Estrogen-induced cardiorenal protection: potential cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms

A number of cellular and biochemical processes are involved in the pathophy siology of glomerular and vascular remodeling, leading to renal and vascula r disorders, respectively. Although estradiol protects the renal and cardio vascular systems, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this review we provide a discussion of the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanism s by which estradiol may exert protective effects on the kidneys and vascul ar wall. In this regard, we consider the possible role of genomic vs. nonge nomic mechanisms and estrogen receptor-dependent vs. estrogen receptor-inde pendent mechanisms in mediating the protective effects of estradiol on the renal and cardiovascular systems.