Perimenstrual alterations in type-1/type-2 cytokine balance of normal women

Background: Perturbations of the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance play a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Several immune-based diseases, such as asthma, have significant clinical exacerbations during specific interval s of the menstrual cycle and are associated with oral contraceptive pills ( OCRs). The mechanism for these changes is not known, but may involve altera tions in the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance. Objective: To determine if the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance in healthy wo men changes during a regular menstrual cycle. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 14 healthy women (seven ta king monophasic OCPs) obtained during the perimenstrual interval (3 days pr ior to 4 days after the onset of menses) and the mid-cycle interval (days 1 3 to 16) were stimulated with PHA. Supernatants were analyzed for type-1 (I FN-gamma) and type-2 (IL-10) cytokines. Results: During the perimenstrual interval PBMC produced less IFN-gamma and more IL-10, resulting in a decreased IFN-gamma: IL-10 ratio compared with the mid-cycle interval. The perimenstrual decrease in the IFN-gamma: IL-10 ratio was observed in women not taking OCP, but not in women taking OCP. Fu rthermore, the OCP group had a lower mid-cycle IFN-gamma: IL-10 ratio compa red with the control group. Finally, subjects reported increased levels of distress during the perimenstrual interval compared with the mid-cycle inte rval. Conclusions: These data suggest that healthy women have a perimenstrual shi ft in the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance toward a type-2 response that is b lunted in women taking OCP.