factor beta3 Adult Blood Proteins Cellular Microenvironment Cytokines Cytokines Endometriosis Female Humans Inflammation Inflammation Mediators Inflammation Mediators Peritoneum Transforming Growth Factor beta1

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