Estrogen and apoptosis in atherosclerosis

Abstract

There is a large body of evidence suggesting that apoptosis is a major event in determining the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of the unstable advanced atherosclerotic plaque. The evidence of primary prevention of atherosclerosis in premenopausal women suggests that estrogens are involved in the inhibition of atherosclerotic lesions. This article discusses the potential involvement of mechanisms, including immunological and inflammatory responses, by which estrogens might interfere with apoptosis and atherosclerosis. Future studies will determine whether regulation of vascular cell death by estrogens plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and associated diseases and whether hormone replacement therapy can interfere with these processes in postmenopausal women.