Cytokines and Estradiol Across Age and Reproduction

AbstractSection Problem

T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells are crucial in mediating immune responses, with their balance influenced by factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and estradiol (E2) levels. This study investigates the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio across different demographic and physiological variables to understand how these factors may interact and impact immune function.

AbstractSection Method of Study

Serum levels of E2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were measured in a community-based cross-sectional study involving 238 women and 143 men in Texas, USA. Participants completed a comprehensive survey on demographics, health status, and reproductive history. Multiple linear regression models assessed the relationships between the IFN-γ/IL-10 cytokine ratio and variables such as age, BMI, and reproductive status, with particular attention to sex differences and menopausal status.

AbstractSection Results

The study found that females had a higher IFN-γ/IL-10 cytokine ratio compared to males. The IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio increased with age in both sexes and was positively associated with BMI in females. Estradiol levels were negatively correlated with the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, suggesting that higher estrogen levels may shift the balance toward IL-10 dominance. These patterns were consistent across pre- and post-menopausal women, indicating that age, BMI, and E2 levels play similar roles regardless of reproductive status.

AbstractSection Conclusion

These findings provide new insights into the dynamic regulation of the IFN-γ/IL-10 balance, particularly highlighting the complex interactions between sex hormones and immune function across the lifespan.