Estrogen and progesterone regulation of human fibroblast-like synoviocyte function in vitro: implications in rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

We identified the presence of functional ER-alpha in fibroblast-like synoviocytes. This renders fibroblast-like synoviocytes as target cells for hormonal regulation. The regulatory effect of estrogen is partly targeted to the MMP and their respective inhibitors associated with fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Such studies provide a link between hormonal status and disease activity in RA and open new venues for future therapeutic intervention to combat this debilitating disease.