Learn how estrone (3-Hydroxy-17-keto-oestra-1,3,5-triene) modulates immune responses and cytokine production, including IL-2, IL-12, IL-21, IL-36α, INF-γ, and TNF-α. Estrone generally enhances cytokine production at lower levels, promoting immune activation, but higher doses may reduce pro-inflammatory responses. Discover estrone’s nuanced role in immune modulation and inflammation.
The compound 3-Hydroxy-17-keto-oestra-1,3,5-triene is better known as estrone, a form of estrogen. Like other estrogens, estrone can have immunomodulatory effects, influencing cytokine production.
Estrone (E1) and Th1 Cytokines
Here’s how estrone generally affects the cytokines you’ve listed:
Interleukin-2 (IL-2):
- Estrone may enhance IL-2 production at lower levels. Estrone, similar to other estradiol s, can promote T cell activation, including increasing IL-2 secretion in certain immune responses.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12):
- Estrone can promote IL-12 production in lower concentrations, favoring a Th1 immune response, which is pro-inflammatory. However, like other estradiol s, estrone’s effect might diminish or even reverse at higher concentrations.
Interleukin-21 (IL-21):
- Estrone likely increases IL-21 production, supporting adaptive immune functions such as B cell differentiation and T follicular helper cell activity, though data on estrone’s specific role in IL-21 regulation is limited.
Interleukin-36α (IL-36α):
- The effects of estrone on IL-36α are not well-studied. However, given that IL-36α is involved in inflammation and estrone has been shown to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, estrone may enhance IL-36α production in inflammatory contexts.
Interferon-gamma (INF-γ):
- Estrone can stimulate INF-γ production at lower levels, enhancing the Th1 immune response, which is important for fighting intracellular pathogens. Higher levels of estrone might reduce INF-γ production.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α):
- Estrone can enhance TNF-α production, particularly in inflammatory conditions. However, like with other estradiol s, its effect can vary based on concentration and the immune context, potentially decreasing TNF-α at higher doses.
In summary, estrone (3-Hydroxy-17-keto-oestra-1,3,5-triene) tends to enhance the production of these cytokines at lower concentrations, promoting immune activation, but its effects can vary depending on the dose and immune environment. At higher concentrations, estrone may suppress certain pro-inflammatory cytokines.
