Cytokines: Changes In LPS-Treated Female Mice And Effects And Mechanisms On Oocyte Maturation

Backgroud and Research StrategyLipopolysaccharide (LPS, bacterial endotoxin) is a major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is recognized as a key molecule in the pathophysiology of septic shock . The cytokines such as EGF, TNFα , ET-1 and NO are the important mediators for the development of septic shock and multiple organ failure in the introduction of LPS. To prevent the cascade of LPS-induced events , several approaches have been developed, but none seemed to be efficient .So it is important to search the new anti-endotoxic agents for prevention and treatment of endotoximia.Estrogen is the normal female hormones and contains two main members: estradiol (E₂)and progesterone (P).Recent studies have made it increasing clear that estrogens are more than merely a reproductive hormone that influences our ability to produce offspring and it also exert important non-reproductive actions especially to possess widely protective effects on the dysfunctional and damage of immune system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, alimentary system and others caused by serve burn, trauma and infection. The levels of estrogen varies with the estrus cycle, the level of E₂ was highest in estrus and P was highest in...