Estrogenic hormone action in the heart: regulatory network and function.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the industrialised countries and display significant gender-based differences. Estrogen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heart disease and is able to modulate the progression of cardiovascular disease. The focus on the beneficial influence of estrogen is gradually shifting from the vascular system to the myocardium. The presence of functional estrogen receptors in the myocardium has been demonstrated. Estrogen is important for cardiovascular baseline physiology and modulates the myocardial response under pathological conditions. Here we summarise the current knowledge of the regulatory network of estrogenic action in the myocardium and its effects on cardiovascular function.
Babiker
Fawzi A
FA
Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, University Hospital Maastricht, P. Debyelaan 25, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.
De Windt
Leon J
LJ
van Eickels
Martin
M
Grohe
Christian
C
Meyer
Rainer
R
Doevendans
Pieter A
PA
D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000378:metabolism; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000378:metabolism*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000378:metabolism; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000378:metabolism; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen