The effects of prolactin on the immune system, its relationship with the severity of COVID-19, and its potential immunomodulatory therapeutic effect

Rasmi, Yousef; Jalali, Ladan; Khalid, Saifullah; Shokati, Ameneh; Tyagi, Poonam; Öztürk, Alpaslan; Nasimfar, Amir

doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156253

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 113 publications

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“…Prolactin (PRL) is an endocrine hormone that has several physiological effects including immune system regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. It can trigger the production of proinflammatory cytokines, also having several anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce hyperinflammation (21). Prolactin exerts its effects through PRL receptors (PRLRs).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of complement factor H-related protein gene deletions on kidney transplantation

Salla,

Inkeri,

Ilkka

et al. 2024

Preprint

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We recently reported that a homozygous deletion in the complement factor H related (CFHR) protein gene locus predisposed kidney transplant patients to allograft rejection. As donors carried normal functional genes in the locus, the susceptibility may have resulted from alloimmune reaction to CFHR proteins. However, we found no evidence for anti-CFH response in the patients. It is therefore possible that the CFHR gene deletions and consequent protein deficiencies as such affect the rejection risk. Using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method and genome sequencing, we confirmed that all 15 patients homozygous for rs7542235 GG, a SNP tagging the CFHR3─1 deletion had deletions of various sizes that invariably encompassed the whole of CFHR1 gene. The lack of CFHR1 protein in patient plasma samples was also demonstrated by Western blotting. Plasma proteomics analyses of biobank samples demonstrated that rs7542235 allele G associates with significantly changed expression levels of 23 proteins (FDR <0.010). These proteins are involved in various pathways, including regulation of alloimmune response and their roles in transplantation outcome merit further studies. Although CFHR gene abnormalities have been associated with kidney diseases, we observed no clinical characteristics shared by or enriched in patients homozygous for CFHR1 deletion. This suggests that the deletion as such was not enriched in a baseline disease in this subgroup with a high risk for rejection. To conclude, the different deletion types found in patients shared the complete deletion of the CFHR1 gene pointing to its primary role. Plasma proteomics studies show that deletion-tagging allele is associated with altered expression of CFH/CFHR proteins.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of complement factor H-related protein gene deletions on kidney transplantation

Salla,

Inkeri,

Ilkka

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Researchers have hypothesized that raising prolactin levels, a hormone involved in the immune system, may improve COVID-19 outcomes [34,37]. On the other hand, some studies have shown contradictory results that high serum prolactin may worsen disease severity depending on the phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection [34,62]. The relationship between prolactin and COVID-19 severity may also be affected by other factors such as age and patients' underlying health conditions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Sexual Function of Women, Levels of Oxytocin and Prolactin: A Prospective Cohort Study

Żak,

Starek,

Korga-Plewko

et al. 2024

JCM

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(1) Background: There is a lack of direct evidence on whether SARS-CoV-2 affects women’s sexual function through a biological-organic mechanism. Existing studies on the topic are few and have produced contradictory results. This study aims to explore the possible relationship between sex hormones and sexual function in patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we aimed to determine whether these changes are related to the clinical course of COVID-19 and whether they are temporary or long-lasting. (2) Methods: A study was conducted on 104 women, including 64 women infected with COVID-19 and a control group of 40 healthy women, between January 2021 and August 2022. Blood samples were collected to measure prolactin and oxytocin levels, and a clinical assessment was performed 3 and 6 months later. Sexual function self-assessment was captured based on the FSFI scale. (3) Results: Our study found that patients with severe COVID-19 had better sexual satisfaction scores one month after recovery but no discernible difference after six months. High levels of serum prolactin were observed in patients with active COVID-19 but became similar to a control group after one month and remained stable over time. Higher prolactin levels were significantly associated with increased arousal and hydration. Individuals with severe COVID-19 had notably low levels of plasma oxytocin, but there was no correlation between oxytocin levels and sexual satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: The gynecologic symptoms, as well as disturbances in oxytocin and prolactin levels, might be observed in a short time after infection. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection has no lasting effect on sexual function, oxytocin, and prolactin levels among women.

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“…Growth hormone and prolactin levels peak at night, even in the absence of sleep; however, these peaks can be further enhanced by sleep. Prolactin can play an immunomodulatory role through cytokine receptor modulation, and growth hormones can stimulate the proliferation of T/B cells and the synthesis of immunoglobulins [ 19 , 20 ]. Conversely, cortisol and catecholamines undergo suppression during sleep and are controlled by the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, respectively [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Section: Sleep and Immune System Interactionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sleep and neuroimmunology: a narrative review

Seok,

Yang

2024

encephalitis

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Numerous neuroimmunological disorders present with sleep-related symptoms. The identification of novel autoantibodies introduces new clinical categories in autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system and generates interest in the dynamic interaction between sleep and the immune system. In this review, the complex relationship among sleep, immune regulation, and neuroimmunological disorders was examined with emphasis on the vital role of sleep in modulating immune function and its influence on these conditions, This relationship emphasizes the importance of assessments and management of sleep quality in the treatment approaches for neuroimmunological disorders.

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The effects of prolactin on the immune system, its relationship with the severity of COVID-19, and its potential immunomodulatory therapeutic effect

Cited by 10 publications

References 113 publications

The impact of complement factor H-related protein gene deletions on kidney transplantation

The impact of complement factor H-related protein gene deletions on kidney transplantation

Assessment of the Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Sexual Function of Women, Levels of Oxytocin and Prolactin: A Prospective Cohort Study

Sleep and neuroimmunology: a narrative review

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