Ethinyl estradiol-to-desogestrel ratio impacts endothelial function in young women.
BACKGROUND
Ethinyl estradiol (EE) and progestins have the ability to alter endothelial function. The type of progestin and the ratio of EE to progestin used in oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) may determine how they affect the arterial vasculature.


METHODS
In this study, we investigated endothelial function across a cycle in very low dose (VLD) and low dose (LD) combination EE and desogestrel (DSG) OCP users during two phases: active (VLD=20 mcg EE/150 mcg DSG; LD=30 mcg EE/150 mcg DSG) and pill-free. Endothelial function was also measured during an EE-only hormone phase (10 mcg EE) in group VLD.


RESULTS
Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was greater during the active phase compared to the pill-free phase in group LD (9.02+/-0.72% vs. 7.33+/-0.84%; p=.029). This phase difference was not observed in group VLD (5.86+/-0.63% vs. 6.56+/-0.70%; p=.108). However, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was higher during the EE-only phase, compared to the active and pill-free phases (8.92+/-0.47% vs. 5.86+/-0.63%, and 6.56+/-0.70%; p<.001) in group VLD.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest DSG may antagonize the vasodilatory activity of EE and that this effect is further modulated by the EE-to-DSG ratio.
Meendering
Jessica R
JR
Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA. jmeendering@mail.unomaha.edu
Torgrimson
Britta N
BN
Miller
Nicole P
NP
Kaplan
Paul F
PF
Minson
Christopher T
CT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000494:pharmacology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017135:Desogestrel