Endocrine control of mucosal immunity in the female reproductive tract: Impact of environmental disruptors

Abstract

The complexity of the human female reproductive tract (FRT) with its multiple levels of hormonally controlled immune protection has only begun to be understood. Dissecting the functions and roles of the immune system in the FRT is complicated by the differential hormonal regulation of its distinct anatomical structures that vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Although many fundamental mechanisms of steroid regulation of reproductive tract immune function have been determined, the effects of exogenous synthetic steroids or endocrine disruptors on immune function and disease susceptibility in the FRT have yet to be evaluated in detail. There is increasing evidence that environmental or synthetic molecules can alter normal immune function. This review provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune systems, the current status of immune function in the FRT and the potential risks of environmental or pharmacological molecules that may perturb this system.

The effect of selected environmental Fusarium mycotoxins on the ovaries in the female wild boar (Sus scrofa)

“…Exposure to high levels (above NOAEL) of EDs can lead to pathological processes, in particular in the reproductive system, specially in the ovaries. Environmental EDs include mycoestrogens produced by molds, such as ZEN (Dunbar et al 2012). ZEN blocks ERs or mimics steroid hormones, in particular estradiol (Brevini et al 2005).…”

Evaluation of selected serum biochemical and haematological parameters in gilts exposed per os to 100 ppb of zearalenone

“…Stimulation of cells of the innate immune system (NEUT, EOS) can also lead to the production of mediators of oxidative stress, which disrupts cell homeostasis and the maintenance of immunocompetence (Yu et al 2009). Zearalenone and other ZOLs increase the expression of early markers of oxidative stress which are also endogenous TLR ligands (El Golli-Bennour and Bacha 2011, Dunbar et al 2012). Acting via TLRs in various tissues, endogenous ligands can contribute to the induction of a "sterile" inflammatory response (Yu et al 2010).…”

Anatomic and Hormonal Changes in the Female Reproductive Tract Immune Environment during the Life Cycle: Implications for HIV/STI Prevention Research

“…16 At the time coinciding with ovulation, Wira and colleagues have identified a potential 'window of vulnerability' during the progesterone-dominant luteal phase for optimal viral infection. 17,18 Through analysis of multiple immunologic parameters, they identified this 7-to 10-day 19 showed in a recent study utilizing cervical tissue explants that HIV infection was associated with the luteal phase. White and colleagues found that cytotoxic activity in the upper reproductive tract was present during the follicular phase of the cycle prior to ovulation, but was absent in the consequent luteal phase.…”