Interleukin-17F increases the secretion of interleukin-8 and the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 in endometriosis

Objective: To examine the effects of interleukin (IL)-17F on the secretion of IL-8 and the gene expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in endometriotic stromal cells.

Design: In vitro experimental study using human samples.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): Endometriotic tissues were obtained from women with ovarian endometriomas undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Intervention(s): Endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) were cultured with IL-17F.

Main outcome measure(s): Concentrations of IL-8 were measured by a specific ELISA, and messenger RNA levels of IL-8 and COX2 were measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Result(s): IL-17F increased the secretion of IL-8 from ESCs, and the effect was inhibited by antibodies for IL-17 receptor A and IL-17 receptor C. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) synergistically enhanced IL-17F-induced increase in IL-8 secretion from ESCs. The IL-17F increased the gene expression of IL-8 and COX2 in ESCs.

Conclusion(s): These findings suggest that IL-17F may stimulate the development of endometriosis by up-regulation of IL-8 and COX2.