ESTROGEN, VASCULAR INFLAMMATION, AND INTERLEUKIN-17 IN RELATION TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN A FEMALE NONHUMAN PRIMATE MODEL

The role of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a signature pro-inflammatory cytokine for Th17, in atherosclerosis is unknown. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy (ET) mediates atheroprotection in part through anti-inflammatory effects; however, the effects of ET on Th17 cells and IL-17 are poorly understood. The data from observational and experimental studies have shown that postmenopausal ET beneficially affects atherosclerosis. However, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), the Women Health Initiative (WHI) study, and Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Therapy have demonstrated a lack of beneficial effects provided by ET. The timing hypothesis of hormone therapy (HT) emerged from the disparity between observational studies and RCTs. The hypothesis states that exogenous estrogen will have beneficial effect on CVD if initiated soon after menopause, but the effect will disappear if initiated many years past menopause. Recent studies have shown that age-related enhancement of Th17 and/or IL17 may contribute to dysfunction of the immune system. Given its association with aging, IL-17 may be associated with atherosclerosis and a key factor in the apparent differential responses of early and late menopausal women to ET observed in the WHI.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Sophonsritsuk, Areepan

• Atherosclerosis

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/33440

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/33440