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Increased plasma concentrations of TGF-beta1 after hormone replacement therapy
S Djurovic1, I Os, A E Hofstad
1Department of Medical Genetics, Ullevâl University Hospital, Osla, Norway. srdjan@djurovic@ioks.uio.no
Journal of Internal Medicine
|February 26, 2000
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease increased transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) and initially lowered lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Combination therapy maintained TGF-beta1 benefits but diminished Lp(a) reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.
- Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) is proposed to protect coronary arteries.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may inhibit TGF-beta1 activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of HRT on TGF-beta1 and Lp(a) in postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- 99 postmenopausal women with angiographically documented CHD were randomized to HRT (transdermal 17beta-oestradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate) or a control group.
- Serum levels of TGF-beta1 and Lp(a) were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- HRT significantly increased serum TGF-beta1 levels compared to controls at 3 and 12 months.
- HRT significantly reduced serum Lp(a) levels at 3 months, but this difference was not significant at 12 months.
- Combination therapy preserved the increase in TGF-beta1 but reduced the effect on Lp(a).
Conclusions:
- Transdermal HRT in postmenopausal women with CHD increases TGF-beta1 and initially lowers Lp(a), suggesting a potential cardioprotective mechanism.
- Combination therapy with oestradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate maintains TGF-beta1 elevation but attenuates the reduction in Lp(a).