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Sex steroids and the endothelium
H W Schnaper1, J McGuire, C Runyan
1Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Medical School, and the Children's Memorial Institute for Education and Research, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA. schnaper@nwu.edu
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|March 7, 2000
Summary
Estrogens, particularly 17beta-estradiol, offer cardioprotective effects in women by benefiting vascular wall physiology and reducing atherosclerosis. These ovarian steroids primarily act on endothelial cells, influencing signal transduction pathways.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Gonadal steroids significantly impact atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease progression in women.
- Hormone replacement therapy and estrogen treatment show beneficial effects on vascular health.
- Young women exhibit less atherosclerotic plaque compared to young men, suggesting a protective role for ovarian steroids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence supporting the positive effects of estrogens on endothelial cell biology.
- To explore potential mechanisms of estrogen action on endothelial cell signal transduction.
- To highlight the cardioprotective role of ovarian steroids in women's vascular health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating estrogen effects on vascular physiology.
- Analysis of data on arterial vascular caliber changes post-estrogen treatment.
- Examination of lipid level alterations in hormone replacement therapy recipients.
- Comparison of atherosclerotic plaque extent between genders.
Main Results:
- Estrogen treatment is associated with increased arterial vascular caliber.
- Hormone replacement therapy correlates with decreased lipid levels.
- Young women show a markedly reduced extent of atherosclerotic plaque formation compared to young men.
- 17beta-estradiol demonstrates particularly beneficial effects, primarily targeting endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian steroids, especially 17beta-estradiol, exert a cardioprotective effect in women.
- Estrogens positively influence endothelial cell biology and vascular wall physiology.
- Further research into estrogen's mechanisms on endothelial cell signal transduction is warranted.