Estrogen Reduces Alpha-Defensins 1-3 Release by Dendritic Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Maria M Escribese, Marta Rodríguez-García, Rhoda Sperling, Stephanie M Engel, Teresa Gallart, Thomas M Moran
Primary Institution: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
Hypothesis
Does estrogen inhibit the secretion of alpha-defensins 1-3 by dendritic cells?
Conclusion
Estrogen inhibits the secretion of alpha-defensins 1-3 by myeloid dendritic cells, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
Supporting Evidence
- Estrogen treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in alpha-defensin 1-3 secretion.
- 40% of pregnant women showed reduced alpha-defensin 1-3 production in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Directly isolated dendritic cells produced more alpha-defensins 1-3 than cultured cells.
Takeaway
This study found that a hormone called estrogen makes certain immune cells produce less of a protective protein during pregnancy.
Methodology
The study compared the secretion of alpha-defensins 1-3 from different types of dendritic cells and measured the effects of estrogen and progesterone treatments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and variability in individual responses.
Limitations
Patient variation in alpha-defensin secretion levels and the lack of statistical significance in some comparisons.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women in their first and third trimesters.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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