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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Hormone replacement therapy increases levels of antibodies against heat shock protein 65 and certain species of oxidized low density lipoprotein

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Author(s):
L. Uint [1] ; O.C.E. Gebara [2] ; L.B. Pinto [3] ; M. Wajngarten [4] ; P. Boschcov ; P.L. da Luz [6] ; M. Gidlund [7]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Instituto do Coração
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Instituto do Coração - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Instituto do Coração - Brasil
[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Instituto do Coração - Brasil
[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Instituto do Coração
[7] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas IV. Departamento de Imunologia and Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 36, n. 4, p. 491-494, 2003-04-00.
Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduces cardiovascular risks, although the initiation of therapy may be associated with transient adverse ischemic and thrombotic events. Antibodies against heat shock protein (Hsp) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) have been found in atherosclerotic lesions and plasma of patients with coronary artery disease and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of HRT on the immune response by measuring plasma levels of antibodies against Hsp 65 and LDL with a low and high degree of copper-mediated oxidative modification of 20 postmenopausal women before and 90 days after receiving orally 0.625 mg equine conjugate estrogen plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate per day. HRT significantly increased antibodies against Hsp 65 (0.316 ± 0.03 vs 0.558 ± 0.11) and against LDL with a low degree of oxidative modification (0.100 ± 0.01 vs 0.217 ± 0.02) (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively, ANOVA). The hormone-mediated immune response may trigger an inflammatory response within the vessel wall and potentially increase plaque burden. Whether or not this immune response is temporary or sustained and deleterious requires further investigation. (AU)