Modulation of the Host Antimicrobial Peptide (Human beta-defensin-1, -2) Expression of Vaginal Squamous Epithelial Cells with using 17beta-Estradiol and Progesterone.
10.4111/kju.2007.48.4.439
- Author:
Min Su KIM
;
Yu Chan KIM
;
Sang Chul KIM
;
Soon Chul MYUNG
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Vagina;
Epithelial cells;
Defensins
- MeSH:
Atrophy;
beta-Defensins;
Cell Line;
Colon;
Defensins;
Epithelial Cells*;
Epithelium;
Estrogens;
Gonadal Steroid Hormones;
Humans;
Keratinocytes;
Mammals;
Mucous Membrane;
Peptides;
Phagocytes;
Polymerase Chain Reaction;
Progesterone*;
Receptors, Progesterone;
Reverse Transcription;
RNA, Messenger;
Urinary Tract Infections;
Vagina;
Vaginitis
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2007;48(4):439-443
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: In mammals, alphaand beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that are expressed in various epithelial and phagocytic cells. Human beta-defensin-1 and -2 (hBD-1, hBD-2) have recently been shown to be expressed in various epithelial cells. Vaginal mucosa can be a target of vaginitis and the site of uropathogens' colonization that precedes urinary tract infections. Therefore, innate host defense mediators like antimicrobial peptides in the vaginal mucosa are important. Estrogen and progesterone receptors have been shown to be expressed in the vaginal squamous epithelium. Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone may cause vaginal atrophy or susceptibility to uropathogens. So, we performed this study to investigate the expression patterns of hBD-1 and -2 mRNA in vaginal squamous epithelium (VSE) with using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal VSE cells that were retrieved from vaginal tissue during vaginoplasty were primarily cultured in keratinocyte growth medium and they we allowed to undergo their 3rd passage. Modulation of the expressions of hBD-1 and -2 mRNA by various stimuli (LPS 0.5microgram/ml, E2 2nM, P 1micrometer) was measured by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: HBD-1 and -2 were constitutively expressed in the normal VSE cell lines, but the hBD-2 expression was not significant. A marked increase of the constitutive expression of hBD-2 mRNA was observed upon stimulation with LPS, but not upon stimulation with E2. A moderate decrease of the constitutive expression of hBD-2 mRNA upon stimulation with LPS was observed with administering progesterone. CONCLUSIONS: These expressions of hBD-2 mRNA may have important roles in the innate host defense of the urogenital area. Artificial intake of progesterone may lead to susceptibility via a decrease of defensins.
