[Antioxidant properties of estrogens]

The author expounded present state of knowledge concerning antioxidant properties of estrogens. Estradiol, apart from its main hormonal effect, probably displays two mechanisms of antioxidant action. One of them results from hydroxyphenolic structure of their molecule. Estradiol may donate hydrogen atoms from its phenolic hydroxyl group to lipid peroxyradicals what results in the termination of the chain reactions of cell membrane phospholipides, which are the key reactions in cell damage. Estradiol also inhibits oxidative modification of LDL lipoprotein which plays the main role in atherogenesis. The other mechanism of antioxidative action of estradiol is probably associated with its stimulatory effect on natural cellular antioxidant enzymes. Data on this subject are scarce and controversial. The mechanisms of antioxidant action of estrogens require further investigation.