Thromb Haemost 2000; 83(06): 944-948
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1613947
Commentary
Schattauer GmbH

Reduced Expression of Endothelial Cell Markers after Long-term Transdermal Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women with Coronary Artery Disease

Ingebjørg Seljeflot
1   From the Research Forum, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
,
Harald Arnesen
2   Department of Medicine, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
,
Ann-Elin Hofstad
2   Department of Medicine, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
,
Ingrid Os
2   Department of Medicine, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 18 November 1999

Accepted after revision 04 February 2000

Publication Date:
14 December 2017 (online)

Summary

The effects of 12 months hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on biochemical markers associated with endothelial function were studied in 98 postmenopausal women with CAD, who were randomized to transdermal HRT or a control group.

A significant reduction in the levels of von Willebrand factor in the HRT-group compared to controls was seen after 3 months, maintained after 12 months (p <0.001). Significant reduction in the HRT-group compared to controls was also seen in VCAM-1 after 3 months, sustained after 12 months (p = 0.013 and p = 0.045, respectively), and E-selectin was reduced by about 20% after 3 months on HRT, the reduction being statistically significant after 12 months (p <0.001). Significantly reduced levels of ICAM-1 were also seen after 12 months (p = 0.048). No effects could be observed on tPA-antigen or thrombomodulin.

The reduction in procoagulant and proinflammatory markers of endothelial function after long-term transdermal HRT could indicate a beneficial effect on the endothelium and thus a potentially modulating effect on the progression of atherosclerosis in women with CAD.

 
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