Beneficial influence of postmenopausal estrogen therapy on serum adhesion molecules is independent of the route and dose of administration.

OBJECTIVE: In current literature, the immune-inflammatory theory of atherosclerosis is widely discussed. The role of how adhesion molecules contribute to the development of atheromatic plaques is especially underlined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 120 females in menopausal age were included in the study between 2004 and 2009. All the women were of menopausal age (51±3 years), from southern Poland, with FSH levels above 30 mIU/ml, and complaining of menopausal symptoms that disturbed normal daily activity. The study was conducted over a 6 month period. Three groups of 40 randomized patients were selected. The control group consisted of 40 volunteers, who were also from southern Poland, in good health, without menopausal symptoms, or menstrual periods in the last 6 months. Control subjects were match according to age and weight, with FSH levels above 25 mIU/ml and normal TSH and prolactin values. All patients, in the treatment and control groups were seronegative for Chlamydia pneumonia throughout the duration of the study.

RESULTS: After 6 months, hormonal therapy was found to significantly reduce levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in all treated groups compared to the control group and the results were statistically significant. Alternatively, in the latter group, we observed increased levels of the investigated adhesion molecules (group I: 37.5 µg/24h transdermal estradiol + dydrogesteron; group II 50 µg/24h transdermal estradiol + medroxyprogesteron; group III 1mg of oral estradiol + noretisteron sICAM-1 and control group; using paired Wilcoxon test).

CONCLUSION: All of the investigated estrogen therapy schemas have a favorable impact on the blood levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in postmenopausal women without cardiovascular risk factors, reducing their concentration.