Induction of circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in women with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of acute estrogen deficiency induced by administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist on circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines. Eighty-three women with uterine leiomyoma were assigned in open, parallel-group fashion to a no-treatment (control) group and a GnRH-agonist group. Serum levels of nine cytokines and chemokines as well as vascular inflammatory markers were measured. Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) in the GnRH-agonist group were increased significantly at 6 months. There were also significant differences in percentage changes in interleukin (IL)-6, IL8, MCP1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP1 beta) between the control and GnRH agonist groups. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1) and E-selectin levels showed significant increases in the GnRH agonist group at 6 months. Serum MCP1 concentrations showed weak correlations with levels of sICAM and E-selectin. We conclude that a hypo-estrogenic state due to administration of a GnRH agonist increases circulating levels of cytokines and chemokines, especially MCP1. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.