Effects of oestrogen replacement therapy on serum C-reactive protein levels in hysterectomised women.
BACKGROUND
It has been hypothesised that oral oestrogen replacement therapy may increase levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular events. However, it is possible that intranasal oestrogen replacement therapy have different effects on serum CRP levels.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of postmenopausal intranasal oestrogen replacement therapy on serum levels of CRP. A prospective comparative study was carried out.


METHODS
Twenty-nine healthy hysterectomised, postmenopausal women received 300 micro g/day of intranasal 17beta-oestradiol (E2). The serum levels of CRP after 3 and 6 months after starting treatment were compared with baseline values.


RESULTS
There were no significant changes in the values of CRP after 3 and 6 months of treatment (P = 0.305, P = 0.149, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The data from the present study suggest that intranasal administration of E2 does not affect CRP levels, possibly by avoiding a hepatic first-pass effect. The possible cardiovascular protective role of intranasal oestrogen might be related to its effect of not increasing CRP levels.
Kiran
Hakan
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kahramanmaras Sutcuimam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. gurkankiran@ksu.edu.tr
Kiran
Gurkan
G
Ekerbicer
Hasan C
HC
Guven
Alanur M
AM
Kilinc
Metin
M
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006728:Hormones; D004958:Estradiol; D002097:C-Reactive Protein