Transient increase in the levels of T-helper 1 cytokines in postmenopausalwomen and the effects of hormone replacement therapy

The aim of this study was to determine, at least in part, T-cell function i n postmenopausal women and the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) . Levels of T-helper 1 (Th1) cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) produced by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated whole blood cells from 72 untreated and 44 HRT-treated women were measured by ELISA. Thirteen of the 44 HRT-treated women were examined before and dur ing HRT. The production of IL-2 increased gradually with advance of the pos tmenopausal period. The levels of IL-2 in women in the early (less than or equal to 10 years) and mid (>10 and <30 years) postmenopausal stages were s ignificantly higher than those in women in their second, third and fourth d ecades. The level in women in the late (<greater than or equal to>30 years) postmenopausal stage, however, was significantly lower than those in women in the early and mid postmenopausal stages. The level of IFN-gamma was hig hest in women in the mid postmenopausal stage. On the other hand, the level s of Th2 cytokines did not change with age or after menopause until the mid postmenopausal period but were significantly lower in wom- en in the late postmenopausal stage. IFN-gamma levels in women on HRT were significantly l ower than those in untreated postmenopausal women at all postmenopausal sta ges. HRT induced a significant decrease in the production of IL-2 and IL-4. In conclusion, production of Th1 cytokines is augmented in women after men opause. HRT prevents this increase, thereby improving the aberration of Th1 /Th2 balance that is implicated in an inadequate immune response and pathol ogical conditions. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.