A Positive Feedback Loop Exists between Estradiol and IL-6 and Contributes to Dermal Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by dermal fibrosis with a female predominance, suggesting a hormonal influence. Patients with SSc have elevated interleukin (IL)-6 levels, and post-menopausal women and older men also have high estradiol (E2) levels. In the skin, IL-6 increases the enzymatic activity of aromatase, thereby amplifying the conversion of testosterone to E2. Therefore, we hypothesized that an interplay between E2 and IL-6 contributes to dermal fibrosis. We used primary dermal fibroblasts from healthy donors and patients with diffuse cutaneous (dc)SSc, and healthy donor skin tissues stimulated with recombinant IL-6 and its soluble receptor (sIL-6R) or E2. Primary human dermal fibroblasts and tissues from healthy donors stimulated with IL-6+sIL-6R produced E2, while E2-st

SUBMITTER: Baker Frost D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11241801 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature