Cellular and humoral immune responses after short-term oral hormone therapy in postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the cellular and humoral immune responses after oral hormone therapy in postmenopausal women.

Study design This was a prospective cohort study, with intervention. The main outcome measures were delayed-type IV cell-mediated hypersensitivity, leukocytes, immunoglobulins, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).

Methods The delayed-type cell-mediated hypersensitivity was measured by using five common allergens before and after 3 months of hormone therapy. Each type of leukocyte cell was counted before and after hormone therapy. Different subtypes of lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry. Immunoglobulins G, A and M were measured by nephelometry; immunoglobulin E was measured by electrochemiluminescence. IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence.

Results Hormone therapy increased the response to tuberculin antigen without changing the total number of leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and CD4 +, CD8 + B cells. Both monocyte number and CD4 + /CD8 + ratio suffered a slight modification (p = 0.057). Immunoglobulins A, M and E remained unchanged and immunoglobulin G decreased (p = 0.029). IL-6 levels remained stable but IL-10 concentrations increased significantly after hormone therapy.

Conclusion Short-term oral hormone treatment has no impact on the cellular immune response but, concerning the humoral immune response, immunoglobulin G decreased and the levels of IL-10 were significantly higher.

Key words::

• SEX STEROIDS
• HORMONE THERAPY
• MENOPAUSE
• IMMUNE RESPONSE

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding Foundation (FAPEMAT) for the support of Research, grant # APQ_0151_4.01.