Sex hormones and autoimmunity

• Published in: Immunology letters Vol. 133; no. 1; pp. 6 - 13
• Main Authors: González, Delia Almeida, Díaz, Buenaventura Brito, Rodríguez Pérez, María del Cristo, Hernández, Ana González, Chico, B. Nicolás Díaz, de León, Antonio Cabrera
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 06.09.2010
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Androgens; Androgens - immunology; Androgens - metabolism; Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - epidemiology; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - immunology; Autoimmune diseases; Autoimmunity; Cytokines; Estrogens - immunology; Estrogens - metabolism; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - epidemiology; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - immunology; Male; Pregnancy - immunology; Sex Factors; Sex hormones; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Th1-Th2 Balance; Sex hormones; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Cytokines; Autoimmune diseases; Th1/Th2 balance
• ISSN: 0165-2478; 1879-0542; 1879-0542
• DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2010.07.001

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.