Estrogen Attenuates Leptin-Induce Mrna Expression of Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha in Human Mononuclear Cells



Forouzan A¹ ; Zarkeshesfahani SH¹ ; Behjati M² ; Pooladgar RRA³ ; Heidary R³ ; Nemati M³ Show Affiliations
Source: Biochemical and Cellular Archives Published:2012

Abstract

Several lines of evidences have demonstrated the immune-modulatory effects of leptin and estrogen in various inflammatory diseases such as coronary artery diseases (CAD). Generally it is believed that leptin, in contrary with estrogen; enhances TNF- α gene expression which is involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. Direct and indirect correlation between leptin and estrogen have been demonstrated previously but the interaction between estrogen and leptin and their effects on TNF- α gene expression are not yet clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between these immune-modulators on TNF- α gene expression. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using density gradient centrifugation method from heparinized blood of healthy volunteers. Cells were washed and counted in RPMI-1640 culture medium. Cells were treated either with leptin, endotoxin, estrogen or their combination for four hours. TNF- α gene expression was assessed using semiquantitative RT-PCR method. Leptin enhanced TNF- α gene expression in PBMCs, whereas leptin plus estrogen treated cells showed a considerable decline in TNF-́ gene expression pattern compared to cells treated with leptin alone (P<0.038). Endotoxin also increased TNF- α gene expression in PBMCs which was not affected by estrogen. Estrogen is able to suppress leptin induced expression of TNF- α in cells of immune system. This finding could be of therapeutic value in women on hormone replacement therapy or women of reproductive age and risk of CAD.