Hormones and Cardiovascular Disease: A Shift in Paradigm with Clinical Consequences?

Bregje van Zaane; Anne Q Reuwer; Harry R Büller; John J. P Kastelein; Victor E. A Gerdes; Marcel Th. B Twickler

doi:10.1055/s-0029-1234143

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Table of Contents

Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(5): 478-487
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234143

Hormones and Cardiovascular Disease: A Shift in Paradigm with Clinical Consequences?

Bregje van Zaane¹ ^, ² , Anne Q. Reuwer¹ , Harry R. Büller¹ , John J. P Kastelein¹ , Victor E. A Gerdes¹ ^, ² , Marcel Th. B Twickler¹

¹Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
²Department of Internal Medicine, Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Several endocrine disorders have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. In addition, even subtle hormonal disturbances may modulate the function of cardiovascular organs. In this article, we discuss in detail the contribution of thyroid hormones, cortisol, the somatotropic hormones, and prolactin in the development of CVD. We do not only discuss epidemiological evidence on the association between hormones and cardiovascular disease, but we also address possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this association. In fact, hormones can contribute to the development of CVD both indirectly by inducing secondary metabolic changes such as hypertension, insulin resistance, or dyslipidemia, and directly by modulation of cellular pathways that are important in the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation (atherogenesis), plaque instability, and thrombosis.

To date several new therapeutic approaches that focus on the control of hormones at the tissue level, independently of their circulating levels, are being developed. These may offer new possibilities for cardiovascular risk reduction.

KEYWORDS

Atherothrombosis - hormones - atherosclerosis - risk factors

Full Text

References

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Marcel Th. B TwicklerM.D.

Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Department of Vascular Medicine

Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Email: T.B.Twickler@amc.uva.nl