Study, 2002
Does a protein called IL-6 in the uterus change throughout the menstrual cycle?
Yes. IL-6 levels in the uterus are low in the first half of the cycle and increase 5 to 10 times in the second half, especially around the time for pregnancy implantation and before the period.
What they did
Collected uterine tissue and fluid from women undergoing hysterectomy. Researchers measured IL-6 in the tissue and fluid at different phases of the menstrual cycle using lab techniques.
What they found
IL-6 was low in the proliferative phase (first half of cycle) and increased progressively in the secretory phase (second half). Specifically, IL-6 protein levels increased 5 to 10 times from the mid-secretory to late secretory phase. This increase came from epithelial cells, stromal cells, and immune cells in the uterus. IL-6 receptor expression remained constant throughout the cycle.
What it means for you
IL-6 increases dramatically in the second half of the menstrual cycle and peaks just before the period. This may play a role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and in the premenstrual period, but we don't yet know what this means for PMS symptoms.
28-33
Women in study
5-10 fold
IL-6 increase in late cycle
About the study
- Original title
- Endometrial expression and secretion of interleukin-6 throughout the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- von Wolff M, Thaler CJ, Zepf C et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 33
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/gye.16.2.121.129
Topics
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