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Santana-Sánchez P, Vaquero-García R, Legorreta-Haquet MV, Chávez-Sánchez L, Chávez-Rueda AK. Hormones and B-cell development in health and autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385501. [PMID: 38680484 PMCID: PMC11045971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells is central to the adaptive immune system as they induce protective and specific antibody responses against invading pathogens. Various studies have shown that, during this process, hormones can play important roles in the lymphopoiesis, activation, proliferation, and differentiation of B cells, and depending on the signal given by the receptor of each hormone, they can have a positive or negative effect. In autoimmune diseases, hormonal deregulation has been reported to be related to the survival, activation and/or differentiation of autoreactive clones of B cells, thus promoting the development of autoimmunity. Clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases have been associated with estrogens, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) levels. However, androgens, such as testosterone and progesterone (P4), could have a protective effect. The objective of this review is to highlight the links between different hormones and the immune response mediated by B cells in the etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The data collected provide insights into the role of hormones in the cellular, molecular and/or epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the B-cell response in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Karina Chávez-Rueda
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México (CDMX), Mexico
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Wu F, Xiang Z, He Z, Yi P, Yang M, Wu H, Hu M. Abnormally high expression of D1-like dopamine receptors on lupus CD4 + T cells promotes Tfh cell differentiation. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000943. [PMID: 37586763 PMCID: PMC10432681 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that places a great burden on human society. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a critical role in the pathological process of SLE. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of Tfh cell differentiation will contribute to SLE treatment. Dopamine receptors (DRDs) are members of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and are primarily divided into D1-like and D2-like receptors. Previous studies have found that DRDs can regulate differentiation of immune cells. However, there is currently a lack of research on DRDs and Tfh cells. We here explore the relationship between DRDs and Tfh cells, and analyse the relationship between DRD expression on Tfh cells and the course of SLE. METHODS We first detected plasma catecholamine concentrations in patients with SLE and healthy controls by mass spectrometry, followed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect DRD messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells, and flow cytometry to detect DRD expression in Tfh cells. Finally, in vitro experiments and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to explore the possible pathway by which DRDs regulate Tfh cell differentiation. RESULTS The plasma dopamine concentration in patients with SLE was significantly increased, and abnormal mRNA expression of DRDs was observed in both PBMCs and CD4+ T cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that D1-like receptors were highly expressed in Tfh cells of patients with SLE and associated with disease activity. In vitro induction experiments showed that differentiation of naïve T cells into Tfh cells was accompanied by an increase in D1-like receptor expression. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR results indicate that D1-like receptors might promote Tfh cell differentiation through the Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)/Kruppel-like factor 2 (Klf2) pathway. CONCLUSION Tfh cells in patients with SLE highly express D1-like receptors, which correlate with disease activity. D1-like receptors may promote Tfh cell differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1/Klf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxi Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenghao He
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Diamond B. Not Dead Yet. Annu Rev Immunol 2023; 41:1-15. [PMID: 37126416 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-101721-065214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
I have been a scientific grasshopper throughout my career, moving from question to question within the domain of lupus. This has proven to be immensely gratifying. Scientific exploration is endlessly fascinating, and succeeding in studies you care about with colleagues and trainees leads to strong and lasting bonds. Science isn't easy; being a woman in science presents challenges, but the drive to understand a disease remains strong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Diamond
- Center of Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA;
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Xue R, Zhang H, Pan J, Du Z, Zhou W, Zhang Z, Tian Z, Zhou R, Bai L. Peripheral Dopamine Controlled by Gut Microbes Inhibits Invariant Natural Killer T Cell-Mediated Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2398. [PMID: 30386344 PMCID: PMC6199378 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters have been shown to regulate immune responses, and thereby are critically related to autoimmune diseases. Here we showed that depletion of dopaminergic neurons significantly promoted activation of hepatic iNKT cells and augmented concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury. The suppressive effect of dopamine on iNKT cells was mediated by D1-like receptor-PKA pathway. Clearance of gut microbiota by antibiotic cocktail reduced synthesis of dopamine in intestines and exacerbated liver damage, and that could be restored by recovery of gut microbiota or replenishment of D1-like receptor agonist. Our results demonstrate that peripheral dopamine controlled by gut microbes inhibits IL4 and IFNγ production in iNKT cells and suppresses iNKT cell-mediated hepatitis. Together, we propose a gut microbe-nervous system-immune system regulatory axis in modulating autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufeng Xue
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiwei Du
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Science, Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease of Chinese Academy of Science, Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Hefei, China
| | - Li Bai
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Hefei, China
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Recalde G, Moreno-Sosa T, Yúdica F, Quintero CA, Sánchez MB, Jahn GA, Kalergis AM, Mackern-Oberti JP. Contribution of sex steroids and prolactin to the modulation of T and B cells during autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Levite M. Dopamine and T cells: dopamine receptors and potent effects on T cells, dopamine production in T cells, and abnormalities in the dopaminergic system in T cells in autoimmune, neurological and psychiatric diseases. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2016; 216:42-89. [PMID: 25728499 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine, a principal neurotransmitter, deserves upgrading to 'NeuroImmunotransmitter' thanks to its multiple, direct and powerful effects on most/all immune cells. Dopamine by itself is a potent activator of resting effector T cells (Teffs), via two independent ways: direct Teffs activation, and indirect Teffs activation by suppression of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The review covers the following findings: (i) T cells express functional dopamine receptors (DRs) D1R-D5R, but their level and function are dynamic and context-sensitive, (ii) DR membranal protein levels do not necessarily correlate with DR mRNA levels, (iii) different T cell types/subtypes have different DR levels and composition and different responses to dopamine, (iv) autoimmune and pro-inflammatory T cells and T cell leukaemia/lymphoma also express functional DRs, (v) dopamine (~10(-8) M) activates resting/naive Teffs (CD8(+) >>>CD4(+) ), (vi) dopamine affects Th1/Th2/Th17 differentiation, (vii) dopamine inhibits already activated Teffs (i.e. T cells that have been already activated by either antigen, mitogen, anti-CD3 antibodies cytokines or other molecules), (viii) dopamine inhibits activated Tregs in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Thus, dopamine 'suppresses the suppressors' and releases the inhibition they exert on Teffs, (ix) dopamine affects intracellular signalling molecules and cascades in T cells (e.g. ERK, Lck, Fyn, NF-κB, KLF2), (x) T cells produce dopamine (Tregs>>>Teffs), can release dopamine, mainly after activation (by antigen, mitogen, anti-CD3 antibodies, PKC activators or other), uptake extracellular dopamine, and most probably need dopamine, (xi) dopamine is important for antigen-specific interactions between T cells and dendritic cells, (xii) in few autoimmune diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis/SLE/rheumatoid arthritis), and neurological/psychiatric diseases (e.g. Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease, Schizophrenia and Tourette), patient's T cells seem to have abnormal DRs expression and/or responses to dopamine or production of dopamine, (xiii) drugs that affect the dopaminergic system have potent effects on T cells (e.g. dopamine=Intropin, L-dopa, bromocriptine, haloperidol, quinpirole, reserpine, pergolide, ecopipam, pimozide, amantadine, tetrabenazine, nomifensine, butaclamol). Dopamine-induced activation of resting Teffs and suppression of Tregs seem beneficial for health and may also be used for immunotherapy of cancer and infectious diseases. Independently, suppression of DRs in autoimmune and pro-inflammatory T cells, and also in cancerous T cells, may be advantageous. The review is relevant to Immunologists, Neurologists, Neuroimmunologists, Hematologists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Pharmacologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Levite
- School of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine; The Hebrew University; Jerusalem Israel
- Institute of Gene Therapy; Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital; Jerusalem Israel
- School of Behavioral Sciences; Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo; Tel Aviv Israel
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The effects of bromocriptine on preventing postpartum flare in systemic lupus erythematosus patients from South China. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:316965. [PMID: 25973434 PMCID: PMC4418009 DOI: 10.1155/2015/316965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. Prolactin plays an important role on the disease flare of postpartum SLE patients. 76 pregnant SLE patients were enrolled in this study to evaluate the efficacy of bromocriptine (an inhibitor of prolactin secretion) on preventing the postpartum disease relapse. Methods. Patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (bromocriptine, 2.5 mg oral, twice a day for 14 days after delivery) and the control group. All the patients were followed up for 12 months. Clinical features were recorded every 4 weeks. Serum prolactin and estradiol levels were measured at the second week and the second month after delivery. The endpoint of the study was disease relapse and defined when SLEDAI score increased by ≥3 points from the antenatal baseline. Results. (1) Serum levels of prolactin and estradiol decreased significantly in bromocriptine treatment group at the second week (P < 0.001) and second month (P < 0.05) after delivery compared to control group. (2) The relapse rate of the treatment group was lower than the control group (χ2 = 4.68, P = 0.0305). Conclusions. Two weeks of oral bromocriptine treatment in postpartum SLE patients may relieve the disease from hyperprolactinemia and hyperestrogenemia and may be beneficial in preventing the patients from disease relapse.
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Sex-Based Differences in Multiple Sclerosis (Part I): Biology of Disease Incidence. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2015; 26:29-56. [PMID: 25690593 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease that leads to neuron damage and progressive disability. One major feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) is that it affects women three times more often than men. In this chapter, we overview the evidence that the autoimmune component of MS, which predominates in the early stages of this disease, is more robust in women than in men and undergoes a sharp increase with the onset of puberty. In addition, we discuss the common rodent models of MS that have been used to study the sex-based differences in the development of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. We then address the biological underpinnings of this enhanced MS risk in women by first reviewing the autoimmune mechanisms that are thought to lead to the initiation of this disease and then honing in on how these mechanisms differ between the sexes. Finally, we review what is known about the hormonal and genetic basis of these sex differences in CNS autoimmunity.
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Correale J, Farez MF, Ysrraelit MC. Role of prolactin in B cell regulation in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 269:76-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Pacheco R, Contreras F, Zouali M. The dopaminergic system in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2014; 5:117. [PMID: 24711809 PMCID: PMC3968755 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional interactions between the immune and the nervous systems are of considerable interest both for deciphering their functioning and for designing novel therapeutic strategies. The past decade has brought a burst of insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroimmune communications mediated by dopamine. Studies of dendritic cells (DCs) revealed that they express the whole machinery to synthesize and store dopamine, which may act in an autocrine manner to stimulate dopamine receptors (DARs). Depending on specific DARs stimulated on DCs and T cells, dopamine may differentially favor CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1 or Th17 inflammatory cells. Regulatory T cells can also release high amounts of dopamine that acts in an autocrine DAR-mediated manner to inhibit their suppressive activity. These dopaminergic regulations could represent a driving force during autoimmunity. Indeed, dopamine levels are altered in the brain of mouse models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus, and in inflamed tissues of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The distorted expression of DARs in peripheral lymphocytes of lupus and MS patients also supports the importance of dopaminergic regulations in autoimmunity. Moreover, dopamine analogs had beneficial therapeutic effects in animal models, and in patients with lupus or RA. We propose models that may underlie key roles of dopamine and its receptors in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Pacheco
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida , Santiago , Chile ; Programa de Biomedicina, Universidad San Sebastián , Santiago , Chile
| | - Francisco Contreras
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida , Santiago , Chile ; Universidad Andrés Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas , Santiago , Chile
| | - Moncef Zouali
- INSERM UMR 1132 , Paris , France ; University Paris Diderot , Paris , France
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Gonzalez J, Saha S, Peeva E. Prolactin rescues and primes autoreactive B cells directly and indirectly through dendritic cells in B6.Sle3 mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2013; 172:311-20. [PMID: 23574327 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The lupus susceptibility interval Sle3/5 confers responsiveness to prolactin in C57BL/6 (B6) mice and hyperprolactinaemia induces a lupus-like phenotype in B6.Sel3/5 mice. In this study, the immunostimulatory effects of prolactin in B6 mice containing the Sle3 portion of the Sel3/5 interval (B6.Sle3 mice) were dissected. Because of the Sle3 interval's involvement in activation of myeloid cells, the effect of dendritic cells (DCs) from prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice on the phenotype of B6 mice was also evaluated. B cells from prolactin-treated B6 and B6.Sle3 mice and from B6 recipients of prolactin-modulated DCs from B6.Sle3 mice were tested for DNA-reactivity and resistance to B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated apoptosis. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules on lymphocytes and myeloid cells was also evaluated. In prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice, transitional type 2 B cells increased while type 1 B cells decreased as a consequence of prolactin-induced resistance to BCR-mediated apoptosis leading to the survival of DNA-reactive B cells. Follicular B cells from prolactin-treated mice expressed increased levels of CD40, B7·2 and IA(b), and DCs and monocytes had higher levels of CD44 and B7·2 than placebo-treated mice. Adoptive transfer of DCs from prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice to B6 recipients demonstrated the intrinsic ability of prolactin-modulated DCs to induce a development of lupus-like characteristics in B6 mice. Based on these results, prolactin accelerates the breakdown of immune tolerance in B6.Sle3 mice by promoting the survival, maturation and activation of autoreactive B cells, DCs and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Jafari M, Ahangari G, Saberi M, Samangoui S, Torabi R, Zouali M. Distorted expression of dopamine receptor genes in systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunobiology 2012; 218:979-83. [PMID: 23266246 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Several observations suggest that alterations in the neurotransmitter dopamine and/or its receptors could be associated with the pathophysiology of lupus. We therefore assessed expression of the five dopamine receptor genes in a cohort of patients. We found that all receptors are expressed in lupus peripheral blood cells. We also discovered that dopamine receptor 2 gene (DR2) was underexpressed, and that DR4 was overexpressed in lupus patients, as compared to controls. Cell sorting of peripheral T- and B-lymphocytes disclosed that the altered DR2 and DR4 expressions were borne by T-cells. These distorted expressions of DR2 and DR4 could influence immune functions in lupus through several mechanisms. Since DR2 can be effective in regulating the activation and differentiation of naive CD4⁺ cells by promoting polarization toward regulatory T-cells, the underexpression of DR2 we have observed may account, at least in part, for the reduction of regulatory T-cell function and/or numbers in lupus. In addition to providing novel insight into disease pathogenesis, our findings may have therapeutic implications. Because DR4 can be effective in triggering T-cell quiescence, its overexpression on lupus T cells suggests that inducing quiescence using DR4-specific agonists may represent a useful strategy in the treatment of lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohieddin Jafari
- HSPH Proteomics Resource, Department of Genetics and Complex Disease, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Miyake S. Mind over cytokines: Crosstalk and regulation between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1759-1961.2011.00023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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The multi-faceted influences of estrogen on lymphocytes: toward novel immuno-interventions strategies for autoimmunity management. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2011; 40:16-26. [PMID: 19943123 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-009-8188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Early studies of the immune system disclosed that, generally, females exhibit stronger responses to a variety of antigens than males. Perhaps as a result of this response, women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases than men. Yet, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms remain under investigation. Recently, interferon-gamma and the related pro-inflammatory interleukin-12 were found to be under effects of sex steroid hormones, with potential implications in regulating immune cells and autoimmune responses. In B lymphocytes, functional binding sites for estrogen receptors were identified in the promoter of the gene encoding activation-induced deaminase, an enzyme required for somatic hypermutation, and class-switch recombination. The observation that estrogen exerts direct impacts on antibody affinity-maturation provides a potential mechanism that could account for generating pathogenic high-affinity auto-antibodies. Further deciphering the multi-faceted influences of sex hormones on the responsiveness of immune cells could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for autoimmunity management.
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Saha S, Tieng A, Pepeljugoski KP, Zandamn-Goddard G, Peeva E. Prolactin, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoreactive B cells: lessons learnt from murine models. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2011; 40:8-15. [PMID: 19937157 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-009-8182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The predominant prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women of reproductive age has led to the investigation of the effects of sex hormones on immune regulation and in autoimmune diseases, in particular the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease lupus. The female hormone prolactin has receptors beyond the reproductive axis including immune cells, and it is thought to promote autoimmunity in human and murine lupus. Induced hyperprolactinemia in experimental lupus models, regardless of gender, exacerbates disease activity and leads to premature death. Prolactin treatment in mice that are not prone to develop lupus leads to the development of a lupus-like phenotype. Persistent mild-moderate hyperprolactinemia alters the selection of the naïve B cell repertoire. Recent studies demonstrate that prolactin impairs all three mechanisms of B cell tolerance induction (negative selection, receptor editing, and anergy) and thereby contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. The effects of prolactin are genetically determined as shown by the differential response to the hormone in the different mice strains. Bromocriptine, a drug that inhibits prolactin secretion, abrogates some of the immune effects of this hormone. Further research is required to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in immune effects of prolactin and to develop novel targeted treatments for SLE patients with prolactin-responsive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhrajit Saha
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Hospital, DTC Bldg 440, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
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The unexplained female predominance of systemic lupus erythematosus: clues from genetic and cytokine studies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2011; 40:42-9. [PMID: 20063186 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-009-8192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent progress in the understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the striking 9:1 female to male ratio of disease incidence remains largely unexplained. In addition, peak SLE incidence rates occur during the early reproductive years in women. Studies which illuminate potential causes underlying this sex difference and characteristic onset during the reproductive years have the potential to fundamentally advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis in SLE. Similarly, progress in this area will likely inform human reproductive immunology. Studies of sex hormone function in the immune system are of obvious importance; however, it seems likely that many other types of sex-related genetic and immunological differences will contribute to SLE. In this review, we will focus on recent work in sex-related differences in cytokine pathways and genetics of these pathways as they relate to SLE pathogenesis. It seems quite possible that many of these sex-related differences could be important to reproductive fitness, which may explain the conservation of these immune system features and the observed female predominance of SLE.
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Praprotnik S, Agmon-Levin N, Porat-Katz BS, Blank M, Meroni PL, Cervera R, Miesbach W, Stojanovich L, Szyper-Kravitz M, Rozman B, Tomsic M, Shoenfeld Y. Prolactin’s role in the pathogenesis of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Lupus 2010; 19:1515-1519. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203310373781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Increased levels of serum prolactin have been reported in patients with various autoimmune diseases and have been associated with lupus disease activity. Currently, there is a lack of data regarding hyperprolactinaemia in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome. Hence, this study was carried out in order to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of hyperprolactinaemia in antiphospholipid syndrome. A total of 172 European patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and 100 geographically and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study; none had obvious causes of hyperprolactinaemia. All patients underwent clinical assessment for disease manifestations, in addition to laboratory assessment for serum prolactin, antiphospholipid antibodies and some other biomarkers of autoimmune diseases. The tests were performed utilizing the LIAISON® Analyzer (DiaSorin, Sallugia Italy). Hyperprolactinaemia was detected in 21/172 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and 0/100 controls (p < 0.001). This significant difference was present in both genders and was obvious even after subgrouping the patients into primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. When clinical features were compared, hyperprolactinaemia was associated with reproductive failure, including early and late pregnancy loss (p < 0.05), as well as intrauterine growth retardation (p < 0.05). Hyperprolactinaemia was negatively related to arthralgias, venous thrombosis, pulmonary microthrombosis, pulmonary hypertension in both primary antiphospholipid syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to other diseases, and to neurological manifestations in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (p<0.05). The data indirectly imply that prolactin may play a role in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome, especially antiphospholipid syndrome-related reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Praprotnik
- Department of Rheumatology, University Clinical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N. Agmon-Levin
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases and Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - BS Porat-Katz
- Faculty of Agricultural, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M. Blank
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases and Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - PL Meroni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine-University of Milan, Italy
| | - R. Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - W. Miesbach
- Medical Clinic , Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - L. Stojanovich
- Bezhanijska Kosa University Medical Center, Beograd, Serbia
| | - M. Szyper-Kravitz
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases and Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - B. Rozman
- Department of Rheumatology, University Clinical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M. Tomsic
- Department of Rheumatology, University Clinical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Y. Shoenfeld
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases and Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv Israel, Incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-Kip Chair for Research of Autoimmune Diseases, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel,
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20
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González DA, Díaz BB, Rodríguez Pérez MDC, Hernández AG, Chico BND, de León AC. Sex hormones and autoimmunity. Immunol Lett 2010; 133:6-13. [PMID: 20637236 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 06/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases occur more in women than in men, and this may be attributable to the role of estrogens. Androgens promote autoimmune diseases with a profile of type 1 cytokines, such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereas estrogens promote autoimmune diseases with a type 2 cytokine profile, like systemic lupus erythematosus. Both androgens and estrogens regulate the Th1/Th2 balance. Type 1 autoimmune diseases are improved when decrease type 1 cytokines (i.e. during fasting), or when there is a rise in type 2 cytokines (increased estrogens, as in pregnancy). Type 2 autoimmune diseases improve when type 2 cytokines are diminished (decreased estrogen, as in post-partum period) or when type 1 response is stimulated.
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21
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Zhang Y, Saha S, Rosenfeld G, Gonzalez J, Pepeljugoski KP, Peeva E. Raloxifene modulates estrogen-mediated B cell autoreactivity in NZB/W F1 mice. J Rheumatol 2010; 37:1646-57. [PMID: 20551107 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.090911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estrogen has been found to exacerbate disease activity in murine lupus and to induce a lupus-like syndrome in nonspontaneously autoimmune mice. This has led to the consideration that estrogen may be a risk factor for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) may serve to ameliorate lupus activity. We evaluated the effects and mechanism of action of the SERM raloxifene in murine lupus. METHODS Effects of raloxifene on the development of lupus in NZB/W F1 mice were evaluated in the presence and absence of estrogen by assessing the serum DNA reactivity, glomerular IgG deposition and kidney damage, B cell maturation and selection, and activation status of marginal zone and follicular B cells. RESULTS Compared to estradiol-treated mice, mice treated with estradiol and raloxifene had significantly lower serum anti-DNA antibody levels and less kidney damage. These effects of raloxifene were due, at least in part, to antagonism of the influence of estrogen on DNA-reactive B cells. Raloxifene was found to prevent estrogen-mediated suppression of autoreactive B cell elimination at the T1/T2 selection checkpoint, to reduce estrogen-induced CD40 overexpression on follicular B cells, making them less responsive to T cell costimulation, and to ameliorate estrogen-mediated CD22 downregulation on marginal zone B cells, thereby decreasing their responsiveness to B cell antigen receptor-mediated stimuli. CONCLUSION Raloxifene suppressed estrogen-mediated effects on the survival, maturation, and activation of autoreactive B cells in NZB/W F1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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22
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Dinesh RK, Hahn BH, Singh RP. PD-1, gender, and autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2010; 9:583-7. [PMID: 20433954 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) are responsible for inhibitory T cell signaling that helps mediate the mechanisms of tolerance and immune homeostasis. The PD-1:PD-L signaling pathway has been shown to play an important role in a variety of diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic infection, and cancer. Recently, investigators have explored the role of sex hormones in modulating the pathway in autoimmune conditions. Exploring the effects of sex hormones on the PD-1:PD-L pathway could shed light on the gender biased nature of many autoimmune conditions as well as aide in the development of therapeutics targeting the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi K Dinesh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA
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23
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Feng F, Nyland J, Banyai M, Tatum A, Silverstone AE, Gavalchin J. The induction of the lupus phenotype by estrogen is via an estrogen receptor-α-dependent pathway. Clin Immunol 2010; 134:226-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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24
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Hughes GC, Clark EA. Regulation of dendritic cells by female sex steroids: Relevance to immunity and autoimmunity. Autoimmunity 2009; 40:470-81. [PMID: 17729041 DOI: 10.1080/08916930701464764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical mediators of adaptive immunity, tolerance and autoimmunity. The human immune system exhibits sexual dimorphism, which is most evident in the female predominance of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Female sex steroids are strongly implicated in mediating immune sexual dimorphism, in part because estrogen accentuates disease in several models of lupus autoimmunity. In contrast, progesterone may prevent disease development. While much investigation has focused on the effects of estrogen and progesterone on lymphocyte functions, far less attention has been paid to the effects of these hormones on DCs. Current evidence now indicates estrogen can activate DCs, while in contrast, progesterone inhibits DC functions. Thus, we hypothesize that the opposite effects these two hormones have on lupus autoimmunity reflect opposing effects on DC functions. Thus, through direct actions on DCs, female sex steroids may influence autoimmunity, immunity and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant C Hughes
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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25
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Saha S, Gonzalez J, Rosenfeld G, Keiser H, Peeva E. Prolactin alters the mechanisms of B cell tolerance induction. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2009; 60:1743-52. [PMID: 19479826 PMCID: PMC2733916 DOI: 10.1002/art.24500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women, suggesting that female sex hormones may play a role in the pathogenesis of such diseases. We have previously shown that persistent mild-to-moderate elevations in serum prolactin levels induce a break in self tolerance in mice with a BALB/c genetic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperprolactinemia on the mechanisms of B cell tolerance induction. METHODS Effects of prolactin on splenic B cell subsets were studied in female BALB/c mice. B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated apoptosis and proliferation of transitional B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of apoptotic genes was examined by microarrays and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. B cells coexpressing kappa/lambda light chains were assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Activation status of transitional type 3 (T3) B cells was evaluated by BCR-induced calcium influx studies. RESULTS BCR-mediated apoptosis of the T1 B cell subset, a major checkpoint for negative selection of autoreactive specificities, was decreased in prolactin-treated mice. Microarray studies indicated that this event may be mediated by the prolactin-induced up-regulation of the antiapoptotic gene interferon-gamma receptor type II and down-regulation of the proapoptotic gene Trp63. Prolactin treatment also altered the amount of receptor editing, as indicated by the increased number of transitional B cells coexpressing kappa/lambda light chains. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia modified the level of B cell anergy by increasing the degree of BCR-induced calcium influx in the T3 B cells. CONCLUSION Persistently elevated serum prolactin levels interfere with B cell tolerance induction by impairing BCR-mediated clonal deletion, deregulating receptor editing, and decreasing the threshold for activation of anergic B cells, thereby promoting autoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhrajit Saha
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Juana Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel Rosenfeld
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Harold Keiser
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Elena Peeva
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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26
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Cohen-Solal JFG, Jeganathan V, Hill L, Kawabata D, Rodriguez-Pinto D, Grimaldi C, Diamond B. Hormonal regulation of B-cell function and systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2008; 17:528-32. [PMID: 18539705 DOI: 10.1177/0961203308089402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is far higher in females than in males and numerous investigations to understand this gender bias have been performed, which propose as casual actors genetic predispositions and sex hormones effects. We will describe in this review how the sex hormones estrogen and prolactin influence B cell maturation and selection, permitting B cells to mature to immunocompetence in a mouse model of lupus. Finally, we will discuss the relevance and implications of these results for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F G Cohen-Solal
- The Center of Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Disease, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, New York, USA
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27
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Abstract
The role of estrogen, prolactin, pregnancy and androgen (including DHEA) in SLE is reviewed. A comlex interaction of multiple sex hormones is involved in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21093, USA.
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28
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Jara LJ, Cruz-Cruz P, Saavedra MA, Medina G, García-Flores A, Angeles U, Miranda-Limón JM. Bromocriptine during pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot clinical trial. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1110:297-304. [PMID: 17911444 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1423.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Bromocriptine (BRC) prevents postpartum flare in lupus patients. However, its potential role in protecting lupus pregnancy from maternal-fetal complications has not been studied. The objective of the study was to explore the role of oral BRC during pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pregnant SLE patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 received BRC 2.5 mg/day and prednisone 10 mg/day; group 2 received prednisone 10 mg/day. These treatments were administered from 25 to 35 weeks of gestation. Prolactin (PRL) levels were determined at 25, 30, and 35 weeks. The SLE Pregnancy Disease Activity Index, maternal-fetal outcome including preterm birth, fetal loss, premature rupture of membrane (PRM), low birth weight, and preeclampsia/eclampsia were evaluated. We studied 20 patients (10 in each group). A significant decrease of PRL levels in group 1 compared to group 2 at week 30 and at week 35 was found. No patients in the BRC group had flares and three from group 2 had SLE activity. None of the patients in group 1 had PRM but three patients in group 2 did. Eighty percent of pregnancies ended in birth at term in group 1 and 50% in group 2. There was no fetal loss in both groups. Mean birth weight was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P < NS). BRC was well tolerated. This is the first clinical trial of BRC in SLE pregnancy. Our pilot study suggests that BRC may play a role in the prevention of maternal-fetal complications, such as PRM, preterm birth, and active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis J Jara
- Direction of Education and Research, Hospital de Especialidades Centro Médico La Raza, IMSS. Seris/Zaachila S/N, Colonia La Raza, CP 02990. Mexico City, Mexico.
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29
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Diminished prolactin from chlordecone treatment in ovariectomized (NZBxNZW)F(1) mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2007; 7:1808-12. [PMID: 17996692 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Revised: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 08/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), administration of either prolactin or estradiol (E2) increases autoimmunity, and there is evidence that elevated prolactin in response to E2 administration may contribute substantially to E2 effects. Hormonal influence on SLE can extend to environmental agents, as demonstrated by the ability of estrogenic organochlorine pesticides such as chlordecone to accelerate the development of lupus in female (NZBxNZW)F(1) mice. In order to evaluate a potential role for prolactin in chlordecone effects on SLE, it was necessary to first determine whether treatment with chlordecone, like E2, results in elevated prolactin levels. Ovariectomized (NZBxNZW)F(1) mice were treated for 5-6 weeks with chlordecone or E2 in doses shown previously to significantly shorten the time to onset of SLE. At the end of the treatment period, serum prolactin levels were increased 10- to 20-fold in E2-treated mice compared to untreated controls, but decreased in an apparent dose-dependent manner in mice treated with chlordecone. Prolactin receptor in purified splenic B and CD4 T cells from treated animals, assessed through measurement of mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR, was increased by E2 treatment but unchanged in response to chlordecone. These observations suggest that the role of prolactin in eliciting autoimmunity in E2-treated animals is absent in the case of chlordecone, and by implication, that chlordecone possesses other actions that can replace the contribution of prolactin to development of SLE.
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30
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Orbach H, Shoenfeld Y. Hyperprolactinemia and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2007; 6:537-42. [PMID: 17854745 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Accepted: 10/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The autoimmune diseases are more common in females. The sex hormones have an important role in this gender bias, mainly estrogen and prolactin (PRL) which modulate the immune response. PRL is secreted from the pituitary gland and other organs and cells mainly the lymphocytes. PRL has an immunostimulatory effect and promotes autoimmunity: PRL impairs the negative selection of autoreactive B lymphocytes occurring during B cell maturation into fully functional B cells. PRL has an anti-apoptotic effect, enhances proliferative response to antigens and mitogens and enhances the production of immunoglobulins and autoantibodies. Hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) is observed in multi-organ and organ specific autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome (SS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and multiple sclerosis (MS). There is no consistent correlation between PRL levels and disease activity. Murine models and small studies in SLE patients suggest some role of dopamine agonists in the therapy of those diseases. The genetic factor may have a role in humans as in animal models. The PRL isoform has an important effect on the bioactivity on prolactin receptors (PRL-Rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedi Orbach
- Department of Medicine B, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
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31
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Burruano L. Gender-specific medicine and ageing: the endocrine impact: second world congress, Rome, Italy, March 8-11, 2007. Clin Dermatol 2007; 25:422-4. [PMID: 17697928 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2007.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Burruano
- Department for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health System Research, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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32
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Zandman-Goddard G, Peeva E, Shoenfeld Y. Gender and autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2007; 6:366-72. [PMID: 17537382 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2006.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 10/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The enhanced immunoreactivity in females is a double-edged sword that provides better protection against infections, but may lead to enhanced autoreactivity and thereby contribute to the induction of autoimmunity. Autoimmune diseases demonstrate a gender bias and represent the fifth leading cause of death by disease among females of reproductive age. Clinical and murine experimental studies indicate that the gender bias in autoimmunity may be influenced by sex hormones, predominantly displayed in the development and exacerbations of the prototypical autoimmune disease lupus. The associations between sex hormones and other autoimmune diseases are less clear. Our review on the impact of gender via sex hormones and sex related genes in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases suggests that a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the sexual dimorphism of the immune system may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to autoimmunity.
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33
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Gomez CR, Plackett TP, Kovacs EJ. Aging and estrogen: modulation of inflammatory responses after injury. Exp Gerontol 2007; 42:451-6. [PMID: 17204391 PMCID: PMC1892236 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2006.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2006] [Revised: 11/14/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aged subjects have a poor prognosis after traumatic injury and, regardless of the type of injury, they have slower recoveries and suffer more complications than their younger counterparts. The age-dependent responses may be influenced by the hyper-inflammatory state observed in the aged prior to injury, including elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Physiological levels of estrogen are beneficial to the immune system, due, in part, to the hormone's ability to attenuate aberrant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using two independent injury models, we have found increased mortality and elevated serum levels of IL-6 in aged mice, when compared to young animals (p<0.05). In parallel studies, groups of aged mice given estrogen (17beta-estradiol) prior to scald burn, had significantly improved survival (p<0.05) and lowered serum IL-6 (p<0.05). Multiple cellular mechanisms may be involved in mediating the beneficial effects of estrogen on inflammatory and immune responses in aged individuals who sustain an injury. These mechanisms are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian R Gomez
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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34
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Grimaldi CM. Sex and systemic lupus erythematosus: the role of the sex hormones estrogen and prolactin on the regulation of autoreactive B cells. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2006; 18:456-61. [PMID: 16896282 DOI: 10.1097/01.bor.0000240354.37927.dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW For many decades, it has been speculated that sex hormones play a role in systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent data accumulated during the past few years provide striking evidence that hormonal modulation of B cells can have a profound impact on the survival, maturation and repertoire selection of autoreactive B cells and begin to explain the sex bias associated with the condition. RECENT FINDINGS While there are still insufficient clinical data to define a role for estrogen or prolactin in human systemic lupus erythematosus, recent studies of anti-DNA antibody transgenic mice clearly demonstrate that an elevation in either estrogen or prolactin breaks tolerance of high affinity DNA-reactive B cells and induces a lupus phenotype. B cells with the same antigenic specificities are rescued by either estrogen or prolactin, but estrogen promotes the survival and activation of the T independent marginal zone B cell subset, while prolactin promotes the survival and activation of the T dependent follicular B cell subset. SUMMARY Elevations in the levels of estrogen or prolactin can promote the survival and activation of high affinity autoreactive B cells. These hormones engage different B cell pathways to interfere with B cell tolerance. The identification of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with either an estrogen-responsive or prolactin-responsive disease will further the development of therapeutics that can specifically modulate hormonal responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Grimaldi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
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35
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Peeva E, Gonzalez J, Hicks R, Diamond B. Cutting Edge: Lupus Susceptibility IntervalSle3/5Confers Responsiveness to Prolactin in C57BL/6 Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 177:1401-5. [PMID: 16849443 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.177.3.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin is of interest in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because almost 25% of SLE patients display hyperprolactinemia, and serum prolactin correlates with disease activity in some patients. Furthermore, hyperprolactinemia causes early mortality in lupus-prone mice and induces a lupus-like phenotype in nonspontaneously autoimmune mice. We show here that the immunomodulatory effects of prolactin are genetically determined; hyperprolactinemia breaks B cell tolerance and causes a lupus-like serology in BALB/c mice expressing a transgene encoding the H chain of an anti-DNA Ab but not in C57BL/6 transgenic mice. In C57BL/6 mice that express both the H chain transgene and the lupus susceptibility interval Sle3/5, prolactin induces increased serum titers of anti-DNA Ab and glomerular Ig depositions. The increase in costimulation due to prolactin-mediated up-regulation of both CD40 on B cells and CD40L on T cells would appear to play a central role in lupus induction in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Peeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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36
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Cohen-Solal JFG, Jeganathan V, Grimaldi CM, Peeva E, Diamond B. Sex hormones and SLE: influencing the fate of autoreactive B cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2006; 305:67-88. [PMID: 16724801 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-29714-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is far higher in females than in males and numerous investigations to understand this gender bias have been conducted. While it is plausible that some sex-linked genes may contribute to the genetic predisposition for the disease, other likely culprits are the sex hormones estrogen and prolactin. In this chapter we review studies that have addressed the influence of sex hormones in SLE activity and discuss the recent data established in a BALB/c mouse transgenic for the heavy chain of an anti-DNA antibody. These mice are prone to develop lupus following exposure to exogenous sex hormones. We describe how estrogen and prolactin influence B cell maturation and selection, permitting B cells to mature to immunocompetence. Finally, we discuss the relevance and implications of these data for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F G Cohen-Solal
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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37
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Peeva E, Zouali M. Spotlight on the role of hormonal factors in the emergence of autoreactive B-lymphocytes. Immunol Lett 2005; 101:123-43. [PMID: 16061292 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Revised: 05/27/2005] [Accepted: 05/27/2005] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic autoimmunity requires a combination of inherited and acquired factors. In as much as hormones influence the sexual dimorphism of the immune system, it is possible that they can initiate or accelerate an autoimmune process, and contribute to gender-biased autoimmune disorders. Not only natural hormones, but also endocrine disruptors, such as environmental estrogens, may act in conjunction with other factors to override immune tolerance to self-antigens. In lupus, murine and human studies demonstrate that female sex hormones are implicated in disease pathogenesis. In the B cell compartment, both prolactin and estrogen are immunomodulators that affect maturation, selection and antibody secretion. Their impact may be based on their capacity to allow autoreactive B cells to escape the normal mechanisms of tolerance and to accumulate in sufficient numbers to cause clinically apparent disease. Both hormones lead to the survival and activation of autoreactive B cells, but they skew B cell maturation towards different directions, with prolactin inducing T cell-dependent autoreactive follicular B cells and estrogen eliciting T cell-independent autoreactive marginal zone B cells. Differential modulation of the cytokine milieu by hormones may also affect the development and activation of specific mature B cell subsets. This novel insight suggests that targeted manipulation of these pathways may represent a promising avenue in the treatment of lupus and other gender-biased autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Peeva
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, F717, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Leaños-Miranda A, Cárdenas-Mondragón G. Serum free prolactin concentrations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with lupus activity. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2005; 45:97-101. [PMID: 16249247 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kei115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) the relationships among serum total and free prolactin (PRL) levels, isoforms of PRL and lupus activity. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 259 patients with SLE were tested for serum total PRL, serum free PRL, and PRL in fractions obtained after gel filtration chromatography (in 70 sera taken at random) by immunoradiometric assay based on disease activity. RESULTS A significant correlation between direct PRL and free PRL levels was found in patients with and without lupus activity (r = 0.475, P<0.001); however, this was less so for non-active patients than for active patients (r=0.433, P<0.001 and r=0.909, P<0.001, respectively). SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores correlated positively with serum free PRL levels (r=0.314, P<0.001) and percentage of little PRL (r=0.33, P=0.005) and negatively with percentage of big big PRL (r=-0.3, P=0.012). Patients with active disease had higher serum free PRL levels (median 12.6 vs 9.3 ng/ml, P<0.001), higher percentages of little PRL (83.1 +/- 21.2 vs 63.6 +/- 24.8%, P=0.011) and lower percentages of big big PRL (9.4 +/- 18.0 vs 25.2 +/- 24.3%, P=0.031). Different clinical manifestations and serological parameters of lupus disease activity were more frequent in patients with free hyperprolactinaemia than in patients with normal serum free PRL levels (such as neurological manifestations, renal involvement, serositis, haematological manifestations, anti-double-stranded DNA and hypocomplementaemia; P<0.021). CONCLUSION An increase in serum free PRL levels, higher percentages of little PRL and lower percentages of big big PRL proved to be factors related to lupus activity in a subset of patients with SLE. These novel data must be taken into account in future studies aiming to establish a relationship between PRL and disease activity in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leaños-Miranda
- Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Hospital de Ginecología y Obstetricia Luis Gastelazo Ayala, México city, México.
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Peeva E, Venkatesh J, Diamond B. Tamoxifen Blocks Estrogen-Induced B Cell Maturation but Not Survival. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:1415-23. [PMID: 16034077 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.3.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen treatment has been shown not only to exacerbate disease activity and accelerate death in spontaneous murine models of lupus but also to induce a lupus-like phenotype in non-spontaneously autoimmune mice. In mice transgenic for the H chain of an anti-DNA Ab, estrogen rescues naive autoreactive B cells that normally are deleted and causes them to mature to a marginal zone phenotype. Estrogen further leads to the activation of this population causing an elevation of serum anti-DNA Ab titers and renal disease. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on estrogen-induced lupus. Mice treated with both estradiol and tamoxifen showed no elevation in anti-DNA Ab titers and consequently no glomerular IgG. The DNA-reactive B cell population that is rescued by estrogen was present in an anergic state in mice treated with both estradiol and tamoxifen. Estradiol enhances transitional B cell resistance to apoptosis and expands the population of marginal zone B cells; tamoxifen did not impede the enhanced resistance to apoptosis, but prevented the development of autoreactive cells as marginal zone B cells. Thus, estrogen-induced autoimmunity proceeds through two distinct molecular pathways, one affecting survival and the other maturation. Activation, but not survival, of autoreactive B cells can be abrogated by tamoxifen. Drugs that modulate even some of the effects of estrogen may be beneficial in patients with lupus. Eventually, understanding the pathways involved in survival and activation of autoreactive B cells will permit the development of therapeutics that target all relevant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Peeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Grimaldi CM, Hill L, Xu X, Peeva E, Diamond B. Hormonal modulation of B cell development and repertoire selection. Mol Immunol 2005; 42:811-20. [PMID: 15829269 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2004] [Accepted: 05/27/2004] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies, primarily to nuclear antigens. The etiology of SLE is not entirely understood, but it is well-appreciated that multiple factors such as genetics and environment contribute to disease progression and pathogenesis. There is also convincing evidence that gender plays an import role in SLE since the incidence of disease occurs with a female to male ratio of 9:1. While it is plausible that some sex-linked genes may contribute to the genetic predisposition for the disease, other likely culprits for this gender bias are the sex hormones estrogen and prolactin. The data implicating estrogen and prolactin in SLE, until recently, were largely circumstantial. However, within the last few years, data collected from both human and mouse studies have provided compelling evidence that alterations in sex hormone levels can alter tolerance of autoreactive B cells and exacerbate disease. In this review, we will discuss recent data demonstrating a role for estrogen and prolactin in SLE and the effect of these hormones on B cell maturation, selection and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Grimaldi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, PH 8E New York, NY 10032, USA
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Szyper-Kravitz M, Zandman-Goddard G, Lahita RG, Shoenfeld Y. The Neuroendocrine–Immune Interactions in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Basis for Understanding Disease Pathogenesis and Complexity. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2005; 31:161-75, x. [PMID: 15639061 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2004.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Much progress has been made in the understanding of the impact of the neuroendocrine immune interactions and the pathogenic role in systemic lupus erythematosus, clinically and at the molecular level. This article focuses on the intertwining networks that involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cytokines within the central nervous system, and the sympathetic system. Hormones (estrogen, prolactin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and leptin) play an important role as immunomodulatory agents.
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Abstract
Estrogen's role in the sex differences observed in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis have remained unclear. Complicating the understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of estrogen are (1) the effects of estrogen on multiple components of the immune response; (2) its varied effects on different systems in which it appears pro-autoimmune, as in murine lupus, or anti-inflammatory, as in EAE; and (3) its effects on other hormones which are potentially immunomodulatory. Recent reports have shed light on the role of estrogen in the modulation of lymphocyte survival and expansion and in the elaboration of Th1 versus Th2 cytokines and on the mechanisms by which estrogen can activate via multiple signaling and genomic pathways in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Lang
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Peeva E, Venkatesh J, Michael D, Diamond B. Prolactin as a modulator of B cell function: implications for SLE. Biomed Pharmacother 2004; 58:310-9. [PMID: 15194167 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2004.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolactin is not only a lactigenic hormone but also an immunomodulator involved in lymphocyte survival, activation and proliferation. There is increasing data implicating prolactin in autoimmunity, and specifically in SLE. Increased serum prolactin levels have been reported in lupus patients of both genders, and have been associated with accelerated disease expression and early mortality in lupus-prone mice. Furthermore, suppression of prolactin secretion with bromocriptine provides beneficial effects in murine lupus, and perhaps in some SLE patients as well. Treatment with prolactin that causes mild to moderate hyperprolactinemia, similar to that present in SLE patients, breaks tolerance and induces a lupus-like illness in non-spontaneously autoimmune mice with a susceptible genetic background. These immuno stimulatory effects of prolactin are mediated by a decrease in negative selection and the maturation of autoreactive B cells to the follicular subset. Consistent with the fact that follicular B cells are T cell dependent, CD4+ T cells are necessary for the prolactin-mediated break down of B cell tolerance. In mice, the effects of prolactin on the immune system are genetically determined, suggesting that only a subset of SLE patients are likely to have a prolactin-responsive disease. The manipulation of serum prolactin or, even more specifically, follicular B cells that are susceptible to the immuno stimulatory effects of prolactin, may provide novel therapeutic options for those SLE patients with a prolactin-modulated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Peeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Rm. 405, Forch Building, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Shim GJ, Kis LL, Warner M, Gustafsson JA. Autoimmune glomerulonephritis with spontaneous formation of splenic germinal centers in mice lacking the estrogen receptor alpha gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:1720-4. [PMID: 14745006 PMCID: PMC341834 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0307915100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mice, ovariectomy accelerates the progression of the end-stage renal disease glomerulosclerosis. In women, the incidence of this disease increases after menopause, and estrogen alters its progression. Polymorphisms in the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) gene have been suggested to constitute a genetic predisposition for lupus nephritis. Here we show that by 1 year of age, mice lacking ERalpha (ERalpha(-/-)) but not those lacking ERbeta (ERbeta(-/-)) exhibit immune complex-type glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and destruction of tubular cells with severe infiltration of B lymphocytes in the kidney and the presence of anti-DNA antibodies in serum. No gender difference occurred in the incidence or severity of these symptoms. However, in female but not in male ERalpha(-/-) mice there were elevated serum levels of IgG3. Other prominent features of these mice were (i) spontaneous formation of germinal centers in the spleen in the absence of antigen challenge and (ii) infiltration of plasma cells in the kidney and plasmacytosis in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry indicated a selective expression of ERalpha protein in the germinal centers but not in the follicular mantle zone of murine spleens and human tonsils. Our results indicate that ERalpha has indispensable functions in the kidney and in germinal centers, and that defective ERalpha signaling results in glomerulonephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil-Jin Shim
- Department of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institute, NOVUM, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
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46
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Abstract
The exact patho-aetiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains elusive. An extremely complicated and multifactorial interaction among various genetic and environmental factors is probably involved. Multiple genes contribute to disease susceptibility. The interaction of sex, hormonal milieu, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis modifies this susceptibility and the clinical expression of the disease. Defective immune regulatory mechanisms, such as the clearance of apoptotic cells and immune complexes, are important contributors to the development of SLE. The loss of immune tolerance, increased antigenic load, excess T cell help, defective B cell suppression, and the shifting of T helper 1 (Th1) to Th2 immune responses leads to B cell hyperactivity and the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. Finally, certain environmental factors are probably required to trigger the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Mok
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tsing Chung Koon Road, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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Hasler P, Zouali M. Highlights of frontiers in autoimmunity: fundamental aspects and clinical perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2003; 7:125-30. [PMID: 12556208 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.7.1.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this meeting, on the shores of Balaton lake, was to discuss the ins, outs, ups and downs of autoimmune diseases. Participants were encouraged to discuss existing paradigms and to base their work on continuously reworked hypotheses derived from discoveries, rather than have it driven by theories based on a hypothesis. This event provided proof of the utility of modern approaches in defining the origin of this group of diseases as well as acting as an international forum for collaboration and dispute. Whilst highlighting the unique aspects of autoimmunity, this meeting suggested many avenues for future research and the design of novel strategies for immuno-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hasler
- Rheumaklinik und Institut für Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation, Kantonsspital Aarau, Buchserstrasse, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland.
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Dogusan Z, Martens N, Stinissen P, Hellings N, Demotte N, Hooghe R, Hooghe-Peters E. Effects of prolactin on cloned human T-lymphocytes. Endocrine 2003; 20:171-6. [PMID: 12668883 DOI: 10.1385/endo:20:1-2:171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2002] [Revised: 12/20/2002] [Accepted: 12/20/2002] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the possible role of prolactin (PRL) in T-lymphocytes, we monitored gene induction in one cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clone derived from a patient with hemochromatosis and in several T-helper clones generated from a normal donor and a patient with multiple sclerosis. The CTL clone expressed conventional PRL receptor (PRLR), and PRL induced the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) and increased the expression of SOCS-2 and cytokine-inducible src homology-2 containing protein (CIS, another member of the SOCS family). As is the case in granulocytes, expression of a conventional receptor for PRL could not be shown by polymerase chain reaction analysis on three helper clones. In addition, as in granulocytes, PRL modulated the expression of genes such as the interferon-regulatory factor-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, CIS, and SOCS-2. These effects were also elicited with ovine PRL and could be prevented by anti-PRL antibodies. Thus, the use of clones allowed the detection of direct effects of PRL on T-cells, even when these have few or no detectable PRLR, confirming that human T-lymphocytes are targets for PRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Dogusan
- Neuroendocrine Immunology Lab, Medical School, Free University of Brusssels (VUB), Belgium
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Newman J, Rice JS, Wang C, Harris SL, Diamond B. Identification of an antigen-specific B cell population. J Immunol Methods 2003; 272:177-87. [PMID: 12505722 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1759(02)00499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The difficulty in characterizing antigen-specific B cells that arise in the native B cell repertoire has been a formidable obstacle to understanding both protective and pathogenic antibody responses. We have developed a tetramer-based technique for identifying antigen-specific B cells. Biotin-labeled antigen is made tetrameric by interaction with streptavidin. The enhanced avidity of this antigenic compound for the B cell membrane permits the visualization, characterization and isolation of antigen-specific B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Newman
- Room 405, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forch. Building, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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50
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Peeva E, Michael D, Cleary J, Rice J, Chen X, Diamond B. Prolactin modulates the naive B cell repertoire. J Clin Invest 2003. [DOI: 10.1172/jci200316530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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