Endotoxin induced TNF and IL-10 mRNA production is higher in male than female donors: Correlation with elevated expression of TLR4

Modification of cytokine production by gender hormones has been postulated to affect disease susceptibility and outcome. Here we investigate the effect of gender and the menstrual cycle on production of cytokines. Mononuclear cells were isolated every week for 10 consecutive weeks from healthy pre-menopausal women and men. TNF and IL-10 mRNA and protein levels were measured as well as membrane CD14 and intracellular TLR4 protein. Endotoxin stimulation of mononuclear cells from men produced more TNF and IL10 mRNA than cells from women. TLR4 expression was also significantly higher in cells from men. These gender differences in the immune response may help to elucidate the sexual dimorphism observed in infectious diseases.