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Sex steroids as inflammatory regulators
1University of Manchester, UK. stephen.gilliver@manchester.ac.uk
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|January 5, 2010
Summary
Sex steroids like androgens and estrogens significantly impact inflammation, influencing immune cells and inflammatory mediators. Their roles vary, offering protection in some conditions and harm in others, particularly in atherosclerosis and wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endogenous sex steroids (androgens, estrogens) modulate inflammatory processes.
- Menopause and estrogen receptor gene variations influence inflammatory disorder incidence.
- Sex steroids exhibit context-dependent protective or harmful effects in inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of sex steroids on inflammatory processes.
- To focus on the antiatherosclerotic effects of estrogens and sex steroid-mediated wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sex steroids and inflammation.
- Analysis of research on estrogen's role in atherosclerosis.
- Examination of evidence for sex steroid involvement in wound healing.
Main Results:
- Estrogens demonstrate antiatherosclerotic properties in females.
- Sex steroids influence macrophage function and inflammatory mediator secretion.
- Evidence suggests sex steroids play a dual role in inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Sex steroids are critical regulators of inflammation with significant implications for health.
- Estrogens' protective effects against atherosclerosis and sex steroids' role in wound healing warrant further investigation.
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