Sexual activity modulates shifts in TH1/TH2 cytokine profile across the menstrual cycle: an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate if sexual activity moderated menstrual cycle-related shifts in cytokines associated with T-helper type 1 (TH1) cells (e.g., interferon [IFN] γ) and T-helper type 2 (TH2) cells (e.g., interleukin [IL] 4). Immune activity shifts across the menstrual cycle, with higher follicular-phase TH1-cell activity but higher luteal-phase TH2-cell activity. Little is known about how social behaviors alter TH1-TH2 ratios, despite evidence that psychosocial factors can influence immunity. Of particular interest is how sexual activity influences immune responses that may support conception, such as the TH1-TH2 balance.

Design

Participants provided saliva samples at four time points (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases), which were assayed by means of E

SUBMITTER: Lorenz TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4663173 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature