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Hutson MJ, O'Donnell E, McConnell K, Chauntry AJ, Blagrove RC. Energy availability modulates regional blood flow via estrogen-independent pathways in regularly menstruating young women. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024; 124:3045-3055. [PMID: 38809480 PMCID: PMC11466997 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05497-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term low energy availability (LEA) on vascular function in young, regularly menstruating women. METHODS Participants were 19 women, aged 22.9 ± 4.2 years, with body mass index 18-30 kg·m2. They were divided into two groups and completed two conditions in a crossover design: a 3-day control condition (CON) with an energy availability of 45 kcals·kgFFM-1·day-1 and a 3-day LEA condition of 15 kcals·kgFFM-1 day-1. Assessments were conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Outcome measures included forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, resting energy expenditure (REE), metabolic blood markers and body composition. RESULTS Significant time-by-condition interactions were found for resting FBF (p = .004), REE (p = .042), triiodothyronine (p = .006), β-hydroxybutyrate (p = .002) and body mass (p < .001). Resting FBF was 1.43 ± 1.01 and 1.31 ± 0.61 (arbitrary units) at pre and post, respectively, in LEA and 1.52 ± 0.7 and 1.76 ± 0.57 at pre and post in CON. The LEA condition led to a decrease in triiodothyronine (pre: 1.54 ± 0.28, post: 1.29 ± 0.27 ng ml-1), REE (pre: 1588 ± 165, post: 1487 ± 160 kcals day-1) and body mass (pre: 61.4 ± 7.5, post: 59.6 ± 7.3 kg). Changes in resting FBF were significantly correlated with changes in REE in the LEA condition (r = 0.53; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Short-term LEA modifies regional blood flow and this might contribute to the observed decreased in REE. Findings emphasize the need for careful management of energy availability in populations at risk of LEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Hutson
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sport, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Emma O'Donnell
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Kyle McConnell
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sport, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Aiden J Chauntry
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard C Blagrove
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
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Cignarella A, Bolego C, Barton M. Sex and sex steroids as determinants of cardiovascular risk. Steroids 2024; 206:109423. [PMID: 38631602 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
There are considerable sex differences regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, as well as chronic renal disease. Women are largely protected from these conditions prior to menopause, and the risk increases following cessation of endogenous estrogen production or after surgical menopause. Cardiovascular diseases in women generally begin to occur at a later age than in men (on average with a delay of 10 years). Cessation of estrogen production also impacts metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. In middle-aged individuals, hypertension develops earlier and faster in women than in men, and smoking increases cardiovascular risk to a greater degree in women than it does in men. It is not only estrogen that affects female cardiovascular health and plays a protective role until menopause: other sex hormones such as progesterone and androgen hormones generate a complex balance that differentiates heart and blood vessel function in women compared to men. Estrogens improve vasodilation of epicardial coronary arteries and the coronary microvasculature by augmenting the release of vasodilating factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which are mechanisms of coronary vasodilatation that are more pronounced in women compared to men. Estrogens are also powerful inhibitors of inflammation, which in part explains their protective effects on CVD and chronic renal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that sex chromosomes also play a significant role in shaping cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection conferred by endogenous estrogens may be extended by hormone therapy, especially using bioidentical hormones and starting treatment early after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland.
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3
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Eissa MA, Gohar EY. Aromatase enzyme: Paving the way for exploring aromatization for cardio-renal protection. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115832. [PMID: 37931519 PMCID: PMC10843764 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Documented male-female differences in the risk of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases have been largely attributed to estrogens. The cardiovascular and renal protective effects of estrogens are mediated via the activation of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, and involve interactions with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Aromatase, also called estrogen synthase, is a cytochrome P-450 enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the conversion of androgens into estrogens. Estrogens are biosynthesized in gonadal and extra-gonadal sites by the action of aromatase. Evidence suggests that aromatase inhibitors, which are used to treat high estrogen-related pathologies, are associated with the development of cardiovascular events. We review the potential role of aromatization in providing cardio-renal protection and highlight several meta-analysis studies on cardiovascular events associated with aromatase inhibitors. Overall, we present the potential of aromatase enzyme as a fundamental contributor to cardio-renal protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manar A Eissa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Merit University, New Sohag, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Eman Y Gohar
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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4
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Delgado Spicuzza JM, Proctor DN, Thijssen DHJ, Somani YB. Menopausal stage differences in endothelial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15768. [PMID: 37734868 PMCID: PMC10513907 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In postmenopausal women, reduced ovarian function precedes endothelial dysfunction and attenuated endothelial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. We hypothesized that IR injury would lower endothelial function, with premenopausal women demonstrating the greatest protection from injury, followed by early, then late postmenopausal women. METHODS Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed at baseline and following IR injury in premenopausal (n = 11), early (n = 11; 4 ± 1.6 years since menopause), and late (n = 11; 15 ± 5.5 years since menopause) postmenopausal women. RESULTS There were significant group differences in baseline FMD (p = 0.007); post hoc analysis revealed a similar resting FMD between premenopausal (7.8% ± 2.1%) and early postmenopausal (7.1% ± 2.7%), but significantly lower FMD in late postmenopausal women (4.5% ± 2.3%). Results showed an overall decline in FMD after IR injury (p < 0.001), and a significant condition*time interaction (p = 0.048), with early postmenopausal women demonstrating the most significant decline in FMD following IR. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that endothelial resistance to IR injury is attenuated in healthy early postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M. Delgado Spicuzza
- Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, Huck Life SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - David N. Proctor
- Integrative and Biomedical Physiology, Huck Life SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Kinesiology DepartmentThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dick H. J. Thijssen
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise ScienceLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Department of PhysiologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Yasina B. Somani
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise ScienceLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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5
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Visniauskas B, Kilanowski-Doroh I, Ogola BO, Mcnally AB, Horton AC, Imulinde Sugi A, Lindsey SH. Estrogen-mediated mechanisms in hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:609-618. [PMID: 36319856 PMCID: PMC10919324 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-022-00771-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally for men and women. Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of hypertension and other cardiovascular events than men of the same age, but diminished sex differences after menopause implicates 17-beta-estradiol (E2) as a protective agent. The cardioprotective effects of E2 are mediated by nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). This review summarizes both established as well as emerging estrogen-mediated mechanisms that underlie sex differences in the vasculature during hypertension and CVD. In addition, remaining knowledge gaps inherent in the association of sex differences and E2 are identified, which may guide future clinical trials and experimental studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Visniauskas
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Benard O Ogola
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alexandra B Mcnally
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alec C Horton
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ariane Imulinde Sugi
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology and Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Tulane Brain Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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6
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Piťha J, Vaněčková I, Zicha J. Hypertension after the Menopause: What Can We Learn from Experimental Studies? Physiol Res 2023; 72:S91-S112. [PMID: 37565415 PMCID: PMC10660576 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease of the adult population and is closely associated with serious cardiovascular events. The burden of hypertension with respect to vascular and other organ damage is greater in women. These sex differences are not fully understood. The unique feature in women is their transition to menopause accompanied by profound hormonal changes that affect the vasculature that are also associated with changes of blood pressure. Results from studies of hormone replacement therapy and its effects on the cardiovascular system are controversial, and the timing of treatment after menopause seems to be important. Therefore, revealing potential sex- and sex hormone-dependent pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension in experimental studies could provide valuable information for better treatment of hypertension and vascular impairment, especially in postmenopausal women. The experimental rat models subjected to ovariectomy mimicking menopause could be useful tools for studying the mechanisms of blood pressure regulation after menopause and during subsequent therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Piťha
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
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7
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Davezac M, Buscato M, Zahreddine R, Lacolley P, Henrion D, Lenfant F, Arnal JF, Fontaine C. Estrogen Receptor and Vascular Aging. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:727380. [PMID: 35821994 PMCID: PMC9261451 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.727380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain an age-related pathology in both men and women. These pathologies are 3-fold more frequent in men than in women before menopause, although this difference progressively decreases after menopause. The vasculoprotective role of estrogens are well established before menopause, but the consequences of their abrupt decline on the cardiovascular risk at menopause remain debated. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the main clinical and experimental studies reporting the protective effects of estrogens against cardiovascular diseases, with a particular focus on atherosclerosis, and the impact of aging and estrogen deprivation on their endothelial actions. The arterial actions of estrogens, but also part of that of androgens through their aromatization into estrogens, are mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. ERs belong to the nuclear receptor family and act by transcriptional regulation in the nucleus, but also exert non-genomic/extranuclear actions. Beside the decline of estrogens at menopause, abnormalities in the expression and/or function of ERs in the tissues, and particularly in arteries, could contribute to the failure of classic estrogens to protect arteries during aging. Finally, we will discuss how recent insights in the mechanisms of action of ERα could contribute to optimize the hormonal treatment of the menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Davezac
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Melissa Buscato
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Rana Zahreddine
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Lacolley
- INSERM, UMR_S 1116, DCAC Institute, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Daniel Henrion
- INSERM U1083 CNRS UMR 6015, CHU, MITOVASC Institute and CARFI Facility, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Francoise Lenfant
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Francois Arnal
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Coralie Fontaine
- INSERM-UPS UMR U1297, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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8
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Sex steroids receptors, hypertension, and vascular ageing. J Hum Hypertens 2022; 36:120-125. [PMID: 34230581 PMCID: PMC8850193 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-021-00576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormone receptors are expressed throughout the vasculature and play an important role in the modulation of blood pressure in health and disease. The functions of these receptors may be important in the understanding of sexual dimorphism observed in the pathophysiology of both hypertension and vascular ageing. The interconnectivity of these factors can be exemplified in postmenopausal females, who with age and estrogen deprivation, surpass males with regard to hypertension prevalence, despite experiencing significantly less disease burden in their estrogen replete youth. Estrogen and androgen receptors mediate their actions via direct genomic effects or rapid non-genomic signaling, involving a host of mediators. The expression and subtype composition of these receptors changes through the lifespan in response to age, disease and hormonal exposure. These factors may promote sex steroid receptor-mediated alterations to the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), and increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby contributing to the development of hypertension and vascular injury with age.
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9
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Crawford TC, Grimm JC. Understanding the "X"s and "Y"s of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 113:505. [PMID: 33964259 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Todd C Crawford
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 6 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Joshua C Grimm
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 6 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
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10
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Boscaro C, Trenti A, Baggio C, Scapin C, Trevisi L, Cignarella A, Bolego C. Sex Differences in the Pro-Angiogenic Response of Human Endothelial Cells: Focus on PFKFB3 and FAK Activation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:587221. [PMID: 33390959 PMCID: PMC7773665 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.587221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Female hormones and sex-specific factors are established determinants of endothelial function, yet their relative contribution to human endothelium phenotypes has not been defined. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) genotyped by donor's sex, we investigated the influence of sex and estrogenic agents on the main steps of the angiogenic process and on key proteins governing HUVEC metabolism and migratory properties. HUVECs from female donors (fHUVECs) showed increased viability (p < 0.01) and growth rate (p < 0.01) compared with those from males (mHUVECs). Despite higher levels of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in fHUVECs (p < 0.001), treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) and the selective GPER agonist G1 (both 1-100 nM) did not affect HUVEC viability. Migration and tubularization in vitro under physiological conditions were higher in fHUVECs than in mHUVECs (p < 0.05). E2 treatment (1-100 nM) upregulated the glycolytic activator PFKFB3 with higher potency in fHUVECs than in mHUVECs, despite comparable baseline levels. Moreover, Y576/577 phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was markedly enhanced in fHUVECs (p < 0.001), despite comparable Src activation levels. While the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (25 µM) inhibited HUVEC migration (p < 0.05), Akt phosphorylation levels in fHUVECs and mHUVECs were comparable. Finally, digitoxin treatment, which inhibits Y576/577 FAK phosphorylation, abolished sexual dimorphism in HUVEC migration. These findings unravel complementary modulation of HUVEC functional phenotypes and signaling molecules involved in angiogenesis by hormone microenvironment and sex-specific factors, and highlight the need for sex-oriented pharmacological targeting of endothelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Boscaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Baggio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Trevisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Shabbir A, Rathod KS, Khambata RS, Ahluwalia A. Sex Differences in the Inflammatory Response: Pharmacological Opportunities for Therapeutics for Coronary Artery Disease. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:333-359. [PMID: 33035428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010919-023229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coordinated molecular responses are key to effective initiation and resolution of both acute and chronic inflammation. Vascular inflammation plays an important role in initiating and perpetuating atherosclerotic disease, specifically at the site of plaque and subsequent fibrous cap rupture. Both men and women succumb to this disease process, and although management strategies have focused on revascularization and pharmacological therapies in the acute situation to reverse vessel closure and prevent thrombogenesis, data now suggest that regulation of host inflammation may improve both morbidity and mortality, thus supporting the notion that prevention is better than cure. There is a clear sex difference in the incidence of vascular disease, and data confirm biological differences in inflammatory initiation and resolution between men and women. This article reviews contemporary opinions describing the sex difference in the initiation and resolution of inflammatory responses, with a view to explore potential targets for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Shabbir
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom;
| | - Krishnaraj Sinhji Rathod
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom;
| | - Rayomand Syrus Khambata
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom;
| | - Amrita Ahluwalia
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom;
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12
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Somani YB, Pawelczyk JA, De Souza MJ, Kris-Etherton PM, Proctor DN. Aging women and their endothelium: probing the relative role of estrogen on vasodilator function. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H395-H404. [PMID: 31173499 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00430.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant decreases in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the past three decades, it still remains the leading cause of death in women. Following menopause and the accompanying loss of estrogen, women experience a unique, accelerated rise in CVD risk factors. Dysfunction of the endothelium represents an important antecedent to CVD development, with rapid declines in endothelial vasodilator function reportedly taking place across the menopause transition. Importantly, the decline in endothelial function is independent of chronological age and is associated with estrogen deficiency. Estrogen-mediated effects, including increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, contribute to preserving endothelial health. This review will discuss studies that have probed the role of estrogen on endothelial vasodilator function in women at discrete stages of the menopause transition and the effects of estradiol supplementation in postmenopausal women. Estrogen receptor signaling is also an important aspect of endothelial function in women, and studies suggest that expression is reduced with both acute and prolonged estrogen deficiency. Changes in regulatory mechanisms of estrogen receptor-α expression as well as sensitivity to estrogen may underlie the differential effects of estrogen therapy in early (≤5 yr past final menstrual period) and late postmenopausal women (>5 yr past final menstrual period). Lastly, this review presents potential therapeutic targets that include increasing l-arginine bioavailability and estrogen receptor activation to prevent endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women as a strategy for decreasing CVD mortality in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasina B Somani
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - James A Pawelczyk
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Jane De Souza
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Penny M Kris-Etherton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - David N Proctor
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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13
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Holder SM, Brislane Á, Dawson EA, Hopkins ND, Hopman MTE, Cable NT, Jones H, Schreuder THA, Sprung VS, Naylor L, Maiorana A, Thompson A, Thijssen DHJ, Green DJ. Relationship Between Endothelial Function and the Eliciting Shear Stress Stimulus in Women: Changes Across the Lifespan Differ to Men. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e010994. [PMID: 30764688 PMCID: PMC6405684 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, which may partly be due to a protective effect of estrogen on endothelial function. Animal studies suggest that estrogen may also improve the relationship between shear rate ( SR ) and endothelial function. We aimed to explore the relationship between endothelial function (ie, flow-mediated dilation [ FMD ]) and SR (ie, SR area under the curve [ SRAUC ]) in women versus men, and between pre- versus postmenopausal women. Methods and Results Brachial artery FMD and SRAUC were measured in accordance with expert-consensus guidelines in 932 healthy participants who were stratified into young adults (18-40 years, 389 men, 144 women) and older adults (>40 years, 260 men, 139 women). Second, we compared premenopausal (n=173) and postmenopausal women (n=110). There was evidence of a weak correlation between SRAUC and FMD in all groups but older men, although there was variation in strength of outcomes. Further exploration using interaction terms (age-sex× SRAUC ) in linear regression revealed differential relationships with FMD (young women versus young men [β=-5.8-4, P=0.017] and older women [β=-5.9-4, P=0.049]). The correlation between SRAUC and FMD in premenopausal women ( r2=0.097) was not statistically different from that in postmenopausal women ( r2=0.025; Fisher P=0.30). Subgroup analysis using stringent inclusion criteria for health markers (n=505) confirmed a stronger FMD - SRAUC correlation in young women compared with young men and older women. Conclusions Evidence for a stronger relationship between endothelial function and the eliciting SR stimulus is present in young women compared with men. Estrogen may contribute to this finding, but larger healthy cohorts are required for conclusive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M. Holder
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Áine Brislane
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Ellen A. Dawson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicola D. Hopkins
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Maria T. E. Hopman
- Department of PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - N. Timothy Cable
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation SciencesUniversity of BirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Helen Jones
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Tim H. A. Schreuder
- Department of PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Victoria S. Sprung
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology IIInstitute of Ageing and Chronic DiseaseUniversity of LiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Louise Naylor
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science)The University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Andrew Maiorana
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise ScienceCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
- Allied Health Department & Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant ServiceFiona Stanley HospitalPerthAustralia
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised MedicineUniversity of LiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Dick H. J. Thijssen
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
- Department of PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Daniel J. Green
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science)The University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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14
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Hildreth KL, Schwartz RS, Vande Griend J, Kohrt WM, Blatchford PJ, Moreau KL. Effects of testosterone and progressive resistance exercise on vascular function in older men. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:1693-1701. [PMID: 30188798 PMCID: PMC7474250 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular effects of testosterone (T) are controversial. Low T has been associated with accelerated vascular aging, characterized by large elastic artery stiffening (decreased compliance), intimal-medial thickening (IMT), and endothelial dysfunction. Endurance exercise improves vascular function, but resistance training may increase arterial stiffness. We sought to determine whether T supplementation improved markers of vascular aging in men with low-normal T and whether T supplementation prevented arterial stiffness with resistance exercise. We studied 160 community-dwelling older men (66 ± 5 yr) with low-normal baseline total T levels (200-350 ng/dl). Participants were randomized to transdermal T gel targeting either a lower (400-550 ng/dl) or higher (600-1,000 ng/dl) T range or to placebo gel and to either progressive resistance training (PRT) or to no exercise for 12 mo. Carotid artery stiffness (arterial compliance) and carotid IMT were measured at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. Endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) was measured in a subset (n = 86). Changes in carotid artery compliance, IMT, and endothelial function with either the lower or higher range of T supplementation were not different from placebo at 6 or 12 mo. There were no differences between PRT and no PRT groups, alone or with T supplementation, in changes in any of the vascular measures at either time point. Supplementation of T and PRT in older men with low-normal levels do not appear to improve or harm vascular function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased promotion and prescription of testosterone (T) to aging men has raised concerns about potential adverse cardiovascular effects. We show that in older men with T levels in the low-normal range, 12 mo of T supplementation with or without resistance exercise did not improve or harm vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Hildreth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert S Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Joseph Vande Griend
- University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wendy M Kohrt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Patrick J Blatchford
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
- Colorado Biostatistical Consortium, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
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15
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Bansal S, Chopra K. Selective ER-α agonist alleviates vascular endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized type 2 diabetic rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 460:152-161. [PMID: 28736253 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal diabetic women represent a specific risk group with a greater incidence of vascular deficits as compared with age-matched men or non-diabetic women. 17β-estradiol is the mainstay therapy for menopause and associated complications; however, its vasculoprotective effect is lost in women with diabetes. Although, exact mechanism of dichotomous effect of estrogen has not been delineated but it may be due to, differential activation of ER-α and β during disease conditions such as diabetes. Thus main objective of our study was to characterize the specific estrogen receptor which could be selectively targeted to achieve vasculoprotection in postmenopausal diabetic situation. A significant impairment in glycemic and lipid profile, decreased ACh-induced endothelium dependent relaxation, impaired endothelial integrity, and rise in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were observed in ovariectomized type 2 diabetic rats as compared to sham rats. These markers were further correlated with aortic eNOS levels. Treatment with selective ER-α receptor agonist markedly while 17β-estradiol partially ameliorated these alterations along with enhanced aortic eNOS levels. However, ER-β agonist did not show any effect. Our data suggests that selective ER-α activation could be an important pharmacological target, to mimic the beneficial effect of estradiol in cardiovascular disorders, especially in postmenopausal diabetic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Bansal
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Kanwaljit Chopra
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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16
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Estrogenic vascular effects are diminished by chronological aging. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12153. [PMID: 28939871 PMCID: PMC5610317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial role of estrogen in the vascular system may be due, in part, through reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. The use of estrogen therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women remains contentious. This study investigated the influence of aging and the menopause on the acute vasodilatory effects of estrogen using ex vivo human and murine resistance arteries. Vessels were obtained from young (2.9 ± 0.1 months) and aged (24.2 ± 0.1 and 28.9 ± 0.3 months) female mice and pre- (42.3 ± 0.5 years) and post-menopausal (61.9 ± 0.9 years) women. Aging was associated with profound structural alterations of murine uterine arteries, including the occurrence of outward hypertrophic remodeling and increased stiffness. Endothelial and smooth muscle function were diminished in uterine (and tail) arteries from aged mice and post-menopausal women. The acute vasodilatory effects of 17β-estradiol (non-specific estrogen receptor (ER) agonist), PPT (ERα-specific agonist) and DPN (ERβ-specific agonist) on resistance arteries were attenuated by aging and the menopause. However, the impairment of estrogenic relaxation was evident after the occurrence of age-related endothelial dysfunction and diminished distensibility. The data indicate, therefore, that chronological resistance arterial aging is a prominent factor leading to weakened vasodilatory action of estrogenic compounds.
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17
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Abstract
Regular exercise is promoted as a therapeutic strategy for age-associated endothelial dysfunction. Improvements in endothelial function are observed with endurance exercise in older men, but are diminished or absent in older women. This article examines the hypothesis that sex hormones modulate vascular adaptations to exercise training by influencing antioxidant defense systems, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and intracellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L. Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Cemal Ozemek
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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18
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Gudmundsson A, Aspelund T, Sigurdsson G, Harris T, Launer LJ, Gudnason V, Jonsson H. Long-Term Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Associated with Low Coronary Artery Calcium Levels in a Cohort of Older Women: The Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 65:200-206. [PMID: 27861721 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC). DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Established population-based cohort in Reykjavik, Iceland. PARTICIPANTS Women (mean age 76 ± 5) who had completed questionnaires on HRT use (N = 2,867). MEASUREMENTS Coronary artery calcium assessed using computed tomography was the outcome variable and was compared between women with history of HRT and those who had never used HRT and analyzed according to age, length of use, and time after menopause that HRT was initiated. RESULTS Eight hundred seventy-two (30.4%) participants had used HRT, and 312 (10.9%) were current users. After adjustment for age, other late-life variables, and a propensity score based on midlife data for HRT use as observed in late life, there were significant negative associations between CAC and history and length of HRT use. This association was evident in all age categories. When HRT had been used for longer than 15 years, median CAC level was less than 50% of that observed in never users. The lowest CAC was observed in those who started HRT within 5 years after menopause. The prevalence of coronary events was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION A strong association was found between long-term HRT use and low CAC. The negative association between duration of HRT and CAC was evident in all age groups of older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalsteinn Gudmundsson
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thor Aspelund
- University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, Iceland
| | - Gunnar Sigurdsson
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, Iceland
| | - Tamara Harris
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lenore J Launer
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vilmundur Gudnason
- University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, Iceland
| | - Helgi Jonsson
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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19
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Maekawa H, Serrone JC, Tjahjadi M, Hernesniemi J. RETRACTED ARTICLE: The role of estrogen on the pathology of cerebral aneurysms. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:927-35. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1189827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Keaney
- From the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (J.F.K.)
| | - Caren G Solomon
- From the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (J.F.K.)
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21
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Oche B, Chen L, Ma YK, Yang Y, Li CX, Geng X, Qiu LZ, Gao XM, Wang H. Cryptotanshinone and wogonin up-regulate eNOS in vascular endothelial cells via ERα and down-regulate iNOS in LPS stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells via ERβ. Arch Pharm Res 2015; 39:249-258. [PMID: 26481132 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-015-0671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens were widely used as natural alternatives to estrogen for treating cardiovascular diseases. They have been reported to have cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory response, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found cryptotanshinone and wogonin exhibited phytoestrogenic property in an estrogen-responsive reporter assay. In EA.hy926 cells, treatment of cryptotanshinone and wogonin led to significant increase in NO production levels, which were inhibited by co-incubation of estrogen receptor (ER)α antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP). The expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and ERα were up-regulated with the same treatment, indicating they stimulate NO and eNOS expression via ERα-dependent pathway in endothelial cells. While in lipopolysaccharide activated vascular smooth muscle cell line A7r5, cryptotanshinone and wogonin exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO and inducible NO synthase expression via ERβ-dependent pathway. The reduction of NO synthesis was not affected by MPP, and was abrogated by ERβ antagonist R,R-tetrahydrochrysene. Our findings provide the potential molecular mechanism of cryptotanshinone and wogonin as phytoestrogens for their cardioprotective effects, which exerted regulatory effects on NO synthesis through differential regulation of estrogen receptors. It can be employed as a basis for evaluating the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens in the treatment of patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Oche
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Ya-Ke Ma
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Xiao Geng
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Li-Zhen Qiu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Gao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology, Tianjin, China. .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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22
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Qureshi AI, Malik AA, Saeed O, Defillo A, Sherr GT, Suri MFK. Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage in postmenopausal women. J Neurosurg 2015; 124:45-50. [PMID: 26162033 DOI: 10.3171/2014.12.jns142329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) increases after menopause. Anecdotal data suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the rate of SAH and aneurysm formation in women. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of HRT on occurrence of SAH in a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women. METHODS The data were analyzed for 93, 676 women 50-79 years of age who were enrolled in the observational arm of the Women's Health Initiative Study. The effect of HRT on risk of SAH was determined over a period of 12 ± 1 years (mean ± SD) using Cox proportional hazards analysis after adjusting for potential confounders. Additional analysis was performed to identify the risk associated with "estrogen only" and "estrogen and progesterone" HRT among women. RESULTS Of the 93, 676 participants, 114 (0.1%) developed SAH during the follow-up period. The rate of SAH was higher among women on active HRT compared with those without HRT used (0.14% vs 0.11%, absolute difference 0.03%, p < 0.0001). In unadjusted analysis, participants who reported active use of HRT were 60% more likely to suffer an SAH (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3). Compared with women without HRT use, the risk of SAH continued to be higher among women reporting active use of HRT (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2) after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, race/ethnicity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The risk of SAH was nonsignificantly higher among women on "estrogen only" HRT (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.91-2.0) than "estrogen and progesterone" HRT(RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-2.1) after adjusting for the above-mentioned confounders. CONCLUSIONS Postmenopausal women, particularly those at risk for SAH due to presence of unruptured aneurysms, family history, or cardiovascular risk factors, should be counseled against use of HRT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed A Malik
- Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute, St. Cloud, Minnesota
| | - Omar Saeed
- Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute, St. Cloud, Minnesota
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23
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Ramezani Tehrani F, Behboudi-Gandevani S, Ghasemi A, Azizi F. Association between serum concentrations of nitric oxide and transition to menopause. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2015; 94:708-714. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center; Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Samira Behboudi-Gandevani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center; Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Asghar Ghasemi
- Endocrine Physiology Research Center; Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center; Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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24
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Lamas AZ, Caliman IF, Dalpiaz PLM, de Melo AF, Abreu GR, Lemos EM, Gouvea SA, Bissoli NS. Comparative effects of estrogen, raloxifene and tamoxifen on endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats. Life Sci 2015; 124:101-9. [PMID: 25623855 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Endothelial dysfunction is considered a premature indication of atherosclerosis and vessel damage and is present in the postmenopausal period. This study compares the influence of estrogen, raloxifene and tamoxifen on factors that affect endothelial function in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MAIN METHODS The rats were divided into: SHAM; OVX; OVX+estrogen (0.5 μg/kg/day); OVX+raloxifene (2 mg/kg/day) and OVX+tamoxifen (1 mg/kg/day) groups. The acetylcholine vasorelaxation response was evaluated in the mesenteric vascular bed. The vascular oxidative stress and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were monitored, and analyses of eNOS and iNOS were performed. KEY FINDINGS The acetylcholine-induced responses obtained in the OVX were lower than those obtained in the SHAM, and all treatments restored this response. l-NAME reduced and equalized the acetylcholine-induced response in all groups. The attenuation of the acetylcholine-induced responses by aminoguanidine was greater in the OVX. Endothelial dysfunction in OVX was associated with oxidative stress and an increase in iNOS and decrease in eNOS expression. Except for the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in the OVX+tamoxifen, treatments improved the nitric oxide component of the relaxation response and normalized both the oxidative stress and the expression of those signaling pathway enzymes. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in OVX, and treatments normalized these levels. SIGNIFICANCE Raloxifene and tamoxifen have similar anti-inflammatory effects that may be important in improving vascular dysfunction. Tamoxifen did not affect the ROS but improved endothelial dysfunction. The protective effect on endothelial function by these treatments provides evidence of their potential cardiovascular benefits in the postmenopausal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Zandonadi Lamas
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Izabela Facco Caliman
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Polyana Lima Meireles Dalpiaz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Antônio Ferreira de Melo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Rodrigues Abreu
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Elenice Moreira Lemos
- Nucleus of Infectious Diseases, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Sonia Alves Gouvea
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Nazaré Souza Bissoli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
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25
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Bansal S, Chopra K. Distinct role of estrogen receptor-alpha and beta on postmenopausal diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 206:51-9. [PMID: 24967951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is known to influence vascular functions and insulin sensitivity, but the relative contribution of estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms in postmenopausal diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction is unclear. The aim of the present study was to delineate the distinct role of estrogen receptor-α and beta β on the vascular function in ovariectomized diabetic rats. Age matched 60 female sprague dawley rats (200-250g) were divided in nine groups. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed and streptozotocin was used to induce experimental diabetes. Rats were administered with 10μg/kg; s.c. of a nonselective estrogen receptor agonist, 17-β estradiol (E2), selective ER-α agonist (4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H] pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) tris phenol (PPT) and selective ER-β agonist, 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) for 4weeks after STZ injection. Treatment with selective ER-α agonist and E2 improved the impaired glycemic and lipid profile in ovariectomized diabetic rats, however selective ER-β agonist did not show any effect. Vascular endothelial dysfunction was assessed by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium dependent and independent relaxation in isolated rat aortic ring preparation as well as by electron microscopy of thoracic aorta. Further, serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, tumour necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta and C-reactive protein were estimated to assess oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. Treatment with ER-α agonist markedly and E2 partially improved vascular function and endothelial integrity along with reduction in serum TBARS and inflammatory cytokines. However, ER-β agonist did not show any improvement in vascular functions, oxidative stress or inflammation. These findings suggest that selective targeting of ER-α receptors results in vasculoprotection in the state of hypoestrogenicity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Bansal
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Kanwaljit Chopra
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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Abstract
Vascular aging, featuring endothelial dysfunction and large artery stiffening, is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). In women, vascular aging appears to be accelerated during the menopause transition, particularly around the late perimenopausal period, presumably related to declines in ovarian function and estrogen levels. The mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction and large artery stiffening with the menopause transition are not completely understood. Oxidative stress and the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α contribute to endothelial dysfunction and large artery stiffening in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Habitual endurance exercise attenuates the age-related increase in large artery stiffness in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women and can reverse arterial stiffening to premenopausal levels in estrogen-replete postmenopausal women. In contrast, estrogen status appears to play a key permissive role in the adaptive response of the endothelium to habitual endurance exercise in that endothelial improvements are absent in estrogen-deficient women but present in estrogen-replete women. We review here the current state of knowledge on the biological defects underlying vascular aging across the menopause transition, with particular focus on potential mechanisms, the role of habitual exercise in preserving vascular health, and key areas for future research.
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Zeynalov E, Rezvani N, Miyazaki C, Liu X, Littleton-Kearney MT. Reproductive senescence blunts response of estrogen receptor-α expression to estrogen treatment in rat post-ischemic cerebral microvessels. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102194. [PMID: 25010766 PMCID: PMC4092076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies demonstrate that estrogen treatment improves cerebral blood flow in ischemic brain regions of young ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) may mediate estrogen's beneficial actions via its effects on the cerebral microvasculature. However, estrogen-derived benefit may be attenuated in aged, reproductively senescent (RS) rats. Our goal was to determine the effects of aging, estrogen deprivation and estrogen repletion with oral conjugated estrogens (CE) on postischemic cerebral microvascular protein expression of ER-α and ER-β. METHODS Fisher-344 (n = 37) female rats were randomly divided into the following groups: OVX, OVX CE-treated, RS untreated, and RS CE-treated. After 30 days pretreatment with CE (0.01 mg/kg) rats were subjected to 15 min. transient global cerebral ischemia. Non-ischemic naïve, OVX and RS rats were used as controls. Expression of ER-α and ER-β in isolated cortical cerebral microvessels (20 to 100 µm in diameter) was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques. RESULTS Age and reproductive status blunted nonischemic ER-α expression in microvessels of OVX rats (0.31 ± 0.05) and RS rats (0.33 ± 0.06) compared to naïve rats (0.45 ± 0.02). Postischemic microvascular expression of ER-α in OVX rats (0.01 ± 0.0) was increased by CE treatment (0.04 ± 0.01). Expression of ER-α in microvessels of RS rats (0.03 ± 0.02) was unaffected by CE treatment (0.01 ± 0.02). Western blot data are presented as a ratio of ER-α or ER-β proteins to β-actin and. Oral CE treatment had no effect on ER-β expression in postischemic microvessels of OVX and RS rats. Statistical analysis was performed by One-Way ANOVA and a Newman-Keuls or Student's post-hoc test. CONCLUSION Chronic treatment with CE increases ER-α but not ER-β expression in cerebral microvessels of OVX rats. Aging appears to reduce the normal ability of estrogen to increase ER-α expression in postischemic cerebral microvessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Zeynalov
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Niloofar Rezvani
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chikao Miyazaki
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xiaoguang Liu
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Tada Y, Wada K, Shimada K, Makino H, Liang EI, Murakami S, Kudo M, Shikata F, Pena Silva RA, Kitazato KT, Hasan DM, Kanematsu Y, Nagahiro S, Hashimoto T. Estrogen protects against intracranial aneurysm rupture in ovariectomized mice. Hypertension 2014; 63:1339-44. [PMID: 24732889 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical observations suggest that postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of aneurysmal rupture than premenopausal women. We hypothesize that a relative deficiency in estrogen may increase the risks of aneurysmal growth and subarachnoid hemorrhage in postmenopausal women. We assessed the effects of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor subtype agonists on the development of aneurysmal rupture in ovariectomized female mice. We used an intracranial aneurysm mouse model that recapitulates the key features of human intracranial aneurysms, including spontaneous rupture. Ten- to 12-week-old ovariectomized female mice received treatment with estrogen, nonselective estrogen receptor antagonist, estrogen receptor-α agonist, or estrogen receptor-β agonist starting 6 days after aneurysm induction so that the treatments affected the development of aneurysmal rupture without affecting aneurysmal formation. Estrogen significantly reduced the incidence of ruptured aneurysms and rupture rates in ovariectomized mice. Nonselective estrogen receptor antagonist abolished the protective effect of estrogen. Although estrogen receptor-α agonist did not affect the incidence of ruptured aneurysms or rupture rates, estrogen receptor-β agonist prevented aneurysmal rupture without affecting the formation of aneurysms. The protective role of estrogen receptor-β agonist was abolished by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. We showed that estrogen prevented aneurysmal rupture in ovariectomized female mice. The protective effect of estrogen seemed to occur through the activation of estrogen receptor-β, a predominant subtype of estrogen receptor in human intracranial aneurysms and cerebral arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiteru Tada
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, No 3C-38, San Francisco, CA 94110.
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Caliman IF, Lamas AZ, Dalpiaz PLM, Medeiros ARS, Abreu GR, Gomes Figueiredo S, Nascimento Gusmão L, Uggere Andrade T, Souza Bissoli N. Endothelial relaxation mechanisms and oxidative stress are restored by atorvastatin therapy in ovariectomized rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80892. [PMID: 24278341 PMCID: PMC3836761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in females with estrogen deficiency are not conclusive. Thus, non-estrogen therapies, such as atorvastatin (ATO), could be new strategies to substitute or complement HRT. This study evaluated the effects of ATO on mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) function from ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Female rats were divided into control SHAM, OVX, and OVX treated with 17β-estradiol (EST) or ATO groups. The MVB reactivity was determined in organ chambers, vascular oxidative stress by dihydroethidine staining, and the expression of target proteins by western blot. The reduction in acetylcholine-induced relaxation in OVX rats was restored by ATO or EST treatment. The endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO) component was reduced in OVX rats, whereas the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) component or prostanoids were not altered in the MVBs. Endothelial dysfunction in OVX rats was associated with oxidative stress, an up-regulation of iNOS and NADPH oxidase expression and a down-regulation of eNOS expression. Treatment with ATO or EST improved the NO component of the relaxation and normalized oxidative stress and the expression of those signaling pathways enzymes. Thus, the protective effect of ATO on endothelial dysfunction caused by estrogen deficiency highlights a significant therapeutic benefit for statins independent of its effects on cholesterol, thus providing evidence that non-estrogen therapy could be used for cardiovascular benefit in an estrogen-deficient state, such as menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Facco Caliman
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Aline Zandonadi Lamas
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Glaucia Rodrigues Abreu
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Suely Gomes Figueiredo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Lara Nascimento Gusmão
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Tadeu Uggere Andrade
- Department of Pharmacy, University Center of Vila Velha, Vila Velha, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Nazaré Souza Bissoli
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Moreau KL, Stauffer BL, Kohrt WM, Seals DR. Essential role of estrogen for improvements in vascular endothelial function with endurance exercise in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:4507-15. [PMID: 24092827 PMCID: PMC3816259 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In contrast to age-matched men, endurance exercise training is not consistently associated with enhanced endothelial function in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. We determined whether endurance exercise training improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women treated with estrogen. In a substudy, we determined if oxidative stress is mechanistically linked to endothelial function adaptations to endurance exercise training. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured in 36 sedentary, estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women (45-65 y) at study entry (baseline), after 12 weeks of either placebo, oral (1 mg/d) estradiol, or transdermal estradiol (0.05 mg/d) (randomized), and after an additional 12 weeks of continued estradiol or placebo treatment with concurrent endurance exercise training. In subgroups of women, FMD also was measured during the infusion of ascorbic acid at baseline and following estradiol/placebo plus endurance exercise training, and in seven habitually endurance-trained estrogen-deficient controls. RESULTS FMD increased in the estrogen-treated groups (both P < .01) after 12 weeks and remained unchanged in placebo. FMD further increased following 12 weeks of endurance exercise training in estrogen-treated (both P < .025), but not placebo-treated women (P = .55). In the substudy, baseline FMD was similar between sedentary and endurance-trained controls. Ascorbic acid increased FMD at baseline in sedentary women and endurance-trained controls, and following endurance exercise training in placebo-treated, but not in estrogen-treated women. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen status appears to play an important modulatory role in improvements in endothelial function with endurance exercise training in postmenopausal women. The restored endurance exercise training adaptation in estrogen-treated postmenopausal women may be related to mitigation of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Moreau
- PhD, AssociateDivision of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Building L15, Room 8111, 12631 East 17th Avenue, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045.
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31
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Singh M, Su C. Progesterone-induced neuroprotection: factors that may predict therapeutic efficacy. Brain Res 2013; 1514:98-106. [PMID: 23340161 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Both progesterone and estradiol have well-described neuroprotective effects against numerous insults in a variety of cell culture models, animal models and in humans. However, the efficacy of these hormones may depend on a variety of factors, including the type of hormone used (ex. progesterone versus medroxyprogesterone acetate), the duration of the postmenopausal period prior to initiating the hormone intervention, and potentially, the age of the subject. The latter two factors relate to the proposed existence of a "window of therapeutic opportunity" for steroid hormones in the brain. While such a window of opportunity has been described for estrogen, there is a paucity of information to address whether such a window of opportunity exists for progesterone and its related progestins. Here, we review known cellular mechanisms likely to underlie the protective effects of progesterone and furthermore, describe key differences in the neurobiology of progesterone and the synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Based on the latter, we offer a model that defines some of the key cellular and molecular players that predict the neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone. Accordingly, we suggest how changes in the expression or function of these cellular and molecular targets of progesterone with age or prolonged duration of hormone withdrawal (such as following surgical or natural menopause) may impact the efficacy of progesterone. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Hormone Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meharvan Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, Center FOR HER, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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Han Y, Li X, Zhou S, Meng G, Xiao Y, Zhang W, Wang Z, Xie L, Liu Z, Lu H, Ji Y. 17ß-estradiol antagonizes the down-regulation of ERα/NOS-3 signaling in vascular endothelial dysfunction of female diabetic rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50402. [PMID: 23209733 PMCID: PMC3510182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that estrogen could improve endothelial function. However, whether estrogen protects vascular complications of diabetes has yet to be clarified. The study was designed to investigate the action of 17ß-estradiol on vascular endothelium in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with streptozotocin to produce an ovariectomized-diabetic (OVS) model which manifested as dysfunction of aortic dilation and contraction ability. Meanwhile, OVS animals with 17ß-estradiol supplementation significantly improved aortic function. Accordingly, nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS-3), Akt, PI3K and estrogen receptor α (ERα) protein expression in aorta declined in the OVS group. Such effects were partially restored by estrogen replacement. The presence of 17ß-estradiol similarly counteracted the reduction of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), the enhanced expression of inducible NOS (NOS-2) and NO metabolites (nitrite and nitrate), as well as the increase of matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1), which is an index of arterial compliance. 17ß-estradiol could also decrease ROS production in vascular endothelium. In EA hy 926 cells we found that ER antagonist, wortmannin and Akt inhibitor could block improvement effects of 17ß-estradiol. These results strongly suggest that functional impairment of the ERα/NOS-3 signaling network in OVS animals was partially restored by 17ß-estradiol administration, which provides experimental support for estrogen recruitment to improve vascular outcomes in female diabetes after endogenous hormone depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Han
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suming Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujiao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Intapad S, Saengsirisuwan V, Prasannarong M, Chuncharunee A, Suvitayawat W, Chokchaisiri R, Suksamrarn A, Piyachaturawat P. Long-term effect of phytoestrogens from Curcuma comosa Roxb. on vascular relaxation in ovariectomized rats. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2012; 60:758-764. [PMID: 22225491 DOI: 10.1021/jf203173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens have been implicated as promising therapeutic agents to treat the vascular impairment seen in menopausal women. The present study investigated the long-term effects of phytoestrogens from Curcuma comosa Roxb. on vascular relaxation of isolated thoracic aorta from ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Treatment of OVX rats for 12 weeks with C. comosa powder, hexane extract, and a novel phytoestrogen, diarylheptanoid-D3, [(3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol] prevented impairment of the endothelium-dependent relaxation response to acetylcholine in OVX, but not the endothelium-denude aortic ring relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside. These data suggest that the vascular relaxation effect of C. comosa is mediated via endothelial cells. Treatment with D3 also increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) protein expression in the aorta of OVX rats and suppressed elevated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in OVX aortic rings. These results indicate that C. comosa treatment prevents impairment of vascular relaxation in estrogen-deficient animals via the ER-eNOS pathway as well as through its ability to promote an anti-inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suttira Intapad
- Department of Physiology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 10400
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Abstract
17β-Oestradiol (E(2)) is an important hormone signal that regulates multiple tissues and functions in the body. This review focuses on the neuroprotective actions of E(2) in the brain against cerebral ischaemia and the potential underlying mechanisms. A particular focus of the review will be on the role of E(2) to attenuate NADPH oxidase activation, superoxide and reactive oxygen species generation and reduce oxidative stress in the ischaemic brain as a potentially key neuroprotective mechanism. Evidence of a potential novel role of extranuclear oestrogen receptors in mediating E(2) signalling and neuroprotective actions is also discussed. An additional subject is the growing evidence indicating that periods of long-term oestrogen deprivation, such as those occurring after menopause or surgical menopause, may lead to loss or attenuation of E(2) signalling and neuroprotective actions in the brain, as well as enhanced sensitivity of the hippocampus to ischaemic stress damage. These findings have important implications with respect to the 'critical period hypothesis', which proposes that oestrogen replacement must be initiated at peri-menopause in humans to exert its beneficial cardiovascular and neural effects. The insights gained from these various studies will prove valuable for guiding future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University Augusta, GA USA 30912
- Corresponding author: Dr. Darrell W. Brann, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA, Phone: 706-721-7771,
| | - Limor Raz
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University Augusta, GA USA 30912
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Hebei United University, Experimental and Research Center, Hebei United University, 57 South Jian-she Road, Tangshan, Hebei, 063600, PR China
| | - Ratna Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio TX 78229
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University Augusta, GA USA 30912
- Co-Corresponding author: Dr. Quanguang Zhang, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA, Phone: 706-721-7771,
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Protein restriction during pregnancy induces hypertension in adult female rat offspring--influence of oestradiol. Br J Nutr 2011; 107:665-73. [PMID: 21787449 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114511003448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that gestational dietary protein restriction in rats causes sex-related differences in development of blood pressure (BP) in the offspring, which is more pronounced in males than in females. As such effects may depend on sex hormones, we investigated the role of oestradiol in the development of hypertension in female offspring of protein-restricted dams. Female offspring of pregnant rats fed normal (20 %) or protein-restricted (6 %) casein diets throughout pregnancy were kept either intact, ovariectomised or ovariectomised with oestradiol supplementation. BP, Plasma oestradiol and testosterone levels, and vascular oestrogen receptor (ER) were examined. BP was significantly higher and plasma oestradiol levels were significantly lower ( - 34 %) in intact protein-restricted female offspring compared to corresponding controls. Further decrease in oestradiol levels by ovariectomy exacerbated hypertension in the protein-restricted females, with an earlier onset and more prominent elevation in BP compared to controls. Oestradiol supplementation in ovariectomised protein-restricted females significantly reversed ovariectomy-induced hypertension but did not normalise BP to control levels. The hypertensive protein-restricted females have reduced vascular ERα expression that was unaffected by ovariectomy or oestradiol replacement. In addition, testosterone levels were significantly higher by 2·4-, 3·4- and 2·8-fold in intact, ovariectomised and oestradiol-replaced protein-restricted females compared to corresponding controls. The present data show that: (1) hypertension in protein-restricted adult female offspring is associated with reduced plasma oestradiol levels; (2) oestradiol protects and limits the severity of hypertension in protein-restricted females and contributes to sexual dimorphism; (3) oestradiol replacement fails to completely reverse hypertension, which may be related to limited availability of vascular ERα receptors and/or increased circulating testosterone levels.
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Abstract
Steroid hormones may alter mnemonic processes. The majority of investigations have focused on the effects of 17β-estradiol (E(2)) to mediate learning. However, progesterone (P(4)), which varies across endogenous hormonal milieu with E(2), may also have effects on cognitive processes. P(4) may have effects in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and/or striatum to enhance cognitive performance. Cognitive performance/learning has been assessed using tasks that are mediated by the hippocampus (water maze), PFC (object recognition) and striatum (conditioning). Our findings suggest that progestogens can have pervasive effects to enhance cognitive performance and learning in tasks mediated by the hippocampus, PFC and striatum and that these effects may be in part independent of actions at intracellular progestin receptors. Progestogens may therefore influence cognitive processes.
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Shimada K, Kitazato KT, Kinouchi T, Yagi K, Tada Y, Satomi J, Kageji T, Nagahiro S. Activation of estrogen receptor-α and of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 suppresses ischemic brain damage in oophorectomized rats. Hypertension 2011; 57:1161-6. [PMID: 21536991 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.110.167650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Like the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, endogenous estrogen (17β-estradiol) is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia; its effects are thought to be mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs). To verify the role of ERs and the brain renin-angiotensin system in estrogen-deficient rats with ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, we compared rats subjected to oophorectomy (OVX(+)) with sham-oophorectomized rats (OVX(-)) and OVX(+) rats treated with 0.3 or 3.0 mg/kg of olmesartan for 2 weeks before middle cerebral artery occlusion. Independent of the blood pressure, the cortical infarct volume was larger in OVX(+) than in OVX(-) rats. It was smaller in olmesartan-pretreated OVX(+) rats. The expression of ERα in the peri-infarct region was correlated with the reduction of cortical infarct but not that of ERβ or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. Olmesartan prevented ERα downregulation in the cortical peri-infarct area, without affecting ERβ or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. Olmesartan also increased mRNA expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL and reduced angiotensin II and cleaved caspase 3. These effects were augmented by olmesartan and abolished by the ER inhibitor. In OVX(+) rats treated with the ERα agonist alone, the infarct size was decreased, and the neuroprotective genes were upregulated. These findings suggest that the transactivation of neuroprotective genes and the reduction in brain angiotensin II are ERα dependent and that this may augment neuroprotection together with an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade by olmesartan. We present the new insight that the activation of ERα independent of estrogen contributes at least partly to limiting cerebral ischemic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Shimada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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Lenfant F, Trémollières F, Gourdy P, Arnal JF. Timing of the vascular actions of estrogens in experimental and human studies: why protective early, and not when delayed? Maturitas 2010; 68:165-73. [PMID: 21167666 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens, and in particular 17β-estradiol (E2), play a pivotal role in sexual development and reproduction and are also implicated in a large number of physiological processes including the cardiovascular system. Although epidemiological studies and Nurses' Health Study suggested, and all animal models of early atheroma clearly demonstrated a vasculoprotective action of both endogenous and exogenous estrogens, the Women's Health Initiative did not confirm the preventive action of estrogens against coronary heart disease (CHD). However, women who initiated hormone therapy closer to menopause tended to have reduced CHD risk compared with increased CHD risk among women more distant from menopause. Thus, it is now mandatory to try to understand the mechanisms that could have influenced the actions of estrogens at various stages of atherosclerosis and/or of life. In this current review, we will summarize our understanding of the potential cellular targets and mechanisms of the vasculoprotective actions of estrogens, as well as of the lack of action of estrogens when administered after a period of hormonal deprivation. The mechanisms of the aggravating role of progestogens such as medroxyprogesterone acetate will be considered. Finally, we will analyze the possibilities to uncouple some beneficial from other undesirable actions following the partial/selective activation of estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Lenfant
- INSERM U1048-I2MC, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Toulouse III et CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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Ovariectomy in aged versus young rats augments matrix metalloproteinase-mediated vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries. Menopause 2010; 17:516-23. [PMID: 20142791 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181c91f04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian deficiency is known to undermine vasoprotective mechanisms and accelerate cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. In a rat model of menopause (aged ovariectomized [Ovx] rats), we recently revealed a vasoconstrictor pathway mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via cleavage of big endothelin-1 (ET-1). However, the specific impact of aging and/or Ovx on this pathway remains unknown. We hypothesized that aging exacerbates MMP-mediated vasoconstriction in an ovary-deficient state. METHODS Young and aged female Sprague-Dawley rats, either intact or Ovx, were assessed for MMP-dependent vasoreactivity. Dose responses to big ET-1 in the absence or presence of an MMP inhibitor (GM6001) were tested on small mesenteric arteries using a pressure myograph system. MMP levels in the vascular tissue were measured by gelatin zymography. RESULTS Both young Ovx and aged Ovx animals demonstrated a similar increase in the vasoconstriction to big ET-1 compared with the age-matched intact groups. MMP inhibition attenuated big ET-1 response in both Ovx groups and aged controls, but this effect was more pronounced in aged Ovx arteries (area under the curve reduction, 3.8 +/- 0.6 units in aged Ovx rats vs 1.5 +/- 0.5 units in young Ovx rats or 1.8 +/- 0.6 units in aged intact rats; P < 0.05). MMP-2 activity in the vascular tissue increased with age and was further augmented by Ovx. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of age, ovarian loss increases vascular reactivity to big ET-1, which is mediated, in part, by MMP. Superimposed with advancing age, ovarian deficiency further increases the proconstrictor role of MMP, which corresponds with higher MMP-2 levels in the aging vessel wall. MMP-mediated vasoconstriction may be a mechanism contributing to vascular dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
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Bolego C, Rossoni G, Fadini GP, Vegeto E, Pinna C, Albiero M, Boscaro E, Agostini C, Avogaro A, Gaion RM, Cignarella A. Selective estrogen receptor-alpha agonist provides widespread heart and vascular protection with enhanced endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in the absence of uterotrophic action. FASEB J 2010; 24:2262-72. [PMID: 20203089 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-139220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of estrogens on the cardiovascular system are associated with adverse effects on reproductive tissues. On the basis of previous work indicating a major role for estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha in maintaining cardiovascular health, we evaluated the tissue selectivity of the ER alpha-selective agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) compared with 17beta-estradiol (E2) in vivo. Four weeks postovariectomy, equimolar doses of PPT and E2 were administered to rats in subcutaneous implants for 5 d. Both treatments restored rapid vasorelaxation of aortic tissue to estrogenic agents and prevented coronary hyperresponsiveness to angiotensin II in isolated heart preparations. Accordingly, multiple endpoints of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury exacerbated by ovariectomy returned to baseline following treatment. These protective effects were linked to increased in vivo levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Human EPC function was enhanced in vitro after PPT treatment. In sharp contrast to E2, PPT treatment had no effect on uterine weight and histomorphology except for vessel density, and failed to up-regulate classic estrogen target genes. Dissection of the effects on vascular reactivity and uterine morphology was also observed following increased exposure to PPT at a higher dose for longer time. These data provide the first in vivo evidence for tissue-specific ER alpha activation. By conferring cardiovascular protection dissected from unwanted uterotrophic effects, ER alpha-selective agonists may represent a potential safer alternative to natural hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bolego
- Department of Pharmacology and Anesthesiology, University of Padua, Largo Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padua, Italy.
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Estrogen attenuates ischemic oxidative damage via an estrogen receptor alpha-mediated inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation. J Neurosci 2009; 29:13823-36. [PMID: 19889994 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3574-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) antioxidant and neuroprotective actions in stroke. The results reveal a novel extranuclear receptor-mediated antioxidant mechanism for E(2) during stroke, as well as a hypersensitivity of the CA3/CA4 region to ischemic injury after prolonged hypoestrogenicity. E(2) neuroprotection was shown to involve a profound attenuation of NADPH oxidase activation and superoxide production in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons after stroke, an effect mediated by extranuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-mediated nongenomic signaling, involving Akt activation and subsequent phosphorylation/inactivation of Rac1, a factor critical for activation of NOX2 NADPH oxidase. Intriguingly, E(2) nongenomic signaling, antioxidant action, and neuroprotection in the CA1 region were lost after long-term E(2) deprivation, and this loss was tissue specific because the uterus remained responsive to E(2). Correspondingly, a remarkable loss of ERalpha, but not ERbeta, was observed in the CA1 after long-term E(2) deprivation, with no change observed in the uterus. As a whole, the study reveals a novel, membrane-mediated antioxidant mechanism in neurons by E(2) provides support and mechanistic insights for a "critical period" of E(2) replacement in the hippocampus and demonstrates a heretofore unknown hypersensitivity of the CA3/CA4 to ischemic injury after prolonged hypoestrogenicity.
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Gavin KM, Seals DR, Silver AE, Moreau KL. Vascular endothelial estrogen receptor alpha is modulated by estrogen status and related to endothelial function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in healthy women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:3513-20. [PMID: 19509105 PMCID: PMC2741709 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), a potent transcription factor expressed in vascular endothelial cells, plays a key role in regulating vascular function and health. We determined whether vascular endothelial cell expression of ER alpha is influenced by estrogen status and is related to vascular endothelial function in healthy women. METHODS ER alpha protein expression was measured (quantitative immunofluorescence) in endothelial cells from peripheral veins of 16 healthy, premenopausal women during the early follicular (EF) and late follicular (LF) phases of the menstrual cycle and 17 estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Endothelial-dependent dilation (EDD; brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and activation were also measured in a subgroup of women. RESULTS In premenopausal women (n = 10), ER alpha expression was 30% lower (P < 0.001) during the EF (low estrogen) compared with the LF (high estrogen) phase of the menstrual cycle. In postmenopausal women, ER alpha expression was 33% lower (P < 0.001) compared with the LF phase of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. ER alpha expression was strongly related (r = 0.67; P < 0.001) to EDD, which was reduced in postmenopausal women. ER alpha abundance was positively related to expression of eNOS (r = 0.54; P = 0.009; n = 21) and ser1177 phosphorylated eNOS (r = 0.59; P = 0.006; n = 20). CONCLUSIONS These results provide the first evidence that expression of ER alpha in vascular endothelial cells is modulated by estrogen status and may be a key determinant of vascular endothelial function in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women. ER alpha expression may influence vascular endothelial function in women by affecting protein levels and activation of eNOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Gavin
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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Meyer MR, Barton M. ER , ER , and gpER: novel aspects of oestrogen receptor signalling in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 83:605-10. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Abstract
Females-both rats and women-are substantially protected against the age-dependent decrease in renal function that occurs in males of the species. In part, this finding reflects the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of estrogens, but estrogen has multiple actions, not all of which are beneficial. In addition, the low androgen level in women might be protective against a decline in renal function, but animal and clinical data on possible adverse effects of androgens are controversial. Androgens also have multiple actions, one of which-aromatization to estrogen-is likely to be protective. Sex steroids clearly have many complex actions, which explains the conflicting information on their relative benefits and dangers. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) deficiency contributes importantly to cardiovascular risk and intrarenal NO deficiency is clearly linked to chronic kidney disease progression in animal models. Endothelial dysfunction develops with increasing age but is delayed in females, correlating with a delayed rise in asymmetric dimethylarginine level. There is no clear link between aging and arginine (the NO synthase substrate) deficiency. Animal data suggest that the aging kidney develops NO deficiency as a result of changes in neuronal NO synthase. The increased oxidative stress that occurs with aging affects multiple stages of the NO biosynthetic pathway and results in decreased production and/or action of NO. NO production is better preserved in females than in males, partly as a result of the actions of estrogens.
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Xing D, Nozell S, Chen YF, Hage F, Oparil S. Estrogen and mechanisms of vascular protection. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2009; 29:289-95. [PMID: 19221203 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.108.182279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen has antiinflammatory and vasoprotective effects when administered to young women or experimental animals that appear to be converted to proinflammatory and vasotoxic effects in older subjects, particularly those that have been hormone free for long periods. Clinical studies have raised many important questions about the vascular effects of estrogen that cannot easily be answered in human subjects. Here we review cellular/molecular mechanisms by which estrogen modulates injury-induced inflammation, growth factor expression, and oxidative stress in arteries and isolated vascular smooth muscle cells, with emphasis on the role of estrogen receptors and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) signaling pathway, as well as evidence that these protective mechanisms are lost in aging subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqi Xing
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA
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Roghair RD, Segar JL, Volk KA, Chapleau MW, Dallas LM, Sorenson AR, Scholz TD, Lamb FS. Vascular nitric oxide and superoxide anion contribute to sex-specific programmed cardiovascular physiology in mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 296:R651-62. [PMID: 19144750 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90756.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine environmental pertubations have been linked to the development of adult hypertension. We sought to evaluate the interrelated roles of sex, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in programmed cardiovascular disease. Programming was induced in mice by maternal dietary intervention (DI; partial substitution of protein with carbohydrates and fat) or carbenoxolone administration (CX, to increase fetal glucocorticoid exposure). Adult blood pressure and locomotor activity were recorded by radiotelemetry at baseline, after a week of high salt, and after a week of high salt plus nitric oxide synthase inhibition (by l-NAME). In male offspring, DI or CX programmed an elevation in blood pressure that was exacerbated by N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester administration, but not high salt alone. Mesenteric resistance vessels from DI male offspring displayed impaired vasorelaxation to ACh and nitroprusside, which was blocked by catalase and superoxide dismutase. CX-exposed females were normotensive, while DI females had nitric oxide synthase-dependent hypotension and enhanced mesenteric dilation. Despite the disparate cardiovascular phenotypes, both male and female DI offspring displayed increases in locomotor activity and aortic superoxide production. Despite dissimilar blood pressures, DI and CX-exposed females had reductions in cardiac baroreflex sensitivity. In conclusion, both maternal malnutrition and fetal glucocorticoid exposure program increases in arterial pressure in male but not female offspring. While maternal DI increased both superoxide-mediated vasoconstriction and nitric oxide mediated vasodilation, the balance of these factors favored the development of hypertension in males and hypotension in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Roghair
- Dept. of Pediatrics, Univ. of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242, USA.
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Cignarella A, Bolego C, Pelosi V, Meda C, Krust A, Pinna C, Gaion RM, Vegeto E, Maggi A. Distinct roles of estrogen receptor-alpha and beta in the modulation of vascular inducible nitric-oxide synthase in diabetes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 328:174-82. [PMID: 18832649 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.143511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen is known to affect vascular function and diabetes development, but the relative contribution of estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine how individual ER isoforms modulate inflammatory enzymes in the vascular wall of control and streptozotocin (STZ)-injected rodents. Primary cultures of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were stimulated with inflammatory agents in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of the ER alpha and ER beta-selective agonists 4,4',4''-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT) and diarylpropionitrile (DPN), respectively. The production of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), a classical indicator of vascular inflammation, was significantly reduced by PPT in control but not diabetic SMCs, whereas it was further enhanced by DPN treatment in both groups. This distinct action profile was not related to changes in ER transcriptional activity. However, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling was activated by DPN but not by PPT in cytokine-treated SMCs. In cultured aortic rings from both normoglycemic and STZ-diabetic mice, pharmacological activation of ER alpha attenuated cytokine-driven iNOS induction by 30 to 50%. Vascular iNOS levels were decreased consistently when adding 1 nM 17beta-estradiol to aortic tissues from ER beta- but not ER alpha-knockout mice. These findings suggest a possible role for ER alpha-selective ligands in reducing vascular inflammatory responses under normo- and hyperglycemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cignarella
- Department of Pharmacology and Anaesthesiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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