Elevated levels of sE-selectin in post-menopausal females are decreased by hormone replacement therapy to levels observed in pre-menopausal females.
Observational epidemiological studies have shown that mortality from coronary heart disease is reduced in post-menopausal women by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The aim of this study was to measure sE-selectin levels in post-menopausal females before and after HRT and to compare these with pre-menopausal females and aged matched males. Post-menopausal females (n = 70) were given HRT or no treatment to act as a control group. sE-selectin levels were significantly lower in the pre-menopausal (n = 36) when compared with the post-menopausal females (n = 70) (p = 0.027), whereas no difference between two age matched male groups was found (n = 40). Oral and transdermal HRT significantly decreased sE-selectin levels (p<0.0001 and p = 0.0005 respectively) with no change in the control group. The reduction in the levels of this marker of endothelial activation after HRT, may reflect a decrease in leucocyte/endothelial interaction which may reduce atherosclerotic risk in post-menopausal females.
Kennedy
G
G
University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK.
McLaren
M
M
Belch
J J
JJ
Seed
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004357:Drug Synergism; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*; D017697:Premenopause / Q000097:blood*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012995:Solubility; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
D019040:E-Selectin; D008055:Lipids; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D004958:Estradiol; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D009640:Norethindrone