Health
Estrogen-Heart Links Probed
Researchers say they now know why ThirdAge women taking post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy do not get extra protection from coronary artery disease via the estrogen.
The medical community is still in shock from clinical studies last year that debunked long-held beliefs that estrogen had protective powers. A new study from Ohio State and Johns Hopkins universities shows the gene responsible for making "receptors" to the estrogen hormone is "out of service" in women who have atherosclerosis.
Researchers say if there aren't enough receptors in the arteries of the cardiovascular system, the estrogen cannot provide its preventive benefit. The study published in the journal Cardiovascular Research blames the missing estrogen benefit on genetic changes caused by a complex process called DNA methylation.
Researchers believe there are drugs that can reduce or prevent methylation so the estrogen can be protective -- but more studies are needed. Also, methylation is potentially reversible, so the Ohio State team is looking at ways to restore estrogen receptors.
The medical community is still in shock from clinical studies last year that debunked long-held beliefs that estrogen had protective powers. A new study from Ohio State and Johns Hopkins universities shows the gene responsible for making "receptors" to the estrogen hormone is "out of service" in women who have atherosclerosis.
Researchers say if there aren't enough receptors in the arteries of the cardiovascular system, the estrogen cannot provide its preventive benefit. The study published in the journal Cardiovascular Research blames the missing estrogen benefit on genetic changes caused by a complex process called DNA methylation.
Researchers believe there are drugs that can reduce or prevent methylation so the estrogen can be protective -- but more studies are needed. Also, methylation is potentially reversible, so the Ohio State team is looking at ways to restore estrogen receptors.
