Effects of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α on the proliferation of porcine theca interna cells: Possible role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome

摘要

Objective We studied the effects of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on the proliferation of porcine theca interna (TI) cells and further elucidated the roles of IL-6 and TNF-α in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods TI cells were treated with 10?pg/mL, 100?pg/mL, and 1000?pg/mL IL-6 or TNF-α. TI cell proliferation was then examined by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester labeling and flow cytometry. Results Cell proliferation was not significantly different in TI cells cultured in medium alone (control) or in the presence of IL-6. At 72?hours of treatment, the mean fluorescence intensity was significantly lower in TI cells treated with 100?pg/mL and 1000?pg/mL TNF-α than in the control ( p ??0.05). Conclusion TNF-α, but not IL-6, was able to promote TI cell proliferation. Our results suggest that TNF-α might play a role in hyperandrogenism, cortex thickness, and the increased ovary volume observed in polycystic ovaries.