The effect of 17 beta-estradiol on MCP-1 serum levels in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is considered a propagator of atherosclerosis and a key modulator of monocyte activity. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is currently being investigated as a means towards prevention of atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess (1) the range of circulating MCP-1 levels in postmenopausal women, (2) the correlation between MCP-1 and atherosclerotic burden, and (3) the effects of commencement and discontinuation of HRT on MCP-1 serum levels.


METHODS
This clinical prospective trial investigated 51 postmenopausal women at increased risk for cardiovascular events who were randomized to receive either no HRT or 1 mg 17 beta-estradiol continuously plus sequential progestagen over 1 year. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid and femoral arteries was measured by ultrasound. Serum levels of MCP-1 and cellular adhesion molecules were measured by ELISA.


RESULTS
At baseline, MCP-1 levels and overall mean maximum IMT correlated (r=0.589; P<0.0001, Pearson's coefficient). MCP-1 levels in serum gradually decreased after 3, 6, and 12 months of HRT by 16.8 +/- 15.7% at 12 months (P<0.0001, MANOVA). Similarly, all cellular adhesion molecules decreased significantly by 6-12%. After 12 months, women decided whether to continue or discontinue treatment. At 18 months, in women discontinuing HRT (n=17), MCP-1 levels rose by 21 +/- 20% (P=0.003), but remained lowered in women continuing HRT.


CONCLUSIONS
Our observations indicate that 17 beta-estradiol may have an antiatherosclerotic effect by reducing MCP-1 serum levels and cell adhesion molecules.
Störk
Stefan
S
Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München - Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 München, Germany. s.stoerk@medizin.uni-wuerzburg.de
Baumann
Klaus
K
von Schacky
Clemens
C
Angerer
Peter
P
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002339:Carotid Arteries; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000097:blood; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000097:blood*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D018932:Chemokine CCL2