Estrogen-Mediated Gaseous Signaling Molecules in Cardiovascular Disease. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Teoh, Jian-peng; Li, Xiaosa; Simoncini, Tommaso; Zhu, Dongxing; Fu, Xiaodong
• Is Part Of: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism. Volume 31:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 773
• Page End: 784
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: estrogen -- cardiovascular disease -- gaseous signaling molecules -- nitric oxide -- hydrogen sulfide -- carbon monoxide; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Metabolism; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-2760

Abstract

Abstract : Gender difference is well recognized as a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, improves cardiovascular functions through receptor (ERα, ERβ, or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor)-initiated genomic or non-genomic mechanisms. Gaseous signaling molecules, including nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), and carbon monoxide (CO), are important regulators of cardiovascular function. Recent studies have demonstrated that estrogen regulates the production of these signaling molecules in cardiovascular cells to exert its cardiovascular protective effects. We discuss current understanding of gaseous signaling molecules in cardiovascular disease (CVD), the underlying mechanisms through which estrogen exerts cardiovascular protective effects by regulating these molecules, and how these findings can be translated to improve the health of postmenopausal women. Highlights: Estrogen, a primary female sex hormone, plays an important role in postmenopausal cardiovascular disease (CVD) through its genomic and non-genomic actions. Emerging evidence has revealed that estrogen stimulates the release of gaseous signaling molecules including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) to regulate cardiovascular function. Estrogen exerts its cardiovascular protective effects through the regulation of NO, CO, and H2 S in cardiovascular cells. Estrogen regulates the expression of enzymes that are responsible for the production of gaseous signaling molecules through genomic and non-genomic pathways. Supplementation of gaseous donors may improve estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal CVD.