EFFECTS OF ESTROGENS ON MACROPHAGE FOAM CELLS - A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ESTROGENS ON ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Estrogens have been shown to reduce markedly the development of athero sclerosis in humans and in several animal models. More than 50% of thi s effect appears to be caused by a direct action on the arterial wall. Although estrogens can affect a variety of functions of endothelial c ells and smooth muscle cells, data published over the past few years s uggest that macrophage foam cells may also be an important site of est rogen action. This review summarizes the recent data on the effects of estrogens on macrophage foam cell function. The data suggest that est rogens act in several ways to reduce the accumulation of cholesteryl e sters in macrophages.