Decreased in vitro production of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha by uterine arteries from postmenopausal women

Article Abstract:

There is a higher risk for coronary heart disease in menopausal women due to the lack of the protective hormone estrogen. Although it is not completely understood, estrogen replacement therapy can prevent heart attacks in women who no longer produce estrogen. Estrogen produces changes in lipids and lipoproteins and consequently protects blood vessels from becoming diseased. However, there is evidence that estrogen produces other beneficial effects including strengthening the blood flow in some tissues. Prostacyclins, substances produced by the cells lining blood vessels, act to dilate blood vessels. Thromboxanes are substances which induce platelets, clot forming cells, to aggregate and blood vessels to constrict. It is thought that the blood vessels of menopausal women produce less prostacyclin. To study the relationship between estrogen, prostacyclins and thromboxanes, blood vessels of women before and after the onset of menopause were studied. Blood vessels supplying the uterus were removed during hysterectomies that were performed for benign gynecological problems. The production of prostacyclins was reduced during menopause. In this model, the addition of estrogen to blood vessels did not alter the production of prostacyclins. Although menopausal states regulate the production of prostacyclins more research and better study designs are needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Protection and preservation, Prostacyclin

---

Short-term effects of smoking on the pharmacokinetic profiles of micronized estradiol in postmenopausal women

Article Abstract:

Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased incidence of osteoporosis (bone loss) and a decreased incidence of endometrial cancer (involving tissue of the uterine lining). Smoking-induced decreases in estrogen have been suggested to explain the altered risks for these diseases. To better understand the relationship between smoking and estrogen metabolism, estrogen levels were measured in 12 nonsmoking women and 13 long-term moderate smokers, before and after smoking and treatment with moderate doses of estrogen. Like many hormones, the total amount of estrogen in the blood is made up of a major portion which is bound to a transporting hormone, while a small amount is free and available to affect tissue function. Free estrogen levels were significantly lower in smokers, and this was likely related to significantly higher levels of the estrogen-transporting protein. After estrogen treatment, smokers had significantly lower levels of free estrogen. Levels of estrone, a metabolic product of estrogen, were changed the most following estrogen treatment in smokers. The results suggest that liver metabolism of estrogen is increased by smoking, leading to increased capacity of estrogen-binding transport hormone and increased levels of estrogen metabolites. However, these changes were not major enough to warrant estrogen replacement therapy in smokers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Smokers, Estradiol, Hormones, Sex, Sex hormones, Smoking and women, Women smokers, Estrone

---

The effects of hormone replacement therapy in normal postmenopausal women: measurements of Doppler-derived parameters of aortic flow

Article Abstract:

Estrogen replacement therapy has become increasingly popular for post-menopausal women. The effects of estrogen replacement on bone, liver, and other tissues in generally healthy post-menopausal women have been documented. However, laboratory studies have long shown that estrogen also affects hemodynamics (blood vessel function). To better understand the hemodynamic effects of estrogen in healthy post-menopausal women, Doppler echocardiography was used to study blood flow through the aortas of 24 women treated with estrogen and of 19 untreated women. After 2.5 months, the estrogen treated women had significant increases in blood flow velocity, flow acceleration, and ejection time. These changes correlated with increased stroke volume (volume of blood pumped per cycle) and increased blood flow, are probably related to improved heart contractility and dilation of blood vessels. The estrogen- induced changes in hemodynamics may contribute to the known protective effect of estrogen on cardiovascular status. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Hemodynamics, Progesterone

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Effect of early amniotomy on the risk of dystocia in nulliparous women. Rapid detection of group B streptococci in pregnant women at delivery
• Abstracts: A controlled trial of the effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in postmenopausal women. Effect of vitamin D intake on seasonal variations in parathyroid hormone secretion in postmenopausal women
• Abstracts: Effects of Medicaid eligibility expansion on prenatal care and pregnancy outcome in Tennessee. Benzodiazepines of long and short elimination half-life and the risk of hip fracture
• Abstracts: Is chemotherapy effective in reducing the local failure rate in patients with operable breast cancer? Angiosarcoma arising in an irradiated breast: a case report and review of the literature
• Abstracts: Are corticosteroids beneficial as adjunctive therapy for pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS? Pneumocystis pneumonia: from bench to clinic

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.