Abstract

FONTANA, Vanina Andrea; SANCHEZ, Melisa; CEBRAL, Elisa  and  CALVO, Juan Carlos. Interleukin-1β regulates metalloproteinase activity and leptin secretion in a cytotrophoblast model. Biocell [online]. 2010, vol.34, n.1, pp.37-43. ISSN 0327-9545.

Implantation is one of the most regulated processes in human reproduction, by endocrine and immunological systems. Cytokines are involved in embryo-maternal communication and an impaired balance could result in pregnancy loss. Here we investigated the effect of interleukin 1-β on the activity of two important metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) that are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling as well as the secretion of leptin, one of the reproductive hormones actively regulating their activity and secretion. We found that IL-1β activates matrix metalloproteinase activity as well as increases leptin secretion. We propose that this interleukin, through the regulation of leptin, in turn activates matrix metalloproteinases which results in an increased cytotrophoblast invasion.

Keywords : Cytokines; Embryo implantation; Placenta; Extracellular matrix.

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