The nonhuman primate model of the relationship between gonadal steroids and coronary heart disease

Experimental data derived from studies using cynomolgus macaque females provide strong evidence that estrogen influences both premenopausal and postmenopausal coronary artery atherosclerosis. Because the monkey studies are not hampered by selection bias, the data are supportive of the tentative conclusions from epidemiological studies indicating that the association between postmenopausal estrogen use and reduced coronary artery atherosclerosis is real. Present forms of HRT are not sufficiently acceptable to women to result in a compliance rate likely to affect the adverse impact of estrogen deprivation on coronary artery atherosclerosis. Nutritional supplementation may provide a more acceptable alternative.