Effects of tibolone on cell adhesion molecules in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
The first step in atherosclerosis is characterized by the adherence of lymphocytes and monocytes to cell adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the effect of tibolone on the circulating levels of various cell adhesion molecules.


METHODS
Thirty postmenopausal women were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled outpatient trial.


RESULTS
Tibolone led to a significant decrease in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-3, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, but had no effect on monocyte chemotactic protein-1.


CONCLUSIONS
The direct favorable effects of tibolone on endothelial cells may explain the clinical benefits of this substance in terms of anti-ischemic effects and osteoporosis prevention.
Egarter
Christian
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna Medical School, Austria. christian.egarter@akh-wien.ac.at
Sator
Michael
M
Huber
Johannes
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017698:Postmenopause
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D009652:Norpregnenes; C027385:tibolone