Estrogen's role in cardiovascular health: The role of estrogen in the maintenance of healthy endothelium under conditions of oxidative stress, apoptosis and angiogenesis [Paperback]

Maria Florian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 21, 2009 | ISBN-10: 3639152999 | ISBN-13: 978-3639152999

The place of estrogen in women's health remains controversial. Premenopausal women have a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreases CVD in postmenopausal women. However, clinical trials failed to substantiate a protective effect of HRT and even showed some harm. Estrogen rapidly mediates the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increases production of nitric oxide (NO), an important factor for endothelial health. Distinctive results for eNOS, NO and superoxide levels are highlighted by studies on acute and long term effects of estrogen. In human endothelial cells, apoptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and the cytokine TNF?, associated with atherosclerosis, is reduced by estrogen. Estrogen's angiogenic properties help healthy endothelium respond to injury, but they also potentiate TNF?- induced angiogenesis, which revascularizes plaques of women with advanced atherosclerosis and exacerbates cardiovascular events. Researchers and clinicians could appreciate this contribution to the undestanding of the paradoxical effects of estrogen on the vascular wall.

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About the Author

Maria Steinerova Florian MD PhD: in her native Slovakia, she acquired experience as a clinician in radiation oncology. During her Master's and PhD programs in Physiology at McGill University, Canada, she investigated mechanisms of estrogen's action on the endothelium. She currently works in the Research Centre of the University of Montreal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: VDM Verlag (May 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3639152999
• ISBN-13: 978-3639152999
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)