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Kosmach A, Sveeggen TM, Bagher P. Sublingual microcirculatory function as a prognostic indicator of general microvascular health. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H311-H314. [PMID: 38874617 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00390.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kosmach
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Timothy M Sveeggen
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Pooneh Bagher
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
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SenthilKumar G, Zirgibel Z, Cohen KE, Katunaric B, Jobe AM, Shult CG, Limpert RH, Freed JK. Ying and Yang of Ceramide in the Vascular Endothelium. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1725-1736. [PMID: 38899471 PMCID: PMC11269027 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.321158] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Ceramides, a group of biologically active sphingolipids, have been described as the new cholesterol given strong evidence linking high plasma ceramide with endothelial damage, risk for early adverse cardiovascular events, and development of cardiometabolic disease. This relationship has sparked great interest in investigating therapeutic targets with the goal of suppressing ceramide formation. However, the growing data challenge this paradigm of ceramide as solely eliciting detrimental effects to the cardiovascular system. Studies show that ceramides are necessary for maintaining proper endothelial redox states, mechanosensation, and membrane integrity. Recent work in preclinical models and isolated human microvessels highlights that the loss of ceramide formation can in fact propagate vascular endothelial dysfunction. Here, we delve into these conflicting findings to evaluate how ceramide may be capable of exerting both beneficial and damaging effects within the vascular endothelium. We propose a unifying theory that while basal levels of ceramide in response to physiological stimuli are required for the production of vasoprotective metabolites such as S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate), the chronic accumulation of ceramide can promote activation of pro-oxidative stress pathways in endothelial cells. Clinically, the evidence discussed here highlights the potential challenges associated with therapeutic suppression of ceramide formation as a means of reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Zachary Zirgibel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Katie E. Cohen
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Boran Katunaric
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Alyssa M. Jobe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Carolyn G. Shult
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Rachel H. Limpert
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
| | - Julie K. Freed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI
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Katunaric B, SenthilKumar G, Stehula FJ, Werthman A, Bordas-Murphy H, Freed JK. Noninvasive assessment of human microvascular function in health and disease using incident dark-field microscopy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H261-H267. [PMID: 38787388 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00292.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Reduced peripheral microvascular reactivity is associated with an increased risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Tools for noninvasive assessment of peripheral microvascular function are limited, and existing technology is poorly validated in both healthy populations and patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we used a handheld incident dark-field imaging tool (CytoCam) to test the hypothesis that, compared with healthy individuals (no risk factors for CVD), subjects formally diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or those with ≥2 risk factors for CAD (at risk) would exhibit impaired peripheral microvascular reactivity. A total of 17 participants (11 healthy, 6 at risk) were included in this pilot study. CytoCam was used to measure sublingual microvascular total vessel density (TVD), perfused vessel density (PVD), and microvascular flow index (MFI) in response to the topical application of acetylcholine (ACh) and sublingual administration of nitroglycerin (NTG). Baseline MFI and PVD were significantly reduced in the at-risk cohort compared with healthy individuals. Surprisingly, following the application of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin, both groups showed a significant improvement in all three microvascular perfusion parameters. These results suggest that, despite baseline reductions in both microvascular density and perfusion, human in vivo peripheral microvascular reactivity to both endothelial-dependent and -independent vasoactive agents remains intact in individuals with CAD or multiple risk factors for disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively characterize in vivo sublingual microvascular structure and function (endothelium-dependent and -independent) in healthy patients and those with CVD. Importantly, we used an easy-to-use handheld device that can be easily translated to clinical settings. Our results indicate that baseline microvascular impairments in structure and function can be detected using the CytoCam technology, although reactivity to acetylcholine may be maintained even during disease in the peripheral microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boran Katunaric
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Forrest J Stehula
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Alec Werthman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Henry Bordas-Murphy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Julie K Freed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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Mehanna M, McDonough CW, Smith SM, Gong Y, Gums JG, Chapman AB, Johnson JA, Cooper‐DeHoff RM. Integrated metabolomics analysis reveals mechanistic insights into variability in blood pressure response to thiazide diuretics and beta blockers. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13816. [PMID: 38747311 PMCID: PMC11094670 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive patients with a higher proportion of genetic West African ancestry (%GWAA) have better blood pressure (BP) response to thiazide diuretics (TDs) and worse response to β-blockers (BBs) than those with lower %GWAA, associated with their lower plasma renin activity (PRA). TDs and BBs are suggested to reduce BP in the long term through vasodilation via incompletely understood mechanisms. This study aimed at identifying pathways underlying ancestral differences in PRA, which might reflect pathways underlying BP-lowering mechanisms of TDs and BBs. Among hypertensive participants enrolled in the Pharmacogenomics Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR) and PEAR-2 trials, we previously identified 8 metabolites associated with baseline PRA and 4 metabolic clusters (including 39 metabolites) that are different between those with GWAA <45% versus ≥45%. In the current study, using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we integrated these signals. Three overlapping metabolic signals within three significantly enriched pathways were identified as associated with both PRA and %GWAA: ceramide signaling, sphingosine 1- phosphate signaling, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling. Literature indicates that the identified pathways are involved in the regulation of the Rho kinase cascade, production of the vasoactive agents nitric oxide, prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, and endothelin 1; the pathways proposed to underlie TD- and BB-induced vasodilatation. These findings may improve our understanding of the BP-lowering mechanisms of TDs and BBs. This might provide a possible step forward in personalizing antihypertensive therapy by identifying patients expected to have robust BP-lowering effects from these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Mehanna
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Translational Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, US Food and Drug AdministrationSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Caitrin W. McDonough
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research and Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Steven M. Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research and Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - John G. Gums
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research and Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | | | - Rhonda M. Cooper‐DeHoff
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research and Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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SenthilKumar G, Katunaric B, Zirgibel Z, Lindemer B, Jaramillo-Torres MJ, Bordas-Murphy H, Schulz ME, Pearson PJ, Freed JK. Necessary Role of Ceramides in the Human Microvascular Endothelium During Health and Disease. Circ Res 2024; 134:81-96. [PMID: 38037825 PMCID: PMC10766100 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated plasma ceramides and microvascular dysfunction both independently predict adverse cardiac events. Despite the known detrimental effects of ceramide on the microvasculature, evidence suggests that activation of the shear-sensitive, ceramide-forming enzyme NSmase (neutral sphingomyelinase) elicits formation of vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO). Here, we explore a novel hypothesis that acute ceramide formation through NSmase is necessary for maintaining NO signaling within the human microvascular endothelium. We further define the mechanism through which ceramide exerts beneficial effects and discern key mechanistic differences between arterioles from otherwise healthy adults (non-coronary artery disease [CAD]) and patients diagnosed with CAD. METHODS Human arterioles were dissected from discarded surgical adipose tissue (n=166), and vascular reactivity to flow and C2-ceramide was assessed. Shear-induced NO and mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were measured in arterioles using fluorescence microscopy. H2O2 fluorescence was assessed in isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. RESULTS Inhibition of NSmase in arterioles from otherwise healthy adults induced a switch from NO to NOX-2 (NADPH-oxidase 2)-dependent H2O2-mediated flow-induced dilation. Endothelial dysfunction was prevented by treatment with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and partially prevented by C2-ceramide and an agonist of S1P-receptor 1 (S1PR1); the inhibition of the S1P/S1PR1 signaling axis induced endothelial dysfunction via NOX-2. Ceramide increased NO production in arterioles from non-CAD adults, an effect that was diminished with inhibition of S1P/S1PR1/S1P-receptor 3 signaling. In arterioles from patients with CAD, inhibition of NSmase impaired the overall ability to induce mitochondrial H2O2 production and subsequently dilate to flow, an effect not restored with exogenous S1P. Acute ceramide administration to arterioles from patients with CAD promoted H2O2 as opposed to NO production, an effect dependent on S1P-receptor 3 signaling. CONCLUSION These data suggest that despite differential downstream signaling between health and disease, NSmase-mediated ceramide formation is necessary for proper functioning of the human microvascular endothelium. Therapeutic strategies that aim to significantly lower ceramide formation may prove detrimental to the microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Physiology (G.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Boran Katunaric
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Zachary Zirgibel
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Brian Lindemer
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Maria J. Jaramillo-Torres
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Henry Bordas-Murphy
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Mary E. Schulz
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Paul J. Pearson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery (P.J.P.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Julie K. Freed
- Department of Physiology (G.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Cardiovascular Center (G.S., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.S., B.K., Z.Z., B.L., M.J.J.-T., H.B.-M., M.E.S., J.K.F.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Searles CD. Shedding Light on the Roles of Ceramide in Human Microvascular Function. Circ Res 2024; 134:97-99. [PMID: 38175911 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Searles
- Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Decatur, GA. Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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SenthilKumar G, Katunaric B, Zirgibel Z, Lindemer B, Jaramillo-Torres MJ, Bordas-Murphy H, Schulz ME, Pearson PJ, Freed JK. Necessary Role of Acute Ceramide Formation in The Human Microvascular Endothelium During Health and Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543341. [PMID: 37333082 PMCID: PMC10274701 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Elevated plasma ceramides independently predict adverse cardiac events and we have previously shown that exposure to exogenous ceramide induces microvascular endothelial dysfunction in arterioles from otherwise healthy adults (0-1 risk factors for heart disease). However, evidence also suggests that activation of the shear-sensitive, ceramide forming enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase (NSmase) enhances vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO) production. Here we explore a novel hypothesis that acute ceramide formation through NSmase is necessary for maintaining NO signaling within the human microvascular endothelium. We further define the mechanism through which ceramide exerts beneficial effects and discern key mechanistic differences between arterioles from otherwise healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Human arterioles were dissected from otherwise discarded surgical adipose tissue (n=123), and vascular reactivity to flow and C2-ceramide was assessed. Shear-induced NO production was measured in arterioles using fluorescence microscopy. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fluorescence was assessed in isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Results Inhibition of NSmase in arterioles from otherwise healthy adults induced a switch from NO to H2O2-mediated flow-induced dilation within 30 minutes. In endothelial cells, NSmase inhibition acutely increased H2O2 production. Endothelial dysfunction in both models was prevented by treatment with C2-ceramide, S1P, and an agonist of S1P-receptor 1 (S1PR1), while the inhibition of S1P/S1PR1 signaling axis induced endothelial dysfunction. Ceramide increased NO production in arterioles from healthy adults, an effect that was diminished with inhibition of S1P/S1PR1/S1PR3 signaling. In arterioles from patients with CAD, inhibition of NSmase impaired dilation to flow. This effect was not restored with exogenous S1P. Although, inhibition of S1P/S1PR3 signaling impaired normal dilation to flow. Acute ceramide administration to arterioles from patients with CAD also promoted H2O2 as opposed to NO production, an effect dependent on S1PR3 signaling. Conclusion These data suggest that despite key differences in downstream signaling between health and disease, acute NSmase-mediated ceramide formation and its subsequent conversion to S1P is necessary for proper functioning of the human microvascular endothelium. As such, therapeutic strategies that aim to significantly lower ceramide formation may prove detrimental to the microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | | | - Zachary Zirgibel
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Brian Lindemer
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Maria J. Jaramillo-Torres
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Henry Bordas-Murphy
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Mary E. Schulz
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Paul J. Pearson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Julie K. Freed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin
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SenthilKumar G, Katunaric B, Bordas-Murphy H, Sarvaideo J, Freed JK. Estrogen and the Vascular Endothelium: The Unanswered Questions. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad079. [PMID: 37207450 PMCID: PMC10230790 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Premenopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with their age-matched male counterparts; however, this discrepancy is abolished following the transition to menopause or during low estrogen states. This, combined with a large amount of basic and preclinical data indicating that estrogen is vasculoprotective, supports the concept that hormone therapy could improve cardiovascular health. However, clinical outcomes in individuals undergoing estrogen treatment have been highly variable, challenging the current paradigm regarding the role of estrogen in the fight against heart disease. Increased risk for CVD correlates with long-term oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy in older, postmenopausal cisgender females, and gender affirmation treatment for transgender females. Vascular endothelial dysfunction serves as a nidus for the development of many cardiovascular diseases and is highly predictive of future CVD risk. Despite preclinical studies indicating that estrogen promotes a quiescent, functional endothelium, it still remains unclear why these observations do not translate to improved CVD outcomes. The goal of this review is to explore our current understanding of the effect of estrogen on the vasculature, with a focus on endothelial health. Following a discussion regarding the influence of estrogen on large and small artery function, critical knowledge gaps are identified. Finally, novel mechanisms and hypotheses are presented that may explain the lack of cardiovascular benefit in unique patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika SenthilKumar
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI 53226, USA
| | - Boran Katunaric
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI 53226, USA
| | - Henry Bordas-Murphy
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI 53226, USA
| | - Jenna Sarvaideo
- Divison of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Julie K Freed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovasular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI 53226, USA
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