Reduced expression of endothelial cell markers after long-term transdermalhormone replacement therapy in women with coronary artery disease

The effects of 12 months hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on biochemical m arkers associated with endothelial function were studied in 98 postmenopaus al women with CAD, who were randomized to transdermal HRT or a control grou p. A significant reduction in the levels of von Willebrand factor in the HRT-g roup compared to controls was seen after 3 months, maintained after 12 mont hs (p <0.001). Significant reduction in the HRT-group compared to controls was also seen in VCAM-1 after 3 months, sustained after 12 months (p = 0.01 3 and p = 0.045, respectively), and E-selectin was reduced by about 20% aft er 3 months on HRT, the reduction being statistically significant after 12 months (p <0.001). Significantly reduced levels of ICAM-1 were also seen af ter 12 months (p = 0.048). No effects could be observed on tPA-antigen or t hrombomodulin. The reduction in procoagulant and proinflammatory markers of endothelial fu nction after long-term transdermal HRT could indicate a beneficial effect o n the endothelium and thus a potentially modulating effect on the progressi on of atherosclerosis in women with CAD.