The effect of cytokines on skin during menopause

Abstract

Skin cells produce a variety of cytokines that are involved in skin homeostasis. The decrease in estrogen level that occurs in menopause brings with it an imbalanced level of cytokines that causes several menopausal complications including cutaneous aging which, although not life-threatening, affects the well-being and quality of life of elderly women. An imbalance in the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines drives the aging process and brings about the appearance of old skin characteristics like dry wrinkled skin, delayed wound healing, easy bruising, body hair loss, and fine-textured scalp hair. TNF-α, IL-6, CCN1, and TGF-β are involved in collagen homeostasis, which affects skin thickness, skin wrinkling, and cutaneous wound healing. Other cytokines produced by epidermal or dermal cells that are involved in skin aging are IL-1, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, and interferons. Further research is needed to establish the role of cytokines in the prevention and treatment of cutaneous aging.