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Short-term estrogen administration improves abnormal endothelial function in women with systemic sclerosis and
J Lekakis1, M Mavrikakis, C Papamichael
1Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
American Heart Journal
|November 13, 1998
Summary
Systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon impair vascular function. Short-term estrogen therapy improved endothelial dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis, showing promise for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial changes are common in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP).
- Evaluating endothelial and non-endothelial vascular responses is crucial in these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation in SSc/RP patients.
- To investigate the impact of short-term estrogen administration on vascular function in SSc/RP.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution ultrasound measured brachial artery diameter during reactive hyperemia and after nitroglycerin.
- Common carotid artery intima-media thickness was assessed.
- Vascular responses were evaluated before and after intravenous conjugated estrogen administration in a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- Patients with SSc/RP exhibited increased intima-media thickness compared to controls.
- Both endothelium-dependent (flow-mediated) and endothelium-independent vasodilation were significantly reduced in SSc/RP patients.
- Estrogen administration significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation, but not endothelium-independent vasodilation.
Conclusions:
- Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis have impaired vascular function, including increased intima-media thickness and reduced vasodilation.
- Short-term estrogen administration can effectively improve endothelial dysfunction in this patient group.